How is Nashville and the Grand Ole Opry the Mecca of country music?
Nashville is considered the Mecca of country music because of the Grand Ole Opry. The Grand Ole Opry thrived because it had major bucks behind it (insurance) with which to promote the venue nationally. It was networked just as television is now networked. Since it was the most widely distributed, it was almost natural for it to assume the preeminent position. Why are some performers turned away (Elvis was turned down at the Opry)? When Elvis auditioned for the Opry, drums and the electric bass were not considered appropriate, not even to mention swiveling hips. Taking two instruments away would have probably wiped out two thirds of Elvis’s band. Remember, at that time, Roy Acuff was still considered “cool.” How did radio shows like Louisiana Hayride, Grand Ole Opry, etc. make or break performers? Where is the best place for a country performer to break out today? In the old days, there were no studio bands. Each band had a signature sound. If a band was received enthusiastically by a l
