JUN 1972, JUN 26 1972, JUN 27 1972; Charlie Walker sings his biggest hit song, "Little Old Wine Drinker Me." Walker is a regular performer on the Grand Ole Opry's stage for country music, Nashville, Tenn.; (Photo By John G. White/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
Nederpopzien, Anita Kerr headline, April 9, 1974, music, The Netherlands, 20th century press agency photo, news to remember, documentary, historic photography 1945-1990, visual stories, human history of the Twentieth Century, capturing moments in time. (Photo by: Sepia Times/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Since 1925, Ryman Auditorium has been the "home" of the Grand Ole Opry and the national headquarters of foot-stomping, tear-jerking country music. By the spring of 1972, the red brick walls and stained glass windows will cease to echo the sounds of western music. At that time, not too far away, will be the new Opry House, surrounded by a series of specialty shops, restaurants, a motel and rides for the kids.
The Texas Playboys, backup band for the late Bob Wills pose for a Capitol Records publicity still circa 1975. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
CIRCA LATE 1960s: Country musician Merle Haggard performs on stage with Bonnie Owens during a late 1960's concert. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
1956: Rock and roll singer Elvis Presley performs on stage with his Martin acoustic guitar with Bill Black on upright bass in 1956. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
A Sho-Bud Pedal Steel Lap Guitar is seen at the preview of Julien's Auctions'Property from The Gretsch Family Archives' in Beverly Hills, California, March 22, 2021. – The auction will take place next March 26 and 27, 2021. (Photo by VALERIE MACON / AFP) (Photo by VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images)
