Oct 16, 1972

Loretta Lynn becomes the first woman to win the Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year in the sixth annual awards at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. She also takes Female Vocalist and shares Vocal Duo with Conway Twitty

Jan 20, 1973

Jerry Lee Lewis makes his Grand Ole Opry debut, breaking two promises: he won't sing rock & roll, and won't swear. The set list includes "Another Place, Another Time," "Johnny B. Goode," "Great Balls Of Fire" and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On"

Jul 21, 1973

Jeanne Pruett joins the Grand Ole Opry, the last artist added before the show transfers from Nashville's Ryman Auditorium to the Grand Ole Opry House

Oct 15, 1973

Chet Atkins and the late Patsy Cline are named to the Country Music Hall Of Fame during the seventh annual Country Music Association awards at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville

Oct 15, 1973

Charlie Rich wins three times in the seventh annual CMA awards at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. Rich takes Male Vocalist of the Year, while "Behind Closed Doors" claims Single of the Year and provides the title for the Album of the Year

Oct 27, 1973

Southern comedian Jerry Clower joins the Grand Ole Opry cast during a performance at the Ryman Auditorium. He becomes the last new member added before the show relocates to the Grand Ole Opry House

Dec 8, 1973

Skeeter Davis sings "Amazing Grace" on the Grand Ole Opry and speaks out against Nashville police for arresting members of a "Christ Is The Answer" rally, made up predominantly of "hippies." As a result, the Opry suspends her for 15 months

Dec 14, 1973

Lorrie Morgan gives her first performance on the Grand Ole Opry, singing "Paper Roses" at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium

Dec 28, 1973

Tex Ritter makes his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville

Jan 24, 1974

Eddy Arnold hosts as CBS tapes "The Country Music Hit Parade" at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium with Conway Twitty, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Charlie Rich, Jeanne Pruett and Danny Davis & The Nashville Brass