GRAND OLE OPRY WEEK- The Ryman Ghosts

You’re right in the middle of a fun week-long feature on the centerpiece home of country music, the Grand Ole Opry. The Opry made its home at the Ryman Auditorium from June 5, 1943 to March, 1974. It has recently been the winter home of the Grand Ole Opry the last couple of years as well. Did you know it was rumored to be haunted?

Over the years, one of the Gallery visitors, a mysterious man in gray, has been sighted from time to time. He had never been seen during performances, but late at night, after the audience has gone home. At times when only maintenance workers and security guards are in the building, the Gray Man has been spotted sitting in the balcony. Others say that he has been seen during rehearsals as well. However, when anyone goes up to the Gallery to send him on his way, the balcony is always found to be deserted. Often when they return downstairs, they will once again see him in the same seat... a seat that was empty moments before. No one knows who this strange figure may be, whether a past patron to a forgotten show or a long dead Confederate soldier, but whoever he is, he does not haunt the Ryman alone!

Legend has it that the building's original owner, Captain Ryman, has also chosen to remain behind in this world to watch over his beloved building. He passed away in 1904 and was so well thought of that over 4,000 people packed into the auditorium to bid him farewell. It was during the funeral that a change of name was proposed for the place and it became the Ryman Auditorium.

The stories have it that Captain Ryman's ghost first made his presence known in the early 1900's, during a production of Carmen at the theater. The show had a rather risqué reputation and it was certain that Captain Ryman would not have approved of the material. It was said that his ghost made so much noise during the show that patrons complained about not being able to hear what was going on.

Another ghost said to the haunt the Auditorium is that of the legendary country musician, Hank Williams Sr.. Staff members have reported being seen Hank backstage and even, at times, on the stage itself. Another popular place for him to be spotted is in the alley in-between the Ryman and Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, a place where Hank would go for a quick drink at breaks. The Lounge is no stranger to Hank Williams sightings either and is one of many locations he is said to haunt.