A little lesson in country music history -- it's all about perspective. The Grand Ole Opry -- the radio show made famous by WSM since 1925 -- has had several homes over the years, with possibly the most iconic one being the Ryman Auditorium, which housed the show from 1943-1974, as well as during the winter months today. However, on March 16, 1974, four decades ago this weekend, the show moved to the Grand Ole Opry House located just north of Nashville.
What was that about perspective, you ask? Well, even after staying at its' current home for nine years longer than the Ryman, many still refer to the venue as the "New" Opry House!
However you might refer to it, the Opry is celebrating this weekend in a big way, with a 7 p.m. and 9:30 show on Saturday night that will feature longtime members such as Bill Anderson, Jeannie Seely, and Bobby Osborne, but also current hitmakers Blake Shelton, Josh Turner, and Miranda Lambert. (Everyone on the lineup sans Lambert, with the exception of newcomers Green River Ordinance, are members of the show -- Might that be a hint about a future induction invitation? We'll have to wait and see.)