The Grand Ole Opry Celebrates 100 Years

The biggest names in country music came together on March 19th to celebrate the milestone 100th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry. What began as a small radio broadcast in 1925 became one of the most iconic programs in the genre’s history.

As the Opry grew in popularity, it consequently outgrew venues one after another. In 1974, the Grand Ole Opry moved to its current home, a 4,400-seat concert house that allowed the show the space to grow and evolve.

Opry 100 was broadcast live from the famed Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee. Blake Shelton hosted the evening, and the star-studded lineup included more than two dozen beloved artists. Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, Trace Adkins, and Vince Gill were among the many celebrated Opry members who took the stage for the momentous evening.

Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, Brad Paisley, and Keith Urban also delivered special performances from the Opry’s former home, the Ryman Auditorium.

Vince Gill’s Opry History

Multitalented artist Vince Gill has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry for more than 30 years. He made his debut on June 29th, 1989, and was inducted two years later on August 10, 1991.

Though he had pursued music as a bluegrass artist for over a decade, Gill’s breakthrough came with his 1898 solo album When I Call Your Name. The title track reached the #2 spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart the following year and featured backing vocals by Patty Loveless.

Then-34-year-old Vince Gill tearfully performed “When I Call Your Name” during his Opry induction, and it became one of his most requested songs for live performances.

Vince Gill Performs “Go Rest High On That Mountain” With Ricky Skaggs for Opry 100

Vince Gill has graced the Opry stage countless times over the last three decades and has often served as a spokesperson for the Opry. As a part of the ‘In Memorandum’ segment of the anniversary celebration, the Oklahoma native delivered a stirring performance of “Go Rest High On That Mountain.”

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Gill began writing the eulogistic song after the untimely death of fellow country star Keith Whitley in 1989 but did not finish it until 1993 after his brother Bob died of a heart attack.

Ricky Skaggs, who sang backing vocals on the original recording of the song, joined Vince for the performance. Sonya Isaacs and a choir composed of additional Opry members rounded out the vocal ensemble.

Vince dedicated this song to his mother, who will turn 100 this year. In his words, she is the “same age as the Opry.” He added:

“This song is about her son.” 

An emotional slideshow of beloved country stars lost played in the background as they sang, including Troy Gentry, Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Jimmy Buffett, Joe Diffie, and many more. Audience members were visibly moved by the display, with many wiping away tears during the performance.