Iconic Grand Ole Opry Performances

The Grand Ole Opry, located in Nashville, TN, is arguably the most iconic spot for country music in the world. Since 1925, countless country artists have performed at the Grand Ole Opry and become members of the famous organization. Here are five of the most iconic and touching Grand Ole Opry performances to date.

1. “Go Rest High on That Mountain” by Vince Gill and Patty Loveless

After George Jones passed away on April 26th, 2013, the Grand Ole Opry held a service a few days later filled with performances from artists like Randy Travis, Ronnie Milsap, and the Oak Ridge Boys. During the performance, the duo can be seen getting emotional.

Video credit: RIC DOLPHIN on YouTube

2. “Old Town Road” by Billy Ray Cyrus & Mason Ramsey

"Old Town Road" was arguably the biggest song of 2019. Both Billy Ray Cyrus and Mason Ramsey were featured on remixes of the track originally done by Lil Nas X. The two performed the hit at the Grand Ole Opry together for a fun collaboration.

3. “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink” by Merle Haggard

For Kelsea Ballerini's Opry induction, Carrie Underwood joined her on stage to sing the Trisha Yearwood hit "Walkaway Joe." Their voices sound beautiful together in this emotional moment that captivated audiences. The YouTube video has over 5 million views.

4. Randy Travis’ “Forever and Ever, Amen”

In honor of Travis’s 60th birthday, the Opry decided to have a celebration performance. After having a stroke in 2013, Travis has been unable to sing due to loss of motor functions, and so

this performance was carried out by Don Schlitz, Ricky Skaggs, Josh Turner, Charles Esten and Charlie Worsham. Travis sings the final “amen,” and it is very difficult to not get emotional.

5. "Five More Minutes" by Scotty McCreery

McCreery wrote this song after his grandfather passed away, and he had no plans of recording it until he performed it at the Opry in 2016 and it received great recognition. In 2020, he played “Five More Minutes” again at the Opry, this time dedicating the performance to Charley Pride, who had passed away earlier that day.

To hear more of country music’s best new releases, head to our Playlists Page and follow The Nash New Releases playlist on Spotify. For the latest in country music news follow The Nash News on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok, and don’t miss our brand new newsletter!