The Grand Ole Opry celebrated a monumental milestone on March 19, 2025, marking its 100th anniversary with a spectacular televised event, "Opry 100: A Live Celebration." This three-hour program featured an impressive lineup of country music legends and newcomers, all coming together to pay tribute to an institution that has defined the genre for decades. The event aired on NBC and streamed on Peacock, captivating audiences with performances that blended nostalgia with modern flair.
Among the highlights was the performance of "Chattahoochee" by Alan Jackson, a song that has become synonymous with ’90s country. Written by Jackson and Jim McBride and released in 1993, "Chattahoochee" topped the Hot Country Songs chart and reached No. 46 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. It remains one of Jackson's signature songs, and during the celebration, he remarked on his aspirations as a singer-songwriter, saying, "If I was gonna say somebody I wanted to be like, the two singer/songwriters in country music that stick out to me are Hank Williams and Merle Haggard." Jackson's humility and reverence for his predecessors shone through as he performed, keeping alive the traditional sounds of country music.
The Grand Ole Opry is more than a venue; it’s a hallmark of Americana, with its roots running back to 1925. The Opry has been instrumental in launching the careers of countless artists and maintaining the beloved tradition of country music. Blake Shelton, who hosted the event, expressed his admiration by stating, "Becoming a member of the Opry is a highlight of my life and career, and 15 years later, I still get that same feeling of reverence and excitement every time I walk out on that stage." His role as host underscored the Opry's importance in the fabric of country music history.
As the clock rocked towards 8 PM ET, viewers tuned in to witness performances from a roster that included both country stalwarts and rising stars. Legends such as Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, and Reba McEntire took the stage alongside contemporary artists like Luke Combs and Lainey Wilson. Each act paid homage to the past while celebrating the vibrant future of the genre.
Among the anticipated performances was Garth Brooks singing George Jones' "He Stopped Loving Her Today," which Brooks hailed as potentially the best country song of all time. Trisha Yearwood joined him for a tribute to another country icon, Tammy Wynette, making their duet a poignant moment in the evening’s celebration.
Meanwhile, Blake Shelton, Clint Black, and Trace Adkins brought back the energy of the ’90s with a spirited jam session, arraying the crowd with nostalgic hits that defined a generation. On the flipside, modern collaborations soared as Jelly Roll and Ashley McBryde teamed up for a heartfelt tribute to Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, showcasing the ways in which today’s artists honor the legends from whom they draw inspiration.
Reba McEntire opened the night with an emotional a cappella rendition of Patsy Cline's "Sweet Dreams," setting a fitting tone for an event dedicated to legacy and tribute. McEntire later shared the stage with vocal powerhouse, Trisha Yearwood, to perform "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia," a song that echoed with the iconic storytelling that country music is known for.
Hank Williams' legacy was also celebrated as Lainey Wilson and Marty Stuart performed "Lost Highway" and Wilson's own hit, "Things a Man Oughta Know." Their performance was not only a nod to the genre's history but also an acknowledgment of its evolving nature through new voices.
Adorning this rich tapestry of performances were tender moments, such as Keith Urban honoring Crystal Gayle with a rendition of her classic "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue," and Aloe Blacc alongside The McCrary Sisters paying tribute to Charley Pride, performing his heartfelt hit "Kiss An Angel Good Mornin'." These tributes not only showcased the diversity of influences within country music but also its capacity for heartfelt connections.
As the celebrations continued, the audience at the Opry House and those watching at home were reminded of the Opry’s role in shaping and enriching the country music scene. The evening was a blend of solemn tributes and joyous reunions, underscoring the timelessness of the songs and artists featured.
Events like "Opry 100: A Live Celebration" serve not only to remind us of the past but also to ignite excitement for the future of country music. The Grand Ole Opry holds a special place in the hearts of fans and artists alike, a place that underscores the unity and passion that country music continues to inspire. It’s this very spirit that will carry the Opry into its next century, inviting future generations to celebrate and contribute to what has become an indelible part of the American landscape.
