The Ozark Origins of the Grand Ole Opry

The world's most iconic radio show, The Grand Ole Opry, celebrates its one-hundredth anniversary this year. But few people are aware that the inspiration for the Opry took place not in Tennessee but in the Ozarks. In honor of the Grand Ole Opry's centennial, historian Brooks Blevins takes us back to a small town on the Missouri-Arkansas border more than one hundred years ago to explore the story of the Ozark Origins of the Grand Ole Opry.

Image of an Opry performance at its temporary location, the War Memorial Auditorium, circa 1940, courtesy of the Grand Ole Opry.

The Thursday Evening Speaker Series is free of charge and open to the public. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Unless otherwise noted, programs will be held at the Missouri State Archives, located at 600 W. Main Street in Jefferson City. The series is underwritten by the Friends of the Missouri State Archives.

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