On the first night at the brand-new Opry House: "They projected a film, of Roy Acuff singing “The Wabash Cannonball” from back in the 40s and they’re showing this on the screen in the new Opry House. And all of a sudden, that screen begins to lift and there’s Roy Acuff singing the same song. It never missed a beat. It was from the old film in the 40s to here’s Roy Acuff now in his 70s still singing “The Wabash Cannonball.” I stood there and cried." - Bill Anderson on Ken Burns: Country Music PBS

Roy Acuff, known as the “King of Country Music” due to his long association with the Grand Ole Opry, was born in Maynardville, Tennessee, on September 15, 1903. Acuff is often credited with moving the Opry (and Country Music) from its early string band and "hoedown" format to the singer-based model. Acuff debuted at the Opry in 1938. He became the first living inductee in the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1962. He passed away on November 23, 1992 at age 89. | GatorRock

The 'King Of Country Music,' Roy Acuff joined the Grand Old Opry in 1938. This song was is first hit in that same year! Watch this entire show on Country Road TV's VOD platform - subscribe today right here and watch anytime! https://tinyurl.com/bdfsfbdc #countrymusic #RoyAcuff | Country Road TV