Absolute Radio Country, the UK’s most listened-to country music station, is paying tribute to the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary with a brand-new documentary, What The Opry Means To Me (Monday 22nd September, 7pm), exploring the legacy, impact, and enduring magic of country music’s most iconic stage.
As the home of country music in the UK, Absolute Radio Countryconnects more listeners to Nashville than any other station, bringing fans closer to the artists, stories, and traditions that shape the genre. With What The Opry Means To Me, the station continues its commitment to championing the music and the community that makes country so special.
Hosted by Absolute Radio Country’s Baylen Leonard the special features exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in country music, shining a light on what it means for an artist to step into the circle – from childhood dreams of performing at the Opry, to the emotional moment of making their debut, and the pride of becoming an official member.
Contributors include:
Dan Rogers (Vice President & Executive Producer, The Grand Ole Opry), Kelly Sutton (Opry Host), Carly Pearce, Nate Smith, Eric Church, Riley Green, Alana Springsteen, Jordan Harvey, Alexandra Kay, Jordan Davis, Kristian Bush, Charley Crockett, Charles Esten, Lainey Wilson, Bailey Zimmerman, Kelsea Ballerini, The Castellows, Brothers Osborne, Brian Kelley, Tyler Hubbard, Lauren Alaina, Avery Anna, Ben Earle, Josh Turner, Drew Baldridge, Fancy Hagood, Darius Rucker, Jon Pardi, Dierks Bentley, Kassi Ashton, Tucker Wetmore, Dasha, Scotty McCreery.
The Artists on the Opry:
- Carly Pearce: “From the time I was five to the time that I was twenty-five and first played the Opry…it was the biggest goal for me. If you have ever mattered in country music you have stepped on that stage.”
- Eric Church: “We pay homage with the Opry…not just to what’s happening right now, but to the history of country music. I can’t think of another example of that in any other kind of music.”
- Kelsea Ballerini: “I had one little moment before the curtain came on for my debut…I just stood in the circle and cried my little eyeballs out. To think like, man, who would have thought? Here we are…”
- Lainey Wilson: “As a little girl I wasn’t dreaming about a wedding dress… I was thinking about what I would wear at my Opry induction.”
- Darius Rucker: “The moment I felt truly accepted into the world of country music was the moment I was invited to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry.”
A Century of Country Music
For 100 years, the Grand Ole Opry has been the beating heart of country music – a stage where legends are made, traditions are honored, and the future of the genre takes shape. What The Opry Means To Me captures this unique legacy through the voices of the artists who have lived it.
What The Opry Means to Me, Monday 22nd September, 7pm Absolute Radio Country. The documentary will be repeated on Sunday 30th November at 7pm and will be available on the Rayo app after TX