We went to the Ryman Auditorium. Let’s talk about it!
Take it to church!
“Let’s take it to church!” Have you ever heard a musician use that expression? It means to take the performance up a notch, kick it into high gear. That’s kind of what happened with the Ryman.
Thomas Ryman was a riverboat captain who loved a good party in Nashville. And, party he did…frequently. Let’s just say his name was well-known around town. However, one powerful sermon from a famous preacher, Reverend Sam Jones, changed Ryman’s partying ways.
After Jones’ sermon, Captain Ryman’s partying days were over and he was on a mission to spread the gospel. He decided that he could do this by building a large church in the downtown Nashville area. In fact, Ryman began calling on wealthy friends and acquaintances to donate money to the cause. And, donate they did. The Union Gospel Tabernacle was built using the funds Ryman raised.
Let the music play
After many years as a church, the building was renamed and repurposed years later upon Captain Thomas Ryman’s passing. The venue became known as the Ryman Auditorium. Since that time, the Ryman has often been referred to as The Mother Church of Country Music. Fitting, don’t you think?
There’s a big show in town
The Grand Ole Opry, country music’s most famous show, was based at the Ryman for over thirty years (from 1943-1974).
Will the Circle be Unbroken
The anthem of the Grand Ole Opry “Will the Circle be Unbroken” was taken quite literally when the Grand Ole Opry moved to its new home. A circular piece of the Ryman is embedded in the stage of the Grand Ole Opry and vice versa.
The Greats
The Ryman attracted a lot of famous acts, musical and otherwise. U.S. Presidents (Taft and Roosevelt) have spoken at the Ryman. Bob Hope, Harry Houdini, and Doris Day all performed on the stage. Some of the most famous musical acts in the world have graced the Ryman Auditorium. From the stars of the Grand Old Opry to Coldplay, musicians of all genres have played this famous venue.
Rock n roll is here to stay
A special exhibit donated by the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame was on display during our visit. Be sure to head over to our Photos to see the memorabilia that was on display. (Hint – REM, Dianna Ross).
BONUS
Johnny Cash’s tour bus was on display and open for visitors during our tour of the Ryman. That’s right, the the very bus that one of country music’s most famous artists used to travel the country.
Want to see some of the memorabilia we saw during our tour? Check out our YouTube short here.
And remember, break the monotony, not the bank.
–Marnie and Jeff
