Jan 1, 1971

Tom T. Hall joins the Grand Ole Opry

Feb 7, 1971

Neil Young, James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt tape appearances on "The Johnny Cash Show" at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. Afterward, they head to Quadraphonic Studios, where Taylor and Ronstadt add backing vocals to Young's "Heart Of Gold"

Feb 18, 1971

During a taping of "The Johnny Cash Show," Cash becomes a surprise subject of Ralph Edwards' "This Is Your Life." Guests include June Carter Cash, Rosanne Cash, John Carter Cash, Carlene Carter and Maybelle Carter, among others

Mar 27, 1971

Jan Howard joins the Grand Ole Opry

Apr 21, 1971

Connie Smith rejoins the Grand Ole Opry

Oct 10, 1971

Columbia Records pioneer Art Satherley joins the Country Music Hall Of Fame during the fifth annual Country Music Association awards at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. As a producer, Satherley worked with Bill Monroe, Gene Autry, Roy Acuff and others

Oct 10, 1971

Charley Pride wins Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year at the fifth annual Country Music Association awards, held at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Tennessee Ernie Ford hosts the event for the third year in a row

Feb 11, 1972

"Grand Ole Gospel Time" debuts as a post-Grand Ole Opry, Friday night event, produced by Jimmy Snow, son of Hank Snow. The show continues for 23 years, with Johnny Cash and June Carter as inaugural-night guests

Jul 8, 1972

When a concert date is cancelled, Barbara Mandrell joins the Grand Ole Opry, three weeks earlier than scheduled

Oct 16, 1972

Jimmie Davis is added to the Country Music Hall Of Fame during the sixth annual Country Music Association awards at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium