The Grand Ole Opry celebrated its 100th anniversary on March 19th with an unforgettable evening that brought together the biggest names in country music. What started in 1925 as a small Nashville radio broadcast has grown into one of the most iconic traditions in country music history.
The Grand Ole Opry Turns 100
Over the decades, the Opry has become synonymous with country music heritage. After outgrowing several venues, the show moved in 1974 to its current home at the 4,400-seat Grand Ole Opry House, where it continues to thrive.
For its centennial, the Opry 100 celebration was broadcast live from Nashville and hosted by Blake Shelton. The evening featured more than two dozen beloved Opry members and country stars, including Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, Trace Adkins, and Vince Gill.
Other major artists, including Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, Brad Paisley, and Keith Urban, honored the Opry’s history by performing from its former home, the Ryman Auditorium.
Vince Gill’s History With The Opry
Vince Gill has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry for more than 30 years. He debuted on June 29, 1989, and was officially inducted on August 10, 1991.
Gill’s breakthrough came with his 1989 solo album When I Call Your Name. The title track peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, featuring backing vocals by Patty Loveless. During his Opry induction, a tearful 34-year-old Vince Gill performed the song live, cementing it as one of his most requested performances.
Vince Gill Performs “Go Rest High On That Mountain” At Opry 100
For Opry 100, Vince Gill returned to the stage for one of the night’s most emotional moments. As part of the “In Memoriam” tribute segment, Gill performed “Go Rest High On That Mountain,” a song he began writing after the death of Keith Whitley in 1989 and finished after losing his brother Bob in 1993.
Ricky Skaggs, who sang harmony on the original recording, joined Vince for the live performance. They were accompanied by Sonya Isaacs and a choir of Opry members, creating a powerful ensemble that moved the audience to tears.
Gill dedicated the performance to his mother, who turns 100 this year — the same age as the Opry. He said simply: “This song is about her son.”
Behind them, an emotional slideshow honored late country legends including Troy Gentry, Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Jimmy Buffett, Joe Diffie, and more. The crowd’s reaction was immediate and heartfelt, with many audience members wiping their eyes during the song.
A Tribute That Will Be Remembered
Vince Gill’s performance of “Go Rest High On That Mountain” at Opry 100 was more than a song — it was a tribute to his family, his faith, and the legacy of country music itself. By honoring both his late brother and his mother, Gill reminded everyone why the Opry has stood the test of time for a century: because it celebrates not just music, but life, love, and memory.
