In 1925, Nashville heard the start of a one-hour country music radio show. Broadcast on WSM, the Grand Ole Opry’s original purpose was to promote the station’s parent insurance company through the relatable medium of country music. Over time, the program became enormously popular, evolving into a stage show that soared to the national spotlight and attracted the brightest stars of its genre. Grand Ole Opry, opening June 1, 2016 at the Bell County Museum, is an exhibition that documents the radio show known as the “home of American music” through the work of commercial photographer Gordon Gillingham during the 1950s.

These photographs catalog the Opry in its prime. The positive postwar atmosphere of the United States was critical for the success of the radio show and of country music in general. Gillingham captures the spirit, camaraderie, and sheer joy of the era by focusing his lens both on- and off-stage. Photographs of Minnie Pearl, Chet Atkins, and Patsy Cline performing demonstrate the carousing spirit of the performances, while pictures of June Carter, Johnny Cash, and Roy Rogers interacting with their fans offer a backdoor perspective of the Opry.

Though a crucial part of the Opry’s historical fabric, many of Gillingham’s remarkable photographs have never been published or reproduced. Grand Ole Opry unveils this view of a vital hallmark of American culture holistically, embedding the photographs in historical context and audio snippets of the radio show itself.

Opening weekend for the exhibit, Saturday, June 4, will include a presentation by Professor Mary Fairlie about early American music and the Grand Ole Opry starting at 11 a.m. on the second floor of the Carnegie building. Dr. Fairlie, the Director of Temple College Orchestra, teaches American Music and is dedicated to musical excellence while promoting the enjoyment of music. Following this presentation, from Noon – 4  p.m., will be open microphone opportunities for those wanting to share their musical Opry talents. For more information or to schedule your performance time contact Niki Vaughan, 254-933-5243. To top off the day, radio station WACO 100 will be broadcasting live from the Bell County Museum parking lot between 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. Make plans to spend time at the Bell County Museum on June 4. Museum hours are Tuesday through Friday, Noon – 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Grand Ole Opry runs through Saturday, Aug. 6.

Grand Ole Opry provides insider access to the radio show that forever cemented country music’s role in American culture. The show is still on the air and has become the longest running radio program in the world. The exhibition is toured by ExhibitsUSA, a national program of Mid-America Arts Alliance. ExhibitsUSA sends more than 25 exhibitions on tour to more than 100 small- and mid-sized communities every year. More information is available at www.maaa.org and www.eusa.org.