Opry

The word opry is a diminutive form of the word opera, coined by broadcaster George D. Hay in 1927 as the new name of his program, the WSM Barn Dance, to demonstrate the realism of folk and country music compared to the theatrics of grand opera. At that time Hay's show followed a program of operatic music. One night Hay began the Barn Dance by stating, "You have just heard opera. Now you are going to hear the Grand Ole Opry".

The first reference in print to the WSM Barn Dance as the Grand Ole Opry occurred on December 11, 1927, in The Nashville Tennessean. Within six months of Hay's renaming of the program, the title Grand Ole Opry supplanted the generic Barn Dance and became used exclusively as the name of the show. “Opry” is a shortened form of "Grand Ole Opry" and is used by the brand owner and the public to refer to the Grand Ole Opry.

Dedicated to honoring country music and its history, the Opry showcases a mix of legends and contemporary chart-toppers performing country, bluegrass, folk, gospel, and comedic performances and skits. Considered an American icon, it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world and millions of radio and Internet listeners. The Opry is the "show that made country music famous" and has been called the "home of American music" and "country’s most famous stage". The Grand Ole Opry is owned and operated by Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.