On March 19, 2025, some of the most famous country music singers gathered to celebrate the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th birthday. The Grand Ole Opry is a super popular show that started as a small radio program way back in 1925. Over the years, it got so big that it had to keep moving to larger places. Since 1974, it has been held in a huge concert hall in Nashville, Tennessee, that can fit 4,400 people.
The big 100th anniversary show, called Opry 100, was shown live from the Opry House. Blake Shelton was the host, and more than 24 well-known singers performed. Some of the stars were Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, Trace Adkins, and Vince Gill. These singers are all part of the Opry family. Other artists like Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, Brad Paisley, and Keith Urban sang from the Opry’s old home, the Ryman Auditorium.
Vince Gill has been a big part of the Opry for over 30 years. He first performed there on June 29, 1989, and officially joined on August 10, 1991. Before becoming famous, Vince played bluegrass music for more than 10 years. His big hit came with a song called “When I Call Your Name” from his 1989 album. That song climbed to number 2 on the country music charts in 1990, and Patty Loveless sang backup for him. At his Opry induction, 34-year-old Vince sang this song with tears in his eyes, and people still love hearing it today.
For the Opry 100 celebration, Vince sang a special song called “Go Rest High On That Mountain.” He started writing it in 1989 when his friend Keith Whitley passed away. He finished it in 1993 after his brother Bob died from a heart attack. During the show, Vince was joined by Ricky Skaggs, who also sang on the original version, along with Sonya Isaacs and a choir of Opry singers. Vince dedicated the song to his mom, who is turning 100 this year—just like the Opry! He said, “This is for her son.”
While they sang, a slideshow played on a screen showing pictures of country stars who have passed away, like Troy Gentry, Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Jimmy Buffett, and Joe Diffie. The audience got emotional, and many people were seen wiping away tears. It was a beautiful and touching moment to honor the Opry’s history and the people who made it special.
