Long before sold-out stadium tours and platinum albums, there was one goal nearly every country singer shared: playing the Grand Ole Opry. For more than a century, the Opry has been considered the heart of country music. It’s made from wood taken from the stage of the original Ryman Auditorium, often called the “Mother Church of Country Music.” Membership is by invitation only and recognizes artists who have made lasting contributions to country music while continuing to support the Opry’s traditions. Even as country music evolves, the Grand Ole Opry remains a place where generations come together.