Pictured (L-R): Gary Levy, General Manager of Ryman Auditorium, Chrissy Hall, Director of Concerts of Ryman Auditorium, Bonnie Raitt, Greg Harris, President and CEO of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Shelby Morrison, Director of Curatorial Operations & Artist Relations of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Photo: Catherine Powell
The Ryman Auditorium has been designated as an official Rock & Roll Hall of Fame landmark by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Mark Fioravanti, President of Ryman Hospitality Properties, and Greg Harris, President and CEO of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, made the announcement in a dedication ceremony held yesterday (May 26).
Joined by Nashville Mayor John Cooper and Old Dominion, a historic marker was unveiled to celebrate the milestone. The Ryman, currently celebrating its 130th anniversary, now joins 11 other rock & roll landmarks throughout the country, including Austin City Limits and Whisky a Go Go.
“It’s spiritual, and it’s one of the reasons she’s called the Mother Church. Like any good mother, she commands respect and makes you feel at home. As Music City and country music continue to expand around her, she remains the center of the family,” shares Matthew Ramsey, lead vocalist of Old Dominion. “She’s a beacon and a bucket list experience for us all, creators and fans alike.”
The Ryman and Rock Hall also announced a multi-year partnership, which will include a new daytime tour exhibit at the Ryman scheduled to open later this year featuring the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees who have graced the Ryman stage over the years.
“The Ryman is one of the most storied music venues in the world. With an unmatched role in popularizing country music—one of the pillars of rock & roll—its legendary stage has hosted performances by a staggering number of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees and continues to do so today,” adds Harris. “We recognize the significance of Ryman Auditorium and are thrilled to designate this iconic venue as a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame landmark.”
Of the 351 individuals who have been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, more than 100 have also graced the Ryman’s legendary stage. Ten-time Grammy-winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Bonnie Raitt performed a sold-out show Thursday night (May 26), where she also paid tribute to the Ryman’s mark on rock & roll history.
“The Ryman has played an important role not only in the history of Nashville, but in country music and rock & roll as well,” Raitt explains. “This stage holds a special place in my heart as I’m able to perform live with many of the incredible Nashville songwriters in the audience whose work has enriched my life and music. I’m honored to help pay tribute to of one of America’s great rock & roll venues.”
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