Discover The Story Behind The Sound

Circa 1950

This photograph captures Hank Williams performing on stage in around 1950, with a young Chet Atkins accompanying on guitar just behind him to the left. Williams’ appearances at the Opry between 1949 and 1952 marked a defining chapter in both his career and in the evolution of country music itself.

Cast-iron Baluster of The Ryman

This cast-iron baluster once stood as part of the grand staircase installed by the Louisville Bridge Company in 1897, a year that marked a significant transformation for the Ryman Auditorium. As the venue expanded to accommodate its growing audiences, these sturdy balusters were added to support the elegant new stairway that led guests up to the freshly constructed balcony, an architectural marvel of its time.

For more than a century, those same stairs have carried generations of music lovers to their seats, from the earliest gospel congregations to fans of country, rock, and soul. This piece, with its intricate ironwork and time-worn patina, represents more than just a structural element, it’s a quiet witness to the footsteps of history, still echoing through the halls of the Ryman today.

1892

This historic photograph features the Fisk Jubilee Singers, the first famous musical group to emerge from Nashville and the longest-running ensemble to perform at the Ryman. The group first graced the stage in 1892, the same year the Ryman Auditorium opened its doors, and has continued to perform there for more than a century.

Composed of a rotating group of students from Fisk University, the Singers were pioneers in sharing the rich tradition of African American spirituals with audiences around the world. Their performances not only raised vital funds to sustain their university but also brought the deeply soulful sound of the American South to global prominence.

Among their founding members was Ella Sheppard, a remarkable musician, educator, and one of Noelle’s Nashvillians of Note. Her artistry and leadership helped shape the group’s legacy, one that continues to echo through the halls of the Ryman and the heart of Nashville’s musical identity.

1954

This photograph features Roy Acuff and his band, The Smoky Mountain Boys, performing at the Ryman Auditorium, home of the Grand Ole Opry. Often called the King of Country Music, Acuff was one of the Opry’s most celebrated and influential figures, helping to bring country music from rural radio waves to the national stage.

Backed by The Smoky Mountain Boys, whose signature sound combined fiddle, dobro, and tight harmonies, Acuff’s performances embodied the heart of traditional American music. Songs like “The Great Speckled Bird” and “Wabash Cannonball” became anthems, echoing through the pews of the Ryman and far beyond.

Always... Patsy Cline

This original Hatch Show Print commemorates Always… Patsy Cline, the beloved musical staged at the Ryman Auditorium in 1994, just after the venue’s grand renovation reopened its doors to the public. Starring the incomparable Mandy Barnett, the production brought new life to the story and songs of one of country music’s most enduring voices.

The show, which went on to enjoy notable runs throughout the 1990s and 2000s, paid heartfelt tribute to Patsy Cline’s artistry, charting her rise to fame and the deep connection she forged with her fans. Fittingly, Cline herself once graced the Ryman stage years earlier, making this production both a homecoming and a celebration of legacy.

This particular print, signed by Mandy Barnett, was created by the historic Hatch Show Print studio, known for its bold letterpress posters that have announced Nashville’s most iconic performances for more than a century. It stands as a bridge between eras, honoring both the timeless voice of Patsy Cline and the stage that helped keep her memory alive.

1972

Captured in the early 1970s, this photograph features country legends Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton alongside Vito Pellettieri, one of the unsung architects of the Grand Ole Opry’s success.

A classically trained violinist turned stage manager, Pellettieri was instrumental in shaping the Opry’s modern format. He introduced the segment structure that kept the live radio show flowing seamlessly, an innovation that helped transform the Opry into a national broadcast phenomenon. Behind the scenes, he organized performers, coordinated timing, and ensured that the magic on stage translated perfectly to listeners across America.

This image captures a moment when the Opry and Nashville itself were at the height of their golden era. With Wagoner and Parton’s dazzling partnership and Pellettieri’s quiet mastery behind the curtain, it is a timeless snapshot of the people who helped make country music a cultural cornerstone.

1955

Captured through the lens of photographer Gordon Gillingham, this rare image offers a candid glimpse behind the curtain. Inside the makeup room, artists from both genders prepare for the night’s live broadcast, a ritual as much a part of the show as the music itself.

Pictured here are Doyle Wilburn, Goldie Hill, Judy Lynn, and Carl Smith, each a beloved performer of the era.

Live From The Ryman

The records displayed on the wall, featuring Jason Isbell, The Red Clay Strays, and “Walkin’ After Midnight”, were all recorded live at the Ryman Auditorium, preserving the unmatched energy and acoustics of Nashville’s most storied stage.

