WSM Radio, the radio home of the Grand Ole Opry, officially opened its new studio in the Acuff House on Opry Plaza following a special on-air interview with Colin Reed, Executive Chairman of Ryman Hospitality Properties, and Vince Gill, GRAMMY Award-winning Country Music Hall of Famer and member of the Grand Ole Opry. The event, hosted by WSM hosts Bill Cody and Kelly Sutton, celebrated the station’s move from its previous location at the Opryland Hotel to the Acuff House.

The Acuff House was once the residence of legendary Grand Ole Opry member Roy Acuff, known as the “King of Country Music.” Acuff lived in the house from 1984 until his death in 1992, making it a cherished landmark of the Opry’s storied past. His residence symbolized his pivotal role in shaping the genre.

“The move to the Acuff House is a significant milestone for WSM Radio, especially as we recognize the evolution of country music from a national genre to a global phenomenon. This new studio location not only expands our broadcast capabilities, but also strengthens our connection to the Opry as it approaches its 100th anniversary. The Acuff House, with its rich history, perfectly represents our commitment to honoring the past while embracing the future of country music,” said Colin Reed, Executive Chairman of Ryman Hospitality Properties.

Gill, who was the first Opry member to perform in the new studio, added, “Performing in the new WSM studio at the Acuff House is a true privilege. This space is a testament to the enduring legacy of country music and the continued evolution of the Opry and WSM. I am excited to see what the future holds for this legendary station.”

The new WSM Springer Mountain Farms studio features the latest broadcast technology for superior sound quality and enhanced production capabilities. The studio was designed to be more accessible to fans and features windows through which visitors can watch live broadcasts, allowing for increased interaction between the live performances at the Opry and the broadcasts that reach listeners far and wide.

The WSM studio features a new “Behind The Airwaves” exhibit that offers Opry tour guests an exclusive look at the story behind WSM and the studio. This feature allows fans to experience the magic of live radio and better understand the history and impact of WSM Radio.

The unique exhibits include:

Remote Mobile Pickup, 1933. This remote transmission unit was installed on the Pan American train and was the first WSM transmission to take place on board a moving train. It was the first wireless remote transmission machine ever invented by WSM’s Jack DeWitt.

Art Deco-style “On Air” sign by WSM Studio C, 1934. This sign also hung in Roy Acuff’s dressing room after it was gifted to the artist in 1983.

Fiddlin’ Sid Harkreader’s fiddle, 1928. This was the first instrument played after George D. Hay first uttered the words “Grand Ole Opry.”