Since its first show in November of 1925, The Grand Ole Opry has been a pillar of country music history. Hosting music legends like Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and Merle Haggard, the Nashville, Tennessee institution has served not only as a cornerstone of the genre but also as a fitting backdrop to some of country's most iconic photos.
From Johnny Cash and June Carter's backstage meet-cute to Linda Martell's historic set, here are 21 grand ole photos from the early days of the Grand Ole Opry.
1
Country music legend Linda Martell onstage at the Grand Ole Opry in 1969. Despite making history as the first black female solo artist to perform at the storied Nashville venue, she faced racism throughout her career.
2
“June Carter and Johnny Cash meeting for the first time. The Grand Ole Opry. July 7th, 1956. June later recalled, ‘I can't remember anything else we talked about, except his eyes.’”
3
“Merle Haggard at the Opry (1980).”
4
“Willie Nelson Grand Ole Opry 1965.”
5
“My grandpa and his friend Johnny Cash backstage at the Grand Ole Opry, late 1950s.”
6
“June Carter and Faron Young at Grand Ole Opry, 1955.”
7
“Tom Waits, John Prine, and Bonnie Raitt- Grand Old Opry- 1973 or 1974.”
8
“Grand Ole Opry Nashville, Tennessee - 1969.”
9
Willie Nelson performs at the Grand Ole Opry, 1965.
10
“March 10, 1979 Nashville, Tennessee James Brown played the Grand Ole Opry at the invitation of host Porter Wagoner. Photo: Les Leverett.”
11
“Willie Nelson 1964 Grand Ole Opry.”
12
“Jerry Lee Lewis being arrested at the Grand Ole Opry.”
13
“America's first country music star, Uncle Dave Macon, with son Dorris. Grand Ole Opry stage. Nashville, TN. 1930’s.”
14
“President Richard M. Nixon playing piano at Grand Ole Opry, 1974.”
15
“Hank Williams with band performing on WSM radio's "Grand Ole Opry." Nashville, Tennessee, 1951.”
16
“Pic [ca. 1930] of DeFord Bailey, the man behind the Opry. The Grand Ole Opry got its name because he was playing right after a block of fine arts music programming - 'Grand Opera.'"
17
“Elvis visiting Backstage at The 950th Grand Ole Opry Christmas show: 21st December 1957 8.30pm - 9.00pm Network: NBC radio.”
18
Johnny Cash performs “Ring of Fire” at the Grand Ole Opry, 1965.
19
Dolly Parton performs at the Grand Ole Opry
20
“Deford Bailey [1899-1982] integrated the Grand Ole Opry as early as the 1920s. (Photo date unknown).”
21
“The Grand Ole Opry - Late 1920s.”
