As you walk into the lobby of the Ryman Auditorium, you will notice this famous duo chatting on a pew. On the left is the King of Country Music, Roy Acuff. The singer-