Latest news with #Opry100
UPI
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- UPI
LGBTQ country stars still overlooked as Opry hits 100
May 27 (UPI) -- On March 15, 1974, the Grand Ole Opry country music radio show closed its run at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, with Johnny and June Carter Cash leading the song "Will the Circle Be Unbroken." After that final show, a six-foot circle of wood was cut from the Ryman stage and moved to the new Grand Ole Opry House. The next night, Roy Acuff opened the first show at the new venue. A video of Acuff singing in the 1940s played before the screen lifted to reveal Acuff himself, singing live in the same spot. The message was clear: Though the stage had changed, the story continued. The circle had not been broken. The Opry began on WSM on Nov. 28, 1925, and is celebrating its centennial with a series of concerts and tributes under the name Opry 100. On March 19, 2025, Reba McEntire stepped onto the iconic circle on the Grand Ole Opry stage and kicked off NBC's Opry 100 celebration with a verse of "Sweet Dreams." The final song of the night was "Will the Circle Be Unbroken," performed by country legends like Bill Anderson and Jeannie Seely, alongside newcomers like Lainey Wilson and Post Malone. It was a moment meant to celebrate 100 years of country music tradition and connection with a stage full of voices harmonizing across generations. A circle, unbroken. But that night in March, one group of country performers was missing. Not a single openly gay, lesbian or bisexual artist appeared onstage during the anniversary celebration. In a moment designed to honor the full sweep of the genre's past and future, a long line of country musicians was left standing outside the spotlight once again. Wilma Burgess' sexuality was common knowledge in music industry circles in the 1960s and '70s. A slowly opening circle Country music has never been without queer voices, but it regularly refuses to acknowledge them. From 1962 to 1982, Wilma Burgess had 15 songs on Billboard's Hot Country chart and two Grammy Award nominations. She recorded with legendary producer Owen Bradley and had Top 10 hits like "Misty Blue." Despite this success, Burgess never played the Opry. Though Burgess was never publicly out, her sexuality was common knowledge in recording circles. In the 1980s, she left music and opened The Hitching Post, Nashville's first lesbian bar. Like so many queer country artists, Burgess had to build her legacy outside the circle. In the 1980s and 90s, k.d. lang and Sid Spencer expanded the presence of queer artists in country music. Lang won two Grammys and performed at the Opry, but she was labeled "cowpunk" and left the genre before coming out in 1992. Spencer released albums and toured widely within the gay rodeo circuit, but he was never recognized by mainstream country before his 1996 death from AIDS-related complications. The 2000s offered small openings. Mary Gauthier became the first openly queer artist to perform on the Opry stage in 2005. Chely Wright had a No. 1 country single before coming out in 2010, but didn't return to the Opry until 2019. Ty Herndon charted 17 singles before coming out in 2014. He wouldn't appear at the Opry again until 2023. These artists established themselves first and came out later, at great professional cost. The Opry hosts 5-6 shows a week, featuring 6-8 artists each night. In that context, a nine-year absence isn't just a scheduling gap. In addition, the Grand Ole Opry currently has 76 members, a special designation indicating a level of success in country music. None of them identify as LGBTQ+. Today, there are signs of change. Lily Rose, who has been openly queer since the beginning of her career, receives radio play, has songs on the charts and tours widely. But she remains the exception, not the rule. Other openly LGBTQ+ artists like Paisley Fields, Mya Byrne and Amythyst Kiah are recording, performing and building loyal audiences, but they are still rarely featured on country radio or invited onto the Opry stage. The circle may be widening, but for many queer artists, it's still just out of reach. The importance of the circle In country music, visibility isn't just symbolic. If you're not on the radio, you don't chart. If you don't chart, you don't tour. Without that platform, you can't build a legacy. Country radio and the Opry stage serve as gatekeepers of who counts. In 2015, a radio consultant infamously compared women artists to "tomatoes in the salad," stating a few were fine, but they shouldn't dominate. That same logic has long applied to queer artists; they can be tolerated at the edges but are rarely treated as essential. Genre labeling becomes another barrier. Brandi Carlile and Brandy Clark both openly identify as lesbians and have been embraced by country audiences and critics alike, but they are routinely categorized as Americana artists. That rebranding often functions as a fence that keeps artists close enough to celebrate, but far enough to exclude. Reimagining the circle The Opry's centennial celebrations are scheduled to continue through the end of 2025 with a concert at London's Royal Albert Hall and a final anniversary show in Nashville on Nov. 28. Perhaps openly queer artists will take the stage at those events. If they do, it won't just be symbolic; it will be a long overdue acknowledgment of artists who have always been here, even if they weren't always seen. Country music's strength lies in how it braids together American traditions: gospel and blues, Black and white, rural and urban, old and new. It's not a genre built on purity, but one that relies on the mix. That mix is what makes country music American - and what makes it endure. If the circle on the Opry stage is meant to stand for country music itself, then I hope it will be like the music: honest and able to grow. If "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" is more of a promise than just a closing number, the future of country music depends on who's allowed in the circle to sing it next. Tanya Olson is an associate teaching professor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The views and opinions in this commentary are solely those of the author.
