[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Page 23580]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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SENATE RESOLUTION 286--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

  Mr. FRIST (for himself and Mr. Alexander) submitted the following 
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 286

       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, 
     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
       Resolved, 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.

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