Grand Ole Opry Hit Hard by Flooding

Heavy flooding in Nashville, TN has forced the Grand Ole Opry to close it's doors temporarily.  The record breaking rains cause the local Cumberland River to raise over 10 feet.  The famous venue has several feet of water flooding it's space and posing a serious threat to it's old stage.  The Grand Ole Opry remains the most prestigous country venues in the country.  It's home to some of America's most famous country icons including Carrie Underwood, Patsy Cline, Garth Brooks and Dolly Parton.

But as they say "the show must go on" and the Grand Ole Opry house will still be having their shows at other Nashville venues until the damage is taken care of.

Congress Honors Country Music

            A new resolution has just been passed by Washington D.C. this recent week. This new resolution has nothing to do with healthcare, the war, or the economy, but rather country music. Yes, that’s right, Congress has acknowledged the major influence country music has made on American music and our country as whole, by giving it the recognition it deserves.

            Florida Rep. Cliff Steams, who proposed the resolution, states, “Country music traces its roots to the folk tradition of the British Isles and the Celts of central and western Europe. However, here in the United States, early immigrants, as well as African slaves, contributed to a new, distinct style of music that continued to develop through the 18th and 19th centuries…The history of country music is the history of our country.” (CMT) The resolution goes on to mention country music legends Willie Nelson, and Elvis Presley, as well the celebrated Grand Ole Opry and the impact these forces have made.

            It’s hard to deny these assertions when looking at some of the records country artists have broken over the years. Garth Brooks, having sold over 128,000,000 albums, is the top selling solo artist in United States history. (Library of Congress) Taylor Swift is breaking records as we speak, having just earned top honors as the artist with the longest-charting album on Billboard’s Top 200 charts. (Billboard)

            We at Lost Gold Records are very excited about this new declaration, having a great number of country music artists in our catalogue. From big names like Dolly Parton, to rising stars like Todd Taylor, who is currently making his mark in country music today. 

Kaitlin Southron

November 2009

The Grand Ole Opry Commemorates 84 Years

            The Grand Ole Opry is celebrating its 84^th birthday this month. Established in 1925 and starting out as a simple radio broadcast, the Grand Ole Opry has since become one of the most influential forces in country music today.

The building has become a world famous tourist attraction in Nashville, Tenn. Every year, the Opry holds one the biggest shows showcasing some of the most significant country music stars. The likes of Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, and Todd Taylor have all performed and made their mark at the Grand Ole Opry.

This October, the Opry continues its tradition with a month long birthday celebration featuring various renowned country musicians performing each day. It’s still not too late to purchase tickets and join in on the festivities! 

Kaitlin Southron

October 2009