The Irish Sun
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
When is The Grand Ole Opry 100 coming to London's Royal Albert Hall and how can you get tickets?
COUNTRY music fans are incredibly excited over the news that The Grand Ole Opry will be coming to London for its 100th anniversary. The iconic live country music radio broadcast - which is based out of Nashville but famous all around the world - will be broadcasting live from London, England for the first time ever, this September. 9 The Grand Opry will celebrate its 100th year with a historic broadcast live from London's Royal Albert Hall Credit: Opry 9 The Grand Ole Opry is a prestigious country music broadcasting venue in the United States Credit: Alamy 9 The Royal Albert Hall will be rocking on September 26 Credit: Alamy Celebrating its 100th anniversary, the broadcast will be from London's Royal Albert Hall, with a star-studded line up. Country music icon She will perform on the bill with the likes of The beloved country stars, who are all Opry members, will headline its first-ever live international broadcast from London's iconic Royal Albert Hall on Friday, September 26, 2025. HOW TO GET TICKETS FOR OPRY 100 IN LONDON Tickets to the show will go on sale on Friday, May 23 at 10:00 a.m. BST via the Royal Albert Hall's website . Not only will the event have a star-studded line up of country music icons, but Brits will be familiar with one of the hosts. BBC Radio 2 Presenter Colin Reed, the executive chairman of Grand Ole Opry parent company Ryman Hospitality Properties said of the event: "This milestone year for the Grand Ole Opry has arrived at the perfect time as country music enjoys an unprecedented rise in global popularity, especially here in the United Kingdom. Most read in Music "Our first-ever broadcast outside of the United States will celebrate the influential music that has shaped this genre and pay tribute to the unique Opry show format that has entertained music lovers for 100 years. "With the help of some of our most treasured Opry members and some very special guests, we hope to give fans a taste of what goes on every week back in Nashville and inspire them to come visit the epicentre of country music." Maren Morris sets record straight after saying she is leaving 'toxic' country music HONOURING THE OPRY Wagon Wheel singer Darius Rucker said: "Being a member of the Grand Ole Opry is a great honour; it's always felt like the Opry was my home away from home. "To have the opportunity to bring such a big part of my musical roots to Royal Albert Hall is a full-circle moment for me while I work on a project with so many talented songwriters and producers based in London. "I can't think of a better way to honour the Opry's global impact on country music as we share its magic with a new generation of fans." Reacting to the news of the Opry 100 show in London, one person said on Instagram: "Wow!! This is amazing lineup! So hoping to get tickets!!" 9 Carly Pearce is one of the headliners who will perform on the iconic night Credit: Getty 9 Luke Combs is another country crooner set to take to the stage on September 26 Credit: Getty 9 Marty Stuart will also be rocking out with a packed audience Credit: Getty 9 Hitmaker Ashley McBryde - who has collaborated with Carly in the past - will also be taking to the stage Credit: AP 9 Darius Rucker is the final country crooner who is on the star-studded bill Credit: Getty Another said: "The excitement is real! We can't wait to welcome y'all to the UK." While a third penned: "WHAT A CELEBRATION! GRAND OLE OPRY 100." HOW THE OPRY BEGAN The Grand Ole Opry is a legendary country music institution and a live radio broadcast and concert venue in Nashville, Tennessee. The Opry, which is world-renowned, is the world's longest-running radio show, originating in 1925. When it first came to be 100 years ago, it was called the WSM Barn Dance. Read more on the Irish Sun Two years later in 1927 it was renamed the Grand Ole Opry. The iconic venue is known for showcasing both country music legends and contemporary artists, along with bluegrass, Americana, folk, and gospel music. 9 It originally had a different name Credit: Alamy
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jelly Roll and Melissa Etheridge Named Co-Chairs for Mobilize Recovery's 2025 College ‘Campus Surge' Initiative
