Brad Paisley and Blake Shelton to co-host Grand Ole Opry: 95 Years of Country Music special

Grand Ole Opry members, Brad Paisley and Blake Shelton will co-host the Grand Ole Opry: 95 Years of Country Music special. The two-hour show will feature country music stars (no names have been announced yet) performing their hits and covering classics from some of the Opry’s most famous member and sharing behind-the-scenes stories.

Additionally, the Opry will open its archives that span a period of nine decades and include interviews, performances and appearances by country artists in all stages of their careers.

For almost a century, the Grand Ole Opry has celebrated the past, present and future of country music, showcasing a mix of country legends and the contemporary chart-toppers who have followed in their footsteps. In that same spirit, the anniversary special brings together artists from across generations who share a passion and reverence for the Opry.

The special will air on NBC in the US on February 14 at 9pm ET/PT (that’s February 15 at 1pm AEDT, though no word if it will air on Australian television). Later that same week, Brad Paisley will celebrate his 20th anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member. Shelton is marking 10 years as a member.

The Opry is an American icon and Nashville’s number-one tourist attraction, and membership in the Opry remains one of country music's crowning achievements.

The Grand Ole Opry began as a weekly country music stage concert in Nashville on November 28, 1925, founded by George D. Hay. It was a one-hour "barn dance" on WSM radio, and stands as the longest-running musical radio broadcast in US history.

The show features country, bluegrass, Americana, folk and gospel music alongside comedy performances and skits, and has been a catalyst for some of country music biggest moments. It’s where Johnny Cash met June Carter. Bill Monroe and his band invented bluegrass on the Opry stage.

Furthermore, unexpected guests like Paul McCartney, Bill Murray and Pharrell Williams have all graced the stage.  

For more information, visit opry.com.
Image: NBCUniversal Press Release

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