Ryman Auditorium

The Ryman Auditorium is one of Nashville’s best known landmarks and remains a coveted place for musicians to perform. But there are also some “haunts” at the Ryman to tell you about. The Ryman was built by Captain Thomas Ryman. Originally named the Union Gospel Tabernacle, it hosted religious services and revivals. Look up at the top of the building to see the white marble block engraved: Union Gospel Tabernacle, 1892. After Ryman’s death in 1904, the church was renamed Ryman Auditorium, and the venue shifted to non-religious concerts, plays, and other events. According to urban legend, the ghost of Thomas Ryman still appears during performances that do not meet his moral standards. Allegedly he stomps up and down the aisles, making so much noise that it interrupts the performance. 

The Ryman’s most famous as the home of the Grand Ole Opry, which was broadcast each week in front of a live audience. From 1943 to 1974, the show was broadcast from the Ryman, and radio listeners all across the nation tuned in to hear the Opry’s musical and comedy acts. Anyone who was anyone wanted to perform at the Ryman, which brought many big-name artists to perform on this stage. But there is a rumored “Ryman Curse” associated with this era. From 1943 to 1974, an estimated 37 people died in tragic accidents after playing or working at the Ryman. When the Grand Ole Opry moved to Opryland, 20 minutes Northeast of downtown, a piece of the Ryman stage was cut out and installed as part of the Opryland stage. Some argue that the old stage transferred the “Ryman Curse” to the new venue. Since the move, 14 more performers or workers have died after performing at the new location.

Beyond the curse, the Ryman supposedly is home to a few frequent specters. A “Grey Man” is said to appear during rehearsals. He’s believed to be a Confederate soldier who visited the Ryman for one of many Confederate events held here in the early 1900s. Another is the ghost of a woman who takes center stage and sings in the middle of the night. Even the spirit of Hank Williams Sr. is rumored to haunt the aisles at night. Who wouldn’t want to spend eternity listening to the beautiful music that emanates from the Ryman? So next time you visit the famed concert venue, be on the lookout for any specters who may be trying to listen along with you.

Congratulations! You have completed the Hidden History and Haunts tour on Nashville Sites. We hope that you enjoyed learning about the people and places whose stories are tucked into the far reaches of Nashville’s history. No matter where you find yourself in Nashville, you can bet there is an interesting story nearby. Be sure to post pictures and comments on social media and tag us @NashvilleSites. If you want to learn more about how some of these stops relate to downtown’s architectural, civic, or religious history, we hope that you will check out our other tours. To support Nashville Sites as we continue to add tours and features, please click on the “Donate Now” button at the top of the page. Thanks for spending this time with us, and remember: in Music City there is a lot more than meets the eye. This is Janet Briggs, signing off!