A long-running stage at ‘Mother Church’

By CHRIS TALBOTT

AP Entertainment Writer

NASHVILLE, Tenn.

It’s time for a new stage at Ryman Auditorium, a significant moment in the history of a building known for its significant moments.

Scuffed by the heels of “The King,” “The Queen of Soul” and thousands of singers in cowboy boots, scarred by an uncountable stream of road cases and worn by six decades of music history, the Ryman’s oak floorboards have reached the end of a very long, very successful run.

“That stage has had a wonderful life,” said Steve Buchanan, senior vice president of media and entertainment for Gaylord Entertainment, owners of the Ryman.

The current stage is just the second in the 120-year history of the “Mother Church” after the original was installed in 1901 for a performance of the Metropolitan Opera. It was laid down in 1951 and has lasted far longer than expected. The stage was refinished during a renovation in 1993-94 and even then officials knew it would be the last resurfacing. Today it’s heavily scuffed and scarred, its age easily visible from the Ryman’s balcony.

The Ryman is still the building most associated with The Grand Ole Opry, though it moved to the Opry House in 1974, and has hosted a number of significant moments in American culture.

Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash stood together on those boards and changed music. Cultures clashed there when the boo birds took on country rockers The Byrds. Today, the Ryman is a much sought-after destination point for musicians of all genres and many shows take on a unique aura.

Dylan recently returned, more than 40 years after “Nashville Skyline.” Taylor Swift sang there recently with her friends, The Civil Wars. Even the heaviest of rockers get nostalgic, such as Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age, who said it was an honor to get drunk while performing there.

Keith Urban will be among the last performers on the stage when the Opry plays its final winter date Friday at The Ryman.

That a busy venue needs a new stage is not necessarily news. But when the Ryman stage is replaced, it alters an icon that is closely watched by sometimes vocal guardians of its cultural significance.

Officials are prepared for questions. They point out the building has gone through many upgrades over the years and that each step was vital to preserving the building.