Opry 100: Everything you need to know about The Grand Ole Opry's anniversary
The 100th anniversary will see the Opry's first international show
From starting out way back in 1925, this year will see the 100th birthday of the world-famous Grand Ole Opry. The celebrated longest-running radio program in history has big plans for their 'best year yet', promising more shows than ever before! Find out all of the details about the 2025 Opry 100 shows, as well as more exciting plans in the pipeline - including their FIRST EVER international show, right here in the UK!
The milestone birthday year will see tantalising plans such as a Opry 100 Honors show series, 100 Opry debuts throughout the year, an official 100 Years of Grand Ole Opry book, new merchandise and, of course, a historic appearance at London's London’s Royal Albert Hall. Here's everything you need to know...
Is The Grand Ole Opry coming to the UK in 2025?
It sure is! That's right, The Grand Ole Opry is going international...
With the anniversary serving as the perfect time to amplify the rising global popularity of country music, the Grand Ole Opry is officially staging a performance outside of the US for the first time ever. Hailed 'the show that made country music famous', the iconic show will travel to the renowned Royal Albert Hall in London.
Who is performing?
The landmark show is set to 'bring to life the rich and diverse musical styles found within the country music genre' - promising to feature an all-star cast. More details, such as the artist line-up and that all-important ticket information, are yet to be shared - but you can find them here once announced.
Opry 100 show programming
Opry 100 Honors series
Throughout the year, the Opry will host 'Opry 100 Honors' shows to salute icons of the Opry who have helped forge its place in country music history. Management have revealed that this will include legends such as Roy Acuff, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, Patsy Cline, Charlie Daniels, Little Jimmy Dickens, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Bill Monroe, Minnie Pearl, Charley Pride, Porter Wagoner, Hank Williams, Tammy Wynette and more.
A portion of the ticket sales from these shows will benefit the Opry Trust Fund, which for 60 years has assisted members of the country music community in need.
Information on how to buy tickets is yet to be shared.
Opry 100 Greatest Songs
In a true celebration of country music, the Opry will be naming 100 of the all-time greatest songs in the beloved genre - as determined by fans. Opry fans from around the world will have their say in selecting the songs that have defined country music, with the results showcased - and performed - in Opry shows throughout the whole of 2025.
Helping create the 'ultimate country playlist', the Opry are allowing up to 10 song nominations per fan - with an entry even bagging them a chance to win an exclusive Opry 100 prize pack. With submissions reviewed and curated by the Opry, fans have until 31st January to nominate
You can enter your nomination here on the Opry 100 website.
100 Opry debuts
That's right - 100 artists will make Opry debuts during the 100th celebration! The new debuts mark a nod to the Opry's tradition of launching new talent, and welcoming superstar artists from outside country music to the genre’s most famous show.
Who is the first Opry debut of 2025?
Marking the first debut of the year is Country to Country 2025 performer, and People’s Choice Country Awards New Artist of 2024 winner, Shaboozey, as the Opry continues to shine a spotlight on the next generation of country music stars.
Shaboozey's Opry debut was initially scheduled to take place on 18th January 2025, however this has been postponed due to the devastating wildfires in LA. The singer's debut is being rescheduled, with the new date yet to be confirmed. Check back to find out the new date, once this has been announced.
He said on social media: 'I was so excited and deeply honored to make my Opry debut this Saturday however due to the devastating wildfires in LA, we’ll need to postpone this special moment to a later date.
'My thoughts are with everyone affected, and I want to express my immense gratitude to the brave first responders and firefighters who are tirelessly battling these fires. Thank you for all that you do.'
Will there be shows at the Ryman?
Yes, January 2025 will see the Opry continue its tradition of broadcasting from its most famous former home, Ryman Auditorium, in an honourable nod to the show's rich history.
Management have also confirmed that the Ryman tour is set to feature artefacts from the Opry’s archives, dating back to 1943 when the show was first held in the historic venue. Artefacts included will be from the show’s lengthy run at the Ryman from 1943-1974.
The Opry's 100th anniversary date
The exact 100th anniversary of the Opry celebrates the first time Uncle Jimmy Thompson played his fiddle on the WSM Barn Dance - which later became the iconic Grand Ole Opry - on 28th November 1925. Celebrating the 100th anniversary date on 28th November 2025, a special show will walk through the Opry’s decades, beginning with Uncle Jimmy Thompson's first performance and building toward a look to the Opry’s next century.
As fans of the Opry will know, the show's birthday is usually marked with a special weekend in October - however, in 2025, the party is set to expand to take place over every show throughout that month! That's right, to celebrate Opry 100, guests are invited to a month-long party in the Opry House lobby, including appearances from country music superstars - and, yes, a 'larger-than-life birthday cake' is on the cards...
New Opry 100 merchandise
Official '100 Years of Grand Ole Opry' book
The Grand Ole Opry has collaborated with Abrams to bring us the first ever book to include every Opry member, and their contributions to country music’s most revered stage, as told by the artists themselves.
The book, written by Craig Shelburne, is titled 100 Years of Grand Ole Opry, and is an 'intimate and stunning behind-the-scenes visual journey through the Opry’s unparalleled history', as well as its undeniable mark on American culture. The book is described as housing a 'gorgeously illustrated behind-the-scenes look at the American institution and world-renowned stage for country music'.
Set for official release on 15th April 2025, the 100 Years of Grand Ole Opry book is available for pre-order now, from Opry100.com as well as Amazon.
(While we may receive commission for purchases made through Amazon link, we never allow this to influence product selections)
Commemorative merch
Of course, there are some brand new Opry 100 keepsake items coming to celebrate the centennial year - with several exclusive merch drops taking place. The first Opry 100 merchandise drop landed in January - with the new keepsakes coming in all retail categories, including apparel, home goods, media and commemorative decor.
All Opry 100 merchandise is available to buy from the Opry100 website, including future drops.
And the merch doesn't stop there, with retail collabs also on the cards. Some of Nashville’s most sought-after designers are set to collaborate with the Opry, bringing fans unique 'only in Nashville' merchandise, artwork and collectibles.
Here's some of the most popular artists that are members of The Grand Ole Opry:
Luke Combs
INDUCTED: 16th July 2019
OPRY DEBUT: Unknown
Luke Combs is a multi-platinum, ACM, CMA, CMT and Billboard Music Award-winning artist. His deluxe album, 'What You See Ain't Always What You Get', debuted at Number 1 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart as well as Billboard's Top Country Albums chart. His multi-Platinum-certified single 'Forever After All' is Combs' 11th consecutive Number 1 single. Combs also recently made history as the first artist ever to have their first two studio albums spend 25 weeks or more at Number 1 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart and his 2017 debut 'This One's For You' spent 50 non-consecutive weeks at Number 1 - tying the record for the longest reign atop the chart.
Carrie Underwood
INDUCTED: 10th May 2008
OPRY DEBUT: 10th June 2005
Carrie Underwood has reigned supreme at the top of the country charts, including 'Jesus, Take the Wheel,' 'Before He Cheats,' 'Cowboy Casanova,' 'All-American Girl,' 'Good Girl' and 'See You Again.' She has sold more than 15 million albums worldwide, received eight Grammys and multiple awards from the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association, which she has co-hosted with fellow Opry star Brad Paisley.
Keith Urban
INDUCTED: 21st April 2012
OPRY DEBUT: Unknown
New Zealand-born and Australia-raised, Keith Urban moved to Nashville in 1992. With hits including 'Somebody Like You', 'Cop Car' and 'Raise 'Em Up', Urban has sold more than 15 million albums, been named radio's most-played country artist and has won praise the world over with his electrifying sold-out concerts that have taken him from Australia to Germany, Canada and the UK.
Lainey Wilson
INDUCTED: 7th June 2024
OPRY DEBUT: 14th February 2020
Lainey Wilson has been taking the country music scene by storm, quickly becoming known for her distinctive style which hears her blend modern influences with traditional country. Her breakout hit 'Heart Like Yours' propelled her to fame, with the singer now having five studio albums under her belt - with her latest, 'Whirlwind', bagging the Number 1 spot in the UK Country Albums Chart.
Blake Shelton
INDUCTED: 23rd October 2010
OPRY DEBUT: 5th May 2001
Blake Shelton has won CMA Entertainer of the Year, is a multiple Male Vocalist of the Year, and he and Miranda Lambert garnered Song of the Year honours for co-writing the Platinum-selling chart-topper, 'Over You'. He has earned a host of other awards and nominations, including multiple Grammy nominations, six Gold and Platinum albums, and has hosted the ACM Awards repeatedly.
Ashley McBryde
INDUCTED: 10th December 2022
OPRY DEBUT: 16th June 2017
A powerful voice in the country music scene, the talented Ashley McBryde is a force to be reckoned with. With critically acclaimed albums, such as 'Girl Going Nowhere' and 'Never Will', she has earned numerous awards and solidified her status as a respected and influential artist. Now with four studio albums to her name, it's no surprise her latest offering 'The Devil I Know' bagged the Number 1 spot on the UK Country Albums Chart.
Carly Pearce
INDUCTED: 3rd August 2021
OPRY DEBUT: 30th May 2015
Carly Pearce has done well for a girl who left her Kentucky home and high school at 16 to take a job at Dollywood! She's gone on to become one of the most exciting new voices in country music, earning two ACM Awards for her Platinum-certified Number 1 duet with Lee Brice on 'I Hope You're Happy Now'. In the summer of 2021, Carly Pearce was invited by Dolly Parton to join the Grand Ole Opry, after over 80 performances on the show.
Lady A
INDUCTED: 21st January 2021
OPRY DEBUT: 2nd November 2007
Over the course of their career, Lady A have racked up more than 18 million album units - and the trio earned their 11th career Number 1 with the multi-week chart topper 'Champagne Night'. Known for their 9x Platinum hit 'Need You Now' - the highest certified song by a Country group - they have earned CMA 'Vocal Group of the Year' trophies three years in a row and countless other honours including five Grammy Awards.
Darius Rucker
INDUCTED: 16th October 2012
OPRY DEBUT: 15th July 2008
Darius Rucker found success with his band Hootie & The Blowfish, with the Grammy-winning group's 1994 debut 'Cracked Rear View' continuing to be one of the best-selling albums in history, surpassing the 16 million album mark. Rucker made the transition to country music with his first album, 'Learn to Live', releasing the single, 'Don't Think I Don't Think About It', which made him the first black artist to reach Number 1 on the Hot Country Songs charts since Charley Pride in 1983. In 2009, he became the first black American to win the New Artist Award from the Country Music Association, and the second black person to win any award from the association.
Kelsea Ballerini
INDUCTED: 16th April 2019
OPRY DEBUT: 14th February 2015
Kelsea Ballerini has already got two Grammy Award nominations and won two ACM Awards - and she's just getting started. Her debut is now certified Platinum in the US, with her sophomore albums certified Gold - with total streams exceeding 2 billion to date. At the time of her induction, she became the Grand Ole Opry's youngest active member.
Dolly Parton
INDUCTED: 4th January 1969
OPRY DEBUT: 25th July 1959
Dolly Parton has sold more than 100 million records worldwide. Parton has garnered 11 Grammy Awards and 50 nominations, including the Lifetime Achievement Award; 10 Country Music Association Awards, including Entertainer of the Year and is one of only seven female artists to win the Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year Award; five Academy of Country Music Awards, also including Entertainer of the Year; four People's Choice Awards; and three American Music Awards.
Reba McEntire
INDUCTED: 17th January 1986
OPRY DEBUT: 17th September 1977
Reba is the only female artist to have scored Number 1 singles in each decade from the 1980s through to the current one. She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1998, has sold more than 55 million albums and earned two Grammy Awards. Reba is the most-nominated female artist in the history of the Country Music Association Awards, which named her its Entertainer of the Year in 1986.
Dierks Bentley
INDUCTED: 1st October 2005
OPRY DEBUT: 18th April 2003
Dierks Bentley's studio albums have accounted for 25 singles on the Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts, of which 17 have reached Number 1. While he's a regular atop the country charts, he makes sure to include a bluegrass tune on every album. He's received three CMA Awards, four ACM Awards and been nominated for fourteen Grammy's.
Now read:
The Grand Ole Opry: A detailed look at the legendary Country show
10 things you didn't know about country superstar Carrie Underwood
9 of Dolly Parton's best quotes through the years
Rayo Premium