Grand Ole Opry aka: Grand Old Opry

I can remember back when I was about 6 years old, listening to country music with my dad, driving around in his Ford pick-up truck. I loved it ever since. Just like the Barbara Mandrell’s song – I was country when country wasn’t cool…that was me. I loved Tammy W., Loretta L. Dottie W., Tanya T., and Jones, Wagoner, Campbell and so many more.

I’m still listening to country and always dreamed of going to the Opry with my Dad. I’m in my 40’s and Dad is in his 70’s, still driving Ford pick-ups and listening to country music. Taking the trip and spending time together would be awesome. We have very few things in common and this would be a memory of a lifetime for me.

I’m sorry. I hated this part of my trip to Nashville.

My parents took me to Nashville for my 21st birthday. (which is July 6th) and so we were there over Independence Day (which is my favorite holiday). I was so excited about seeing the fireworks in Nashville, until my parents told me they had tickets for the Opry that night, not realizing when they made the reservations that it was the 4th, and apparently not remembering that I hate country music! After my complaints my dad tried to get a refund, or exchange on the tickets, but it wasn’t possible.

So we went to the dumb ole opry. I hated every minute of it, and when it got dark my brother and I sneaked outside to watch the fireworks waaaaaaay over in the distance.

The next day I got a call from my mamaw who said she had watched the fireworks display from Nashville on TV and that it had been rated the #1 Fireworks Display in the U.S. that year!!!

I will never let my parents live that one down.

We had a great evening, with lots of wonderful music, including Charlie Daniels Band, The Whites, Craig Morgan, Little Jimmy Dickens, Bill Anderson, Mel McDaniel, Riders in the Sky, and a surprise visit by Little Texas!

_{Picture is of Charlie Daniels sawing on his fiddle, taken via one of the big screens.}

It was ABSOLOUTLY awsome! I loved it. My dad’s friend worked in a band and played at the newer one in Nashville. And I got to go back stage. I love to sing so it’s my dream to get to sing here one day.

it was awesome! I love it, the history, music, just that feeling of being there. If your in the area, you need to go at least once!