Ryman Auditorium dubbed the 'Mother Church of Country Music'

Ryman Auditorium, the longtime home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974, is commonly referred to as the "Mother Church of Country Music." That nickname is used both respectfully and jokingly by locals when referring to the venue's central place in Nashville's music culture. Ryman continues to host concerts and tours in its historic downtown building.