The sheer number of famous persons and musicians who graced the stage of the Ryman until it closed in 1974, was saved from the wrecking ball, and reopened as a tourist attraction and smaller concert venue is simply staggering here are some of the famous faces who were hired by Mrs. Naff until she retired in 1955.
And there were many more. Musically, the 1940s were important because the Grand Ole Opry moved the the Ryman and Bluegrass music was finally given a public venue to perform at with Bill Munroe and the Bluegrass Boys showing up from Kentucky to great fanfare. And of course in the 50s the Grand Ole Opry began to be broadcast on TV whereas before it had only been on radio, to pay for which, there had to be sponsors, and of course advertisements.
From flour to tobacco to tires and more, the show must be funded and go on. And very quickly, some of country’s most recognizable names became household names, from Minnie Pearl to Elvis Presley to so many more.
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