Happy 90th Birthday to the Grand Ole Opry (2)

During a 31-year span, form 1943 to 1974, the program launched many music careers. Legends such as Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash performed on the Ryman stage.

As audiences continued to grow, the Ryman Auditorium began to show signs of deterioration. In March 1974 the Grand Ole Opry moved to a 4300-seat auditorium built for the show and named the Grand Ole Opry House. As an indication of the show's importance, then U.S. President Richard Nixon played the piano on opening night.

Changes through the years
Today, most names and faces are different, and the music has changed somewhat. The Opry has welcomed many who have become iconic entertainers, including Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift.

Although early city leaders resented the Opry's musical style, today's leaders are proud of Nashville's most popular tourist attraction. Nashville bears the title Music City and hosts hundreds of thousands form around the world who come to see the legendary broadcast.

Millions more tune in each week to listen to the show that is still dedicated to country music's rich history and its exciting present.

Language Lab
span n.
the period of time between two dates or events
- The life span of a butterfly only lasts a couple of weeks.
- Ricky worked with his dad over a span of ten years.
span v. [spans; spanned; spanning]
to continue throughout (a period of time)
- The patient's treatment spanned more than three years.

deterioration n.
/dɪˌtirijəˈreɪʃən/
the act or process of becoming worse
- Signs of deterioration started to show in his physical condition.
deteriorate v.
/dɪˈtirijəˌreɪt/
to become worse as time passes
- Her mental condition is deteriorating.

resent v.
/rɪˈzɛnt/
to be angry or upset about (someone or something that you think is unfair)
- Harry resents his boss because he always blames others when things go wrong.
resentment n.
a feeling of anger or displeasure about someone or something unfair
- The boy has a deep resentment against his parents.

bear v. [bears; bore /ˈboɚ/ ; borne /ˈboɚn/ ; bearing]
to accept or endure (something);
to assume or accept (something, such as cost or responsibility);
- Because William bears the honor of his family, he has to revive the family business.
- After her husband abandoned her, Sophie bore the responsibility of raising her children alone.

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