[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Pages 23528-23529]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                           THE GRAND OLE OPRY

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, this year the Grand Ole Opry celebrates 80 
years of star-studded country entertainment. This venerated institution 
stands as one the most important traditions in radio broadcasting and 
country music. If not for the Grand Ole Opry, my hometown of Nashville 
would most likely have never gained that title of ``Music City USA.''
  The Grand Ole Opry first broadcast on November 28, 1925. Originally 
called the WSM Barn Dance, the weekly radio show featured comedy and 
blue glass, gospel and country. Radio host George D. Hay made sure that 
every broadcast was kept ``real down to Earth.''
  Today, the Opry stands as the longest running continuous weekly radio 
broadcast, with over 4,000 consecutive Saturday evening shows. 
Audiences can tune into the Grand Ole Opry via radio, satellite, 
television or Internet. The show is even broadcast by the Armed Forces 
Radio and Television Services Network to entertain our troops around 
the world.
  Throughout its history, the Opry has embraced and celebrated the best 
in family entertainment, including those musical performances and 
comedy sketches that have warmed the hearts of millions throughout the 
South, all over the country and, indeed, throughout the world. Country 
great and Opry member Dolly Parton explains that at the Opry, ``there's 
a circle of friends, and a circle of performers and a circle of love at 
the old place.''
  Jeanie Seely puts it this way:

       The Grand Ole Opry is not an institution. It's not a 
     building. It's the people, the performers, the people who 
     come. That's the Grand Ole Opry. That's what makes it 
     special.


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  And for new members, joining the Opry is joining a pantheon of 
country music greats. Roy Acuff, Chet Atkins, Johnny Cash, Dolly 
Parton, Minnie Pearl, Grandpa Jones, Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, and Reba 
McEntire, all have been members, and the list goes on. Even President 
Nixon has played on that Grand Ole Opry stage.
  As Loretta Lynn recently told a newspaper:

       If you've never played at the Grand Ole Opry, you haven't 
     quite made it, yet.

  The Opry has promoted country music in a unique way. It has promoted 
it to the entire world and has invited new generations to hear the best 
that country has to offer. I am honored to represent the home State of 
such a dynamic part of American culture and music history.
  Today, I proudly introduce a Senate resolution commending the Grand 
Ole Opry for 80 years of music excellence.

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