The Grand Ole Opry continued its nearly 100-year history of consecutive Saturday Night broadcasts tonight, playing its 4,917th Saturday night show to an empty Opry House as Opry member Vince Gill took the stage alongside wife Amy Grant and daughters Jenny Gill and Corrina Grant Gill.
Throughout the show, the family members took turns in the spotlight and backing each other, including on a round of cover songs featuring Rodney Crowell’s “Til I Gain Control Again,” (Vince); Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi,” (Amy); John Mayer’s “The Heart of Life,” (Jenny); and Harry Nilsson’s “Without You,” (Corrina). To conclude the evening, the four joined their voices on the gospel standard “How Great Thou Art” and “You Are My Sunshine,” which Vince dedicated to Opry member Jan Howard, who passed away earlier today at age 91.
The show was broadcast live on Circle, on Gray TV stations and other TV affiliates in addition to a companion live stream via Circle’s Facebook and YouTube. TV and radio personality Bobby Bones hosted the Circle telecast, while Opry announcer Mike Terry joined as the Opry’s radio audience at the on-stage announcer podium. Fans around the world also tuned-in to the broadcast on the Opry’s flagship radio home, 650 AM-WSM and several other outlets.
Working closely with Nashville’s Director of Health and Mayor John Cooper, The Opry was able to bring the show live to millions around the world while following strict safety protocols under the guidance of local health professionals. Amid current COVID-19 concerns, the Opry, the world’s longest-running radio show, has paused all shows with a live Opry House audience through April 25, but has pledged to continue live Saturday night broadcasts without an audience in attendance. Fans are invited to follow the Opry on social media and visit opry.com for show and tune in updates.
