Nov 27, 2001

Elvis Presley is inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame during a ceremony at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. The King is already enshrined in the Country and Rock & Roll Halls of Fame

Dec 7, 2001

Actress Faye Dunaway, in Nashville filming the independent film "Colored Eggs," visits the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman Auditorium. Among the artists on the bill for the evening: Clint Black, The Whites, John Conlee, Mel McDaniel and Darryl Worley

Dec 21, 2001

Josh Turner makes his Grand Ole Opry debut, performing "Long Black Train"

Jan 14, 2002

Following three weeks of protest, WSM executives say they will not abandon the Grand Ole Opry station's country format. They make the announcement at the Ryman Auditorium, backed by Vince Gill, Marty Stuart, Connie Smith and Billy Walker

Jan 16, 2002

PBS shoots a concert special, "All*Star Bluegrass Celebration," at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. Included in the lineup: Ricky Skaggs, Vince Gill, Earl Scruggs, Patty Loveless, Travis Tritt and Nickel Creek, among others

Feb 6, 2002

Steve Earle re-visits his landmark "Guitar Town" album, re-assembling his 1986 band and playing all the songs at the Ryman Auditorium. The band includes Richard Bennett, Harry Stinson, Paul Franklin, John Jarvis, Steve Nathan and Mike McAdam

Feb 10, 2002

Nashville observes Joe Diffie Day as the singer hosts his 10th annual Country Steps In For First Steps concert. On the bill: The Judds, Trace Adkins, Ricky Skaggs, Cyndi Thomson and comedian Cledus T. Judd

Feb 14, 2002

Merle Haggard plays Nashville's Ryman Auditorium, joined by Vince Gill and Albert E. Brumley on a version of "I'll Fly Away," written by Brumley's dad. Haggard leads the audience in a moment of silence for Waylon Jennings, who died the day before

Feb 16, 2002

Hank Williams Jr. makes his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry in more than 20 years, joining Travis Tritt and Marty Stuart to pay tribute to the late Waylon Jennings for more than an hour at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium

Mar 9, 2002

Steve Earle and Nickel Creek lead a Jammin' To Beat The Blues mental-health benefit at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. Also playing: John Cowan, Kevin Welch, Darrell Scott, Buddy & Julie Miller, Tony Rice and Pat McLaughlin