The Grand Ole Opry

For the first time since September 23, 2006 I returned last night to the Grand Ole Opry. A lot has happened at the Opry since then. In 2010 A flood hit the city of Nashville that saw 19 inches of rain fall in two days and the Cumberland River reach a crested depth of 51.86 feet. The flood ravaged the city of Nashville but one of the hardest places hit was the area that contains the Grand Ole Opry, the Opry Mills Mall and the Opryland Hotel. Two years ago I visited Nashville for a college basketball game as I am doing this weekend. Not knowing the damages and area all affected by the flood I was greatly surprised when I saw the Opry Mills mall closed because of the flood damages still. This though, is not about the Mall but about the Grand Ole Opry. I have had the opportunity to walk in the doors of the Grand Ole Opry four times now. Each time I have gotten chill bumps and a feeling of pride and genuine awe and respect has hit me. Last night was no different. Attending the Opry last night was a sort of last minute deal as my friend and I were looking for something to do. As we walked out the doors last night, we were both glad we chose to attend the Opry. The show was opened up by Jeannie Seely. Ms. Seely who was born in 1940 still has the voice that made her popular during the 60’s and 70’s. The Opry has a tradition of current members and Country Music Hall of Fames Emceeing segments of the Opry. The other Emcees for the evening were Mike Snider, “Whispering” Bill Anderson and John Conlee. To a person each ones voice was as pure and smooth last night as if you were listing to a recording. The artist who performed were, The Whites, Charles Esten, Sarah Darling, Gloriana, Blue Sky Riders, Bobby Osborne and the Rocky Top X-Press and Carrie Underwood. Sarah Darling, is a new and up and coming country artist and put on a great performance. Carrie Underwood was the headliner and did not disappoint. She opened with her 2010 #1 Undo It. She then performed I Told You So, the cover of the 1988 #1 by Randy Travis. She took the house down with her performance of her first chart topper Jesus Take the Wheel and then closed out with her latest release Two Black Cadillacs. The whole night was incredible and I cannot wait to return to the Opry and Nashville again this summer.