Jun 12, 1936

Dr. Humphrey Bate dies of a heart ailment. Bate's band, The Possum Hunters, was the first to play country music on WSM Radio, which would launch the Grand Ole Opry. The Possum Hunters were a component of the Opry for its first 10 years

Jun 13, 1936

The Dixie Tabernacle becomes the home of the Grand Ole Opry, seating 3,500. The Opry remains there for the next three years. Pee Wee King and Roy Acuff both make their first Opry appearances at the venue

Jan 4, 1937

Songwriter Lorene Mann is born in Huntland, Tennessee. She authors Rex Allen's "Don't Go Near The Indians" and Kitty Wells' "Left To Right"

Mar 17, 1937

Sarah Colley--the future Minnie Pearl--leaves Sevierville, Tennessee, where she's directing a play, for Centerville when she learns her father, Thomas Colley, has died

May 22, 1937

Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys perform on the Grand Ole Opry for the first time

Jun 1, 1937

Pee Wee King and his Golden West Cowboys make their debut on WSM Radio

Jun 5, 1937

Pee Wee King & The Golden West Cowboys make their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry

Jun 27, 1937

Pee Wee King & The Golden West Cowboys officially join the Grand Ole Opry

Oct 9, 1937

The "Renfro Valley Barn Dance" debuts on Cincinnati radio station WLW. It remains a staple of midwest radio for the next 20 years, featuring such performs as Red Foley, Homer & Jethro, Whitey Ford and The Coon Creek Girls

Oct 16, 1937

Bradley Kincaid makes his first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry