Grand Ole Opry Trivia

Celebrating 100 Years

By Paula Green

This month, Nashville erupts in celebration as the Grand Ole Opry commemorates its 100th anniversary. For a century, its music and traditions have shaped country music, binding generations of fans and artists in shared memories.

Radio announcer George D. Hay introduced the WSM Barn Dance, debuting on November 28, 1925, with 77-year-old fiddler Uncle Jimmy Thompson. This moment welcomed audiences to a new genre of music. In 1927, the show became the Grand Ole Opry and began its legendary run as America's longest-running radio show.

The Opry's growing popularity soon demanded more space. Over the years, the show has had six homes. In 1943, it settled at the historic Ryman Auditorium. By March 1974, the Grand Ole Opry moved to its current location: the Grand Ole Opry House.

The show features renowned and emerging singers, as well as performances in country, bluegrass, Americana, folk, gospel, comedy, and skits. Hundreds of thousands flock to the Opry, and millions tune in on SiriusXM radio and online.

Throughout the past century, numerous country megastars have graced the Opry stage. A few artists include Bill Monroe, Ernest Tubb, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, George Jones, Willie Nelson, Clint Black, Brad Paisley, Trace Adkins, Vince Gill, and Carrie Underwood. Famous comedy-oriented acts that performed at the Opry included Minnie Pearl, Grandpa Jones, and David “Stringbean” Akeman.

Joining this elite group is by invitation only. Opry membership remains one of country music's highest honors, with only about 225 acts ever inducted. As of 2025, the Grand Ole Opry proudly counts 76 current members among its ranks.

Since we have aired our way through the Grand Ole Opry, we must now score our answers on this country music query. Get set to don those cowboy hats because it’s time to

get a little trivial.

1. On August 11, 1952, this male country music performer was fired from the Grand   

   Opry, and was permanently stripped of his membership.

2.   This famous rocker took the Opry stage in 1954. He performed “Blue Moon of

   Kentucky.” He bombed because the audience didn’t care for his pelvic gyrations.

 3.   On March 16, 1974, during the grand opening of the new Opry House, this former    

       US President played the piano on stage as he sang “Happy Birthday” to his wife.

 4.   Known as the “Man in Black,” this country music star made his debut at the Grand   

       Ole Opry on July 7, 1956 and met his future wife backstage.

 5.  She was an Opry member renowned for her straw hat banded with artificial flowers 

         and a dangling $1.98 price tag. Her signature greeting was “How-dee!”

 6.  This country comedy show aired from 1969 to 1993. For 11 of those years, 1982-

           1993, the series was filmed weekly at the Grand Ole Opry House.

 7.  Another TV series shot some scenes from the Opry House. This show aired from

             2012-2016. It chronicled the lives of fictitious country music singers.

 8.  This is the most common nickname for Nashville, Tennessee, and it is due largely to 

      the talent of numerous country singers.

 9.  On January 21, 2017, this “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” lady received her  

    Opry membership.

10. This famous singer is known as the “Queen of Country.” She was inducted into 

       The Grand Ole Opry on Jan. 4, 1969, and she’s an amusement park founder.

11. In 2010, the Opry House closed for five months, and performances were held 

      elsewhere due to this natural disaster.

12. Garth Brooks was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on October 6, 1990. His wife 

       _____  ______ received her Opry membership on March 13, 1999.

13. Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs were inducted into the Opry on January 1, 1955. They 

      performed the instrumental music for this television series.

14. This Australian native and “Somebody Like You” singer received his induction on April 

       21, 2012.

15. What is Nashville’s most common nickname?

Answers: 1. Hank Williams 2. Elvis Presley 3. Richard Nixon 4. Johnny Cash 5. Minnie Pearl 6. Hee Haw 7. Nashville 8. Music City 9. Crystal Gayle 10. Dolly Parton 11. flood 12. Trisha Yearwood 13. The Beverly Hillbillies 14. Keith Urban 15. Music City