Mobilize Recovery, a national non-profit organization dedicated to empowering communities impacted by addiction and overdose, has announced that Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Jelly Roll will serve as co-chair for the Mobilize Recovery Campus Surge 2025 Initiative. He will be joined by returning co-chair, singer and songwriter Melissa Etheridge, and honorary co-chair, 2022 American Idol winner and country music singer Noah Thompson. Championship college football coach Scott Cochran, a person in long-term recovery, along with Sheriff Karl Leonard of Chesterfield County, VA's Helping Addicts Recover Progressively (HARP) jail-based recovery program, will also participate as co-chairs. More from Variety 'Opry 100' Producers Tell What to Expect From Country Music's Superstars in the Three-Hour NBC Telecast 'Opry 100' Reveals Songs and Tributes: Find Out Who Post Malone, Jelly Roll, Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks and Other Stars Will Be Saluting Jelly Roll Joins 'American Idol' as First-Ever 'Artist in Residence' (EXCLUSIVE) Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, is committed to raising awareness about addiction, mental health, and criminal justice reform, aligning with Mobilize Recovery's mission to empower communities in addressing the overdose crisis. Beyond his musical success, Jelly Roll actively uses his platform to advocate for change and support those affected by these critical issues. He frequently visits prisons and treatment centers to share his personal story and inspire others on their path to recovery — and he was honored for his efforts with the changemaker of the year award at Variety's 2024 Hitmakers celebration. Etheridge's commitment to the recovery community grew following the tragic loss of her son. 'Our young people are the future, and their well-being is paramount,' said Etheridge. 'That's why I'm so proud to co-chair Mobilize Recovery for a third year. By working directly with local communities, this effort provides critical resources needed to support the next generation in their journey towards recovery from addiction and mental health challenges. It's an honor to be part of such a meaningful and impactful project.' Ryan Hampton, co-founder of Mobilize Recovery, commented, 'Jelly Roll's authenticity and dedication to destigmatization make him an ideal partner for this initiative. We are confident that he will connect with individuals on a profound level and empower them to become leaders within their communities. Melissa Etheridge's ongoing involvement has been invaluable, and we are delighted to have her continue with us this year.' The 2025 Mobilize Recovery initiative will feature Day of Service events hosted by numerous non-profit organizations nationwide. These events will focus on raising awareness, promoting prevention, improving access to care, and fostering empathy within their respective communities. Additionally, events will be held on college campuses across the country to highlight campus-based treatment and recovery programs designed to support students. These programs, developed over decades, have provided guidance to countless students in navigating sobriety while addressing the unique challenges of a college environment. Participating schools and event dates will be announced at the beginning of the summer. Mobilize Recovery is also partnering with keystone sponsors including Meta, iHeartMedia, Indivior, Braeburn, and SAMHSA's Opioid Response Network, to enhance the reach and impact of the 2025 initiative. These partnerships will leverage social media, technology, and broadcasting to disseminate vital information, connect individuals with resources, and inspire action on a national scale. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week What's Coming to Disney+ in April 2025 The Best Celebrity Memoirs to Read This Year: From Chelsea Handler to Anthony Hopkins
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Yahoo
Bryan Kohberger Selfie Taken Hours After Murders Revealed
Originally appeared on E! Online Bryan Kohberger allegedly took a selfie mere hours after the University of Idaho student murders took place. The image has been introduced in court documents—obtained by NBC News and viewed by E! News—in relation to a witness statement given by one of the surviving roommates that described the intruder in her home the night students Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were killed. The selfie shows Kohberger, dressed in a button-down shirt and with Bluetooth earbuds in, standing in front of what appears to be a shower. In the image, he smiles at the camera as he holds a thumbs up. The State, according to the court documents, intends to introduce the image of Kohberger which was 'taken from his phone on November 13, 2022, only hours after the homicides at 10:31 a.m.' because of the witness—who is only identified as D.M.—who says she saw a male in the students' home wearing a ski mask that only revealed his nose and eyes. More from E! Online Opry 100: Carrie Underwood and Husband Mike Fisher Walk First Red Carpet Together in Two Years Jeff Baena's Last Text to Aubrey Plaza Was Sent 3 Hours Before His Death Pawn Stars' Rick Harrison Shares He Second Guesses 'Everything' One Year After Son's Death 'All I remember was seeing their eyebrows,' she told police, as recounted in the documents. 