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[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 286 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

109th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 286

 Commending the Grand Ole Opry on the occasion of its 80th anniversary 
 for its important role in the popularization of country music and for 
           its 8 decades of musical and broadcast excellence.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                            October 25, 2005

   Mr. Frist (for himself and Mr. Alexander) submitted the following 
             resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
 Commending the Grand Ole Opry on the occasion of its 80th anniversary 
 for its important role in the popularization of country music and for 
           its 8 decades of musical and broadcast excellence.

Whereas the Grand Ole Opry is a pioneer of commercial radio in the United 
        States, and is the longest running continuous radio program in the 
        United States, having operated since November 28, 1925, and having 
        broadcasted over 4,000 consecutive Saturday evening shows on WSM Radio, 
        Nashville, Tennessee;
Whereas the Grand Ole Opry played an integral role in the commercial development 
        of the country music industry, and in establishing Nashville, Tennessee, 
        as ``Music City USA'';
Whereas the Grand Ole Opry has consistently promoted the best in live 
        entertainment and provided a distinctive forum for connecting country 
        music fans to musicians so as to promote the popularity of this uniquely 
        American genre;
Whereas the Grand Ole Opry serves as a unique American icon that enshrines the 
        rich musical history of country music, and preserves the tradition and 
        character of the genre through commemorative performances and events;
Whereas the Grand Ole Opry is committed to quality performances, and the 
        membership of the Grand Ole Opry represents the elite of country music 
        performers, including generations of America's most talented musicians, 
        encompassing the music legends of old and the superstars of today that 
        continue to define American country music;
Whereas performers at the Grand Ole Opry have included such universally 
        recognized names as Roy Acuff, Chet Atkins, Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, 
        Patsy Cline, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, George Jones, Grandpa Jones, 
        Loretta Lynn, Uncle Dave Macon, Dolly Parton, Minnie Pearl, Jim Reeves, 
        Ernest Tubb, Hank Williams, Trisha Yearwood, and many more;
Whereas the Grand Ole Opry celebrates the diversity of country music, with 
        membership spanning both generation and genre, representing the best in 
        folk, country, bluegrass, gospel, and comedy performances;
Whereas the Grand Ole Opry continues to utilize technological innovations to 
        develop new avenues of connecting country music to its fans, and can be 
        seen and heard around the world via television, radio, satellite radio, 
        and the Internet;
Whereas the Grand Ole Opry provides heartening support to members of the Armed 
        Forces by participating in the Department of Defense's America Supports 
        You Program, providing live performances to American Forces serving 
        abroad via the American Forces Radio and Television Services network;
Whereas the Grand Ole Opry is recognized as the world's premiere country music 
        show, and continues to entertain millions of fans throughout the world, 
        including United States Presidents and foreign dignitaries, and serves 
        as an emissary of American music and culture; and
Whereas the Grand Ole Opry will continue to impact American culture and music, 
        and play an important role in presenting the best in country music to 
        new generations of fans throughout the world, touching millions with 
        music and comedy: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate commends the Grand Ole Opry on the 
occasion of its 80th anniversary for its important role in the 
popularization of country music, and for its 8 decades of musical and 
broadcast excellence.
                                 <all>
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