III 109th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 286 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES October 25, 2005 Mr. Frist (for himself and Mr. Alexander) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Commending the Grand Ole Opry on the occasion of its 80th anniversary for its important role in the popularization of country music and for its 8 decades of musical and broadcast excellence.

Whereas the Grand Ole Opry is a pioneer of commercial radio in the United States, and is the longest running continuous radio program in the United States, having operated since November 28, 1925, and having broadcasted over 4,000 consecutive Saturday evening shows on WSM Radio, Nashville, Tennessee; Whereas the Grand Ole Opry played an integral role in the commercial development of the country music industry, and in establishing Nashville, Tennessee, as Music City USA; Whereas the Grand Ole Opry has consistently promoted the best in live entertainment and provided a distinctive forum for connecting country music fans to musicians so as to promote the popularity of this uniquely American genre; Whereas the Grand Ole Opry serves as a unique American icon that enshrines the rich musical history of country music, and preserves the tradition and character of the genre through commemorative performances and events; Whereas the Grand Ole Opry is committed to quality performances, and the membership of the Grand Ole Opry represents the elite of country music performers, including generations of America’s most talented musicians, encompassing the music legends of old and the superstars of today that continue to define American country music; Whereas performers at the Grand Ole Opry have included such universally recognized names as Roy Acuff, Chet Atkins, Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, George Jones, Grandpa Jones, Loretta Lynn, Uncle Dave Macon, Dolly Parton, Minnie Pearl, Jim Reeves, Ernest Tubb, Hank Williams, Trisha Yearwood, and many more; Whereas the Grand Ole Opry celebrates the diversity of country music, with membership spanning both generation and genre, representing the best in folk, country, bluegrass, gospel, and comedy performances; Whereas the Grand Ole Opry continues to utilize technological innovations to develop new avenues of connecting country music to its fans, and can be seen and heard around the world via television, radio, satellite radio, and the Internet; Whereas the Grand Ole Opry provides heartening support to members of the Armed Forces by participating in the Department of Defense’s America Supports You Program, providing live performances to American Forces serving abroad via the American Forces Radio and Television Services network; Whereas the Grand Ole Opry is recognized as the world’s premiere country music show, and continues to entertain millions of fans throughout the world, including United States Presidents and foreign dignitaries, and serves as an emissary of American music and culture; and Whereas the Grand Ole Opry will continue to impact American culture and music, and play an important role in presenting the best in country music to new generations of fans throughout the world, touching millions with music and comedy: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate commends the Grand Ole Opry on the occasion of its 80th anniversary for its important role in the popularization of country music, and for its 8 decades of musical and broadcast excellence.