From the Cumberland River, to the World Over -- Happy Birthday, Grand Ole Opry

A week and some days ago, the most important institution in this brand of music that we celebrate in this spot three times a week, held it's 85th birthday in Nashville, Tennessee. Broadcasting from the same radio home on AM 650, WSM Nashville, the Grand Ole Opry had a birthday celebration that was like no other in the history of this great radio show.

The importance of the Opry in the musical landscape as a whole cannot be understated. Airing for the first time on November 28, 1925 as the WSM Barn Dance, the Grand Ole Opry (so renamed in 1927) is the longest running weekly radio program in the world. It's important to think about that for a moment. When you consider that the Opry's first broadcast occurred when terrestrial radio itself was only five years old, the fact that it remains on the air today is one thing. Add in the fact that it's stronger today than it has ever been is breathtaking. When you consider that this program has withstood the Great Depression, World War II, Vietnam, the Cold War and most recently, the Great Nashville Flood of 2010, the strength of the Opry is at an all time high.

The Opry has long served as a showcase for all forms of country music. Billed as "the show that made country music famous", it has served as an outlet for all artists in the many roots and branches of country music to perform for thousands in attendance, and millions listening around the world. Indeed, a review of the Opry membership is a who's who of the famous in country music and not-so-famous. No matter for the Opry faithful, once you are blessed with membership, you are part of the family. In a given week you can hear legends such as George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton and John Conlee perform alongside such mainstream country artists like Alan Jackson, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley and Trace Adkins. On that same show, great Americana artists are at home as well, as Marty Stuart, Jim Lauderdale, Mary Gautier and the Del McCoury Band make regular appearances. And of course, no Opry show is complete without a performance by the longest serving Opry member of 47 years and still going strong, Little Jimmy Dickens.

The Carter Family once recited the famous words that became the cornerstone for country music in all its forms: "Will the Circle Be Unbroken?" If there is an answer to that question, the Opry answered it in the same fashion it has for generations now. The answer came in the flood that struck Nashville earlier this year, destroying many homes and property, and changing the lives of all those it touched. It has been well documented as to the damage the Opry itself sustained as the waters rose above the banks of the Cumberland River. The famous circle of wood, an original piece of wood from the stage of the Opry's former home, the Ryman Auditorium, where such greats as Hank Williams, Sr., Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash have stood, was thought to be lost. Workers managed to save it and restore it to its former beauty. The Opry as a show moved to the Ryman Auditorium, always known as "the Mother Church of Country Music." Other Opry shows were held at the War Memorial Auditorium and large churches in Nashville. Even in the face of disaster, Opry members rallied and the show went on. Will the circle be unbroken? Never. That circle is stronger today than it has ever been.

This weekend, Blake Shelton will be inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. He is to be congratulated and will be a proud representative of this great institution. Congratulations to all members of the Opry, both past and present, on 85 years of entertaining and celebrating.

For more information on the Grand Ole Opry, you can check out www.opry.com