An American Tradition Is Born – Today In Country Music History [VIDEO]

November 28, 1925

George D. Hay begins a weekly broadcast called "The WSM Barn Dance" broadcasting in Nashville, with a one-hour performance by Uncle Jimmy Thompson. Thompson's first-night songs include "When You And I Were Young Maggie"

The show began hiring professional musicians In the 1930s, and expanded to four hours; and WSM, broadcasting by then with 50,000 watts, made the program a Saturday night musical tradition in nearly 30 states. In 1939, it debuted nationally on NBC Radio. and expands to four hours; and WSM, broadcasting by then with 50,000 watts, made the program a Saturday night musical tradition in nearly 30 states. In 1939, it debuted nationally on NBC Radio.

On December 10, 1927 Barn Dance followed the NBC Red Network's Music Appreciation Hour, a program of classical music and selections from Grand Opera presented by classical conductor Walter Damrosch. That night, Damrosch remarked that “there is no place in the classics for realism,” In response, Opry presenter George Hay said:

"Friends, the program which just came to a close was devoted to the classics. Doctor Damrosch told us that there is no place in the classics for realism. However, from here on out for the next three hours, we will present nothing but realism. It will be down to earth for the 'earthy'."

Hay then introduced DeFord Bailey, the man he had dubbed the "Harmonica Wizard", saying:

"For the past hour, we have been listening to music taken largely from Grand Opera. From now on, we will present the 'Grand Ole Opry'."

This is the first time the phrase 'Grand Ole Opry' was first uttered on-air.

The program is soon officially renamed the Grand Ole Opry.