Each album carries the legacy of the artists who came before, connecting past and present through song. “Walkin’ After Midnight” showcases a lineup of musicians performing the timeless works of Patsy Cline, paying homage to one of country music’s most iconic voices in the very space where her spirit still lingers.

Together, these albums form more than a collection, they create a piece of immersive art for you to experience. Drop the needle, let the sound fill the room, and feel the echoes of the Ryman come alive once again within these walls.

Washburn Guitar

Built using oak pews reclaimed from the Ryman, Washburn crafted only 243 of these unique guitars. Each came with nails taken from the pews, a custom leather case and strap, and a certificate of authenticity. This particular guitar holds an even deeper connection to music history, signed by the legendary B.B. King himself, a true tribute to the soulful legacy of Nashville and the Ryman alike.

1954

Captured during a live Grand Ole Opry broadcast in the 1950s, this photograph features two of country music’s most beloved comedians, Minnie Pearl and Rod Brasfield, performing on the storied stage of the Ryman Auditorium.

Minnie Pearl, the stage persona of Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon, became a household name with her trademark “How-dee!” greeting and flowered hat, embodying the humor and heart of small-town Southern life. Rod Brasfield, often sharing the stage with her, was known for his quick wit and impeccable timing, making the pair one of the Opry’s most endearing duos.

1982

This photograph captures Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash performing together during a Grand Ole Opry broadcast in the early 1980s, a time when their partnership had become one of the most iconic in American music.

By then, the couple had already solidified their place in history, blending raw honesty, faith, and rebellion in a way that resonated across generations. Their chemistry on stage was electric, a seamless exchange of love and artistry that transcended genre and time.

Performing on the Ryman Auditorium stage carried deep meaning for both artists. For Johnny, the Ryman represented redemption, a return to the sacred heart of country music. For June, it was a homecoming, steeped in her family’s Carter legacy. Together, they turned every performance into a testament of devotion, to the music, to the audience, and to each other.

1978

This photograph captures two of the Grand Ole Opry’s most beloved icons, Minnie Pearl and Roy Acuff, longtime friends and enduring symbols of the Opry’s heart and humor.

Known as the King of Country Music, Roy Acuff joined the Opry in 1938 and remained a cherished member until his passing in the early 1990s. His warm presence, powerful voice, and deep respect for tradition helped shape the show into the institution it is today. Minnie Pearl, with her trademark hat and joyful wit, brought laughter and humanity to the stage, balancing Acuff’s stately grace with her down-home charm.

Together, they stood as the figureheads of the Opry for more than half a century, embodying its soul, its community, and its unwavering connection to the people who loved it most.

1968

Photographed by Les Leverett in the late 1960s, this candid image captures George Jones, affectionately known as “The Possum,” tuning his guitar backstage at the Ryman Auditorium before a Grand Ole Opry performance.

Jones earned his nickname early in his career for his sharp features and mischievous charm, but it was his unmistakable voice, full of heartbreak, grit, and soul, that cemented his legacy as one of country music’s greatest storytellers.

1974

Photographed by Jim McGuire in 1974, this intimate portrait captures Dolly Parton in her dressing room at the Ryman Auditorium, the final year the Grand Ole Opry called the Ryman home before moving to its new venue.

At the time, Parton was already a rising star, her songwriting and unmistakable voice making her one of the brightest talents in country music. McGuire’s photograph reveals a quieter side of Dolly, poised, reflective, and radiant in the moments before stepping onto the storied stage that had defined so many careers before hers.

The Ryman’s Stained Glass

The Ryman Auditorium’s stained glass windows are among its most defining architectural features, casting a warm, kaleidoscopic glow over the pews and stage. Installed during the building’s 1892 construction, the windows reflect the Ryman’s origins as a house of worship , originally known as the Union Gospel Tabernacle, founded by riverboat captain Thomas Ryman after being inspired by a revival sermon.

Each window was crafted from hand-cut, colored glass framed within arched wooden casements. The hues, reds, blues, ambers, and greens, weren’t chosen for decoration alone; they were symbolic of the spirit, unity, and diversity of the congregations and audiences who would gather there. As sunlight streamed through them, it transformed the space into something almost transcendent, blending reverence with artistry.

The Balcony At The Ryman

The ornate pattern you see along the Ryman’s balcony is more than decoration, it’s a piece of living history. Originally stenciled into the plaster during the venue’s early years, the design reflects the craftsmanship of the late 19th century and the Ryman’s origins as a sacred gathering place. Its repeating geometric and floral motifs mirror the rhythm and harmony found in music itself, symbolizing unity and artistry in every curve.

In the Ryman Vinyl Suite, this motif has been hand-drawn onto the wardrobe, paying homage to the intricate detailing found within the auditorium.