For nearly 90 years, the Grand Ole Opry has stood the test of time to become one of country music's true and tried traditions. From the show's humble origins as an obscure radio program, to its renowned place today as one of music's premier stages, the Grand Ole Opry has had an extremely colorful and interesting existence. Over the 88 years since the show's inception, the Grand Ole Opry has hosted many talented artists. These artists, along with social and economic changes, have all contributed to the growth and success of the Grand Ole Opry. The Grand Ole Opry began shortly after National Life and Accident Insurance Company Vice President Edwin Craig launched WSM radio on October 5, 1925 in Nashville, Tennessee. In those days, however, the Grand Ole Opry had a very different name. Known as the WSM Barn Dance, the radio program was named after the National Life and Accident Insurance Company's slogan, "We Shield Millions" (Escott 4; Hagan 5). When WSM radio went on the air at 7:00 pm that night in October 1925, the radio station had no plans for any national or popular programming. In fact, that first evening the program consisted of a prayer, the national anthem and then a long dedication program. It was only after WSM hired station manager George Hay in mid-November 1925, that the station took its first steps towards becoming a country radio program (Escott 4). Station manager George Hay featured a "champion barn fiddler" named Uncle Jimmy Thompson on November 28, 1925. Jimmy Thompson appeared on the WSM radio program again on Saturday, December 26, 1925. While the exact date of the start of the WSM Barn La dance remains somewhat in contention until this date, without a doubt... middle of the paper... a privileged stage for many artists and musicians to showcase their talent. Combined with the efforts of those artists and the social and economic changes in America, The Grand Ole Opry continues to entertain its listeners and viewers with only the best in country and bluegrass music. Works Cited “650 AM WSM Player and Mobile Apps.” WSM online. Grand Ole Opry, 2014. Web. April 27, 2014. Escott, Colin. The Grand Ole Opry: The Making of an American Icon. New York: Center Street, 2006. Print. "History of the Grand Ole Opry". House. Grand Ole Opry and Web. April 27, 2014.Hagan, Chet. Grand Ole Opry. New York: H. Holt, 1989. Print.Kingsbury, Paul. The history of country music at the Grand Ole Opry: 70 years of songs, stars and stories. New York: Villard, 1995. Print.Shaw, Arnold. “Grand Ole Opry” Southern Music Network, nd Web. April 27. 2014.