The National Life and Accident Insurance Company formed WSM radio that aired in 1925. WSM radio first played a wide variety of music, yet was most famous for hosting the the "WSM Barn Dance" that later became known as the Grand Ole Opry. Edwin Craig, President of National Life, was instrumental in the expansion of WSM, including the construction of the WSM radio tower south of Nashville. It was the largest transmitting device at its time in the U.S, making WSM a national station. The earliest years of the Grand Ole Opry included live performances by DeFord Bailey, Roy Acuff, Bill Monroe, amongst other influential musicians. WSM was later bought by Gaylord Broadcasting Company in 1983, ending local ownership for the Grand Ole Opry.
National Life/ Grand Ole Opry
36.1635, -86.7837
Description
The National Life and Accident Insurance Company formed WSM radio that aired in 1925. WSM radio first played a wide variety of music, yet was most famous for hosting the the "WSM Barn Dance" that later became known as the Grand Ole Opry. Edwin Craig, President of National Life, was instrumental in the expansion of WSM, including the construction of the WSM radio tower south of Nashville. It was the largest transmitting device at its time in the U.S, making WSM a national station. The earliest years of the Grand Ole Opry included live performances by DeFord Bailey, Roy Acuff, Bill Monroe, amongst other influential musicians. WSM was later bought by Gaylord Broadcasting Company in 1983, ending local ownership for the Grand Ole Opry.