'I don't remember what their eyes looked like, but I remember their eyebrows. […] I just remember, like, bushy eyebrows. That's all I could think about.' According to the documents, the State also intends to share Kohberger's driver's license—which lists him at six feet tall—to compare against the witness' description of 'male; white; skinny/athletic build; a few inches taller than D.M. (5' 10'); not someone she knew; with bushy eyebrows.' 'Whether or not Bryan Kohberger can be described as having 'bushy eyebrows,'' the document reads, 'is a factual determination to be decided by the jury.' The newly surfaced selfie comes amid both the defense and prosecution's ongoing efforts to have certain evidence deemed either admissible or inadmissible ahead of the trial's scheduled August 11 start date. Earlier this year, per NBC News, Ada County Judge Steven Hippler allowed for cell phone and email records, surveillance footage and Kohberger's Amazon purchase history to be used in trial, as well as DNA evidence concerning the button of a knife sheath that police say was found near two of the bodies. Kohberger—who was charged with four counts of first degree murder—has entered a not guilty plea and could face the death penalty if convicted. For more on the chilling case, keep reading. (E! and NBC News are part of the NBCUniversal family.) Who Were Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle?Were There Any Survivors?Who Is Bryan Kohberger and How Was He Found?What Is Kohberger's Defense Arguing?Where Does the Case Stand Today? For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
The Independent
20-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Dolly Parton shares how she's coping after husband Carl Dean's death
Dolly Parton said her late husband Carl Dean 'suffered a great deal' but is now 'at peace', as she paid a surprise visit to Dollywood this week. The country music icon turned up for the opening celebration of the Tennessee theme park's 40th season, marking her first public appearance since her partner's death on 3 March, aged 82. While it is tradition for Parton to lead the opening ceremony, some fans had assumed she would skip the event as she mourns her husband of almost 60 years. Knox News reports that Parton said she wanted 'some fun' after a difficult few weeks. The singer told the crowd: 'I need to laugh, I need some fun, so I'm probably gonna be stupid. I've been crying enough the last week or two.' In a subsequent interview, the 79-year-old told the website that she was 'doing better than I thought I would', as she revealed that Dean had 'suffered a great deal'. 'I'm at peace knowing that he's at peace, but that doesn't keep me from missing him and loving him,' she said. 'It's a hole in my heart, you know, but we'll fill that up with good stuff and he'll always be with me.' The country music legend met her first and only husband, a businessman who owned a Nashville asphalt company, when she was 18, on the day she moved to the Tennessee capital. They were married two years later on 30 May 1966. 'I was surprised and delighted that while he talked to me, he looked at my face (a rare thing for me),' Parton wrote of their encounter outside the Wishy Washy Laundromat. 'He seemed to be genuinely interested in finding out who I was and what I was about.' Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial In her interview, Parton also shared that her famously reclusive husband would occasionally visit the park, buying his own ticket after standing in line to 'check things out'. He would apparently try some of the food, such as funnel cake, but avoided the roller coasters. Parton said he would often come back with some suggestions, recalling: 'He would say, 'You need more bathrooms', or he would say, 'You need to tell them this or that. It's crowded over in that area.'' 'He wasn't coming to criticise, but he would notice things and he would say, 'You might want to bring this to their attention,'' she added. A few days after Parton's Dollywood appearance, Nashville came out in force to honour her at the Opry 100 celebration, which featured a rousing performance of her hit song 'I Will Always Love You'. In the NBC special aired on Wednesday 19 March, fellow country legend Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, the band Lady A and the Opry choir performed the track on the Grand Ole Opry stage, where Parton was inducted as a member back in 1969. 'Everybody here at the Opry and around the world wants to send you our thoughts and prayers,' McEntire, 69, said. 'And you gotta know, we will always love you.' Singer-songwriter Carly Pearce performed 'Jolene' at the event, calling Parton her 'hero' as she recalled how the legendary artist had been the one to invite her to join the Opry. 'Dolly, I just want you to know that my heart goes out to you and your family, and it is my great honour to sing my favourite Dolly song tonight,' she said. In a recorded message, Parton herself told the audience that she was a 'proud member' of the Grand Ole Opry. 'I am so sorry that I can't be there with everybody in person, but of course you know my heart is with you and my spirit is with you,' she said.
