Opry Timeline

1920s

Even in its early days, the Grand Ole Opry presented a broad range of what would become known as country music. Born as a barn dance program in a downtown office building, the show emphasized old-time fiddlers and harmonica players, as well as what George D. Hay called “hoedown bands” like the Possum Hunters and the Gully Jumpers that gave the show a rural feel. Here are just some of the stars whose names appeared on the Opry roster during its first years of existence.