“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
A century of country music magic came alive on March 19th as the legendary Grand Ole Opry celebrated its momentous 100th anniversary. What began as a humble radio broadcast in 1925 has transformed into perhaps the most cherished institution in country music history.
The Opry’s journey has been one of constant growth, forcing moves to increasingly larger venues throughout its storied history. In 1974, it finally settled into its current home—a spectacular 4,400-seat concert house that provided the perfect space for this American treasure to flourish and evolve.
The centennial celebration, aptly named “Opry 100,” broadcast live from the iconic Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee. Blake Shelton took on hosting duties for the evening, guiding the audience through performances by more than two dozen beloved artists. Country music royalty graced the stage—Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, Trace Adkins, and Vince Gill all brought their talents to this unforgettable night.
Adding to the evening’s magic, Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, Brad Paisley, and Keith Urban delivered special performances from the Opry’s former home, the historic Ryman Auditorium.
Vince Gill’s Opry Legacy
The immensely talented Vince Gill has been part of the Grand Ole Opry family for over three decades. He made his debut on June 29th, 1989, and was formally inducted two years later on August 10, 1991.
Though he had been pursuing music as a bluegrass artist for more than a decade, Gill’s breakthrough moment came with his 1989 solo album “When I Call Your Name.” The title track soared to #2 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart the following year, featuring beautiful backing vocals by Patty Loveless.
During his Opry induction, a visibly emotional 34-year-old Gill performed “When I Call Your Name” with tears in his eyes. It would become one of his signature songs, requested at countless live performances throughout his career.
Vince Gill Performs “Go Rest High On That Mountain” With Ricky Skaggs for Opry 100
Vince Gill Performs “Go Rest High On That Mountain” With Ricky Skaggs for Opry 100
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Over the past thirty years, Gill has graced the Opry stage innumerable times and often serves as a spokesperson for the institution. During the ‘In Memoriam’ segment of the anniversary celebration, the Oklahoma native delivered a heart-wrenching performance of “Go Rest High On That Mountain.”
Gill began writing this poignant song after fellow country star Keith Whitley’s untimely death in 1989 but didn’t complete it until 1993, following his brother Bob’s passing from a heart attack.
Ricky Skaggs, who provided backing vocals on the original recording, joined Vince for this special performance. Sonya Isaacs and a choir composed of additional Opry members created a stunning vocal ensemble that left few dry eyes in the house.
In a touching moment, Vince dedicated the song to his mother, who turns 100 this year—”the same age as the Opry,” he noted, before adding with emotion in his voice: “This song is about her son.”
As they performed, an emotional slideshow displayed images of beloved country stars we’ve lost over the years—Troy Gentry, Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Jimmy Buffett, Joe Diffie, and many others. Throughout the audience, people could be seen wiping away tears, moved by both the beautiful performance and the visual tribute to those who’ve gone before us.
Watch Vince Gill perform “Go Rest High On That Mountain” with Ricky Skaggs at Opry 100 in the video below!
@countryrebel Vince Gill and Sonya Isaacs sing “Go Rest High On That Mountian” at the @Grand Ole Opry ♬ original sound – countryrebel