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Opry's Wildest Guests: Presidents to Pop Stars
3 Aug
Summary
- The Grand Ole Opry has hosted unexpected guests from diverse genres.
- Richard Nixon played piano and sang at the Opry in 1974.
- Post Malone debuted at the Opry in August 2024 with a country album.
The Grand Ole Opry, celebrating a century of country music, has a rich history of hosting unexpected performers, transcending genre boundaries.
Throughout its existence, the iconic venue has welcomed a diverse array of artists, from presidents to pop stars, surprising audiences with unique appearances.
Notable guests include President Richard Nixon, who performed "God Bless America" and "My Wild Irish Rose" on piano in March 1974. Later, in August 2024, Post Malone made his Opry debut with a concert celebrating his country album "F-1 Trillion."
Other surprising performers include Elvis Presley, who made a single appearance in 1954, and James Brown in 1979. More recent appearances feature pop and rock artists like Pharrell Williams, Steven Tyler, and The Beach Boys, showcasing the Opry's broad appeal.
Even Sesame Street's Elmo joined the stage in August 2025 for the venue's 100th-anniversary celebration, performing with country singer Lauren Alaina.
