The Grand Ole Opry: The Making of an American Icon

by Colin Escott, Vince Gill

This official guide chronicles the story of the birthplace of country music as told by the people who were there. Escott presents the official inside history of the home of country music, offering fans an exclusive look into the heart and soul of country music. Full color, and packed with photos from the Opry Archives covering 80 years of history.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, History

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Colin Escott is the foremost authority on Sun Records. He first wrote the company’s history in 1975 and has revised and expanded it several times since. He has published several other volumes on the early days of country music, including a biography of Hank Williams and The Grand Ole Opry: The Making of an American Icon. He won a Grammy for his work on Mercury Records’ The Complete Hank Williams, and in 2010 received a Tony nomination for Million Dollar Quartet, a Broadway musical about the legendary one-night jam session of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis.

Reviews

[Nate]

A great overview and celebration of one of America’s most iconic institutions, the Grand Ole Opry. The book was conceived as part of the Opry’s 80th anniversary in 2005. Escott goes through all the Opry’s changes, triumphs, and challenges, relying heavily on direct quotes and highlighting all major members over the years. Throughout the book, lists of Opry membership by decade are provided. Can I just point out that the 1950s membership list is insane: Chet Atkins, Maybelle Carter and the Carter Sisters (including June), Johnny Cash, The Everly Brothers, Flatt and Scruggs, Lefty Frizzell, Hawkshaw Hawkins, Stonewall Jackson, George Jones, Rusty and Doug, The Louvin Brothers, Rose Maddox, Jimmy C. Newman, Webb Pierce, Ray Price, Jim Reeves, Marty Robbins, Jean Shepard, Carl Smith, Hank Snow, Porter Wagoner, Kitty Wells, Faron Young. And those are only the better known names! Oh, Hank Williams and Elvis Presley also played during the early 50s (though Elvis only for one show). Wow.

Speaking of Elvis, this book made clear to me just how much rock ‘n’ roll put country music on life support during the second half of the 50s. Country responded by using the pop radio airplay that rock ‘n’ roll opened up, leading to the Nashville sound. Still, that was a low point for country, and by extension, the Opry.

Another thing that comes through in the book is the rigidity of the Opry (and Nashville in general). It is the music “business,” after all, and while changes happened and barriers were broken, the Opry prides itself on tradition. Not saying it’s a bad thing, but it’s there. I think that adherence to tradition and the strict rules is part of the reason why people find comfort in the Opry. On the other hand, that strict adherence is off-putting to some. The tension between change and tradition seems to be epitomized by the Opry and Nashville.

The book reprints many great photos, posters, programs, and performance schedules. It’s a beautiful document. Maybe they’ll release another one for the 100th anniversary next year.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best part of the book is it lets the story tell itself through interviews.

[Eurydice Montpelier F. Waltz]

My great uncle is in this book! Eddy Arnold!

[Jeff J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

An anecdotal history of the Grand Ole Opry.

[Janelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I confess, I have a deep and abiding love for country music. Not the "country" you hear on the radio. REAL country music. Hank Williams. Johnny Cash. The Louvin Brothers. I'll also admit I have issues with the Grand Ole Opry. All this combined with my adoration of Escott's writing, buying and reading this book was a given.
I found the history fascinating. There was so much I didn't know. The anecdotes and assorted photos and ephemera made this a really comprehensive work on the history of the Opry. Recommended not only for real country music fans, but for music fans in general, as so much modern music has roots in country music.

[David Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Grand Ole Opry: The Making of an American Icon by Colin Escott (Center Street 2006)(781.642). This is a grand tribute to the mother church of country music and to an American musical institution. This volume features country music memorabilia collected over the past 80 years. My rating: 7.5/10, finished 2007.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic stories and pictures of almost 100 years of the Opry, told by people there throughout its history. It's like walking through time for any country music lover.