Ryman's Colin Reed talks Grand Ole Opry memories as the institution celebrates 100 years
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs perform at the Opry's 100th anniversary celebration. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Grand Ole Opry
Colin Reed spent the last a quarter of a century at the helm of Ryman Hospitality, the parent company for country music's most sacred institution, the Grand Ole Opry.
- Since the Opry marked its 100th anniversary on Nov. 28, that means Reed oversaw its success for 25% of its existence.
Why it matters: What began as a regional live radio variety show expanded over the last century into a global phenomenon and a cornerstone of Nashville's multi-billion-dollar entertainment industry.
- Reed talked with Axios Nashville about his most treasured Opry memories.
Live from Royal Albert Hall
An England native, Reed says one of his favorite Opry showings took place in September when five top country artists performed at the iconic Royal Albert Hall.
- "That thing we did in London was extraordinarily telling about the strength of the Opry brand," he says. "To basically invite five incredible artists, any one of them could fill an arena and some could fill stadiums, to go over there and have Mumford and Sons want to turn up and be part of it. It's mind blowing."
The Grand Ole Opry, and country music in general, have the opportunity to continue to expand in popularity overseas, Reed says.
- "We're trying to handle it with kid gloves, to make sure as the popularity of country music explodes on a global basis, the history of the Opry and why it's so special, and why artists revere it, we hold all of that together."
A disco legend goes country
One of Reed's favorite aspects of the Grand Ole Opry is how artists outside country music want to be included.
- He gave the example of the disco legend Barry Gibb, from the Bee Gees, performing at the Opry.
He was backstage with Gibb, whose debut happened to coincide with the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics. While Gibb prepared to take the stage, the Bee Gees hit "Stayin' Alive" was featured during the opening ceremony, driving home his iconic status.
- "It was wonderful to see the guy who really created the disco era globally stand on the stage of the Opry and do his thing and it was magical," Reed says.
A special anniversary
Reed says the Grand Ole Opry has the rare trait of evoking emotions from audience members, which was the case when the institution celebrated Porter Waggoner's 50th anniversary as an Opry member in 2007.
- "Dolly came in and did the song 'I will Always Love You,' and everyone in the house was bawling their eyes out."
Welcoming a new Opry member
Opry members treasure the ritual of honoring a country artist by inviting them to join their ranks. Reed says a special invitation took place in 2008 at Fort Bragg military base.
- Craig Morgan, who is an Army veteran, was surprised on stage by Opry member John Conlee, during a performance of Conlee's hit "Rose Colored Glasses."
- "And Conlee says (after the song), 'How'd you like to play the Opry as the newest member?" Reed recalls. "And Craig breaks down and starts to cry on the stage. I looked down at the audience, and these were all tough Delta, Special Forces guys, and they're all damn well crying."
What we're watching: Ryman Hospitality leaders have pondered the possibility of spinning off its entertainment division, Opry Entertainment Group, which oversees the Grand Ole Opry, into its own company.
- Reed, who previously served as Ryman's president and CEO, says one of the reasons he's stayed on as executive chairman is to ensure the "Opry's history is incredibly protected."
The bottom line: "It is very special," Reed says. "It's an entity that's really based on trust. The relationship that platform has with the artist community is a trust-based relationship and it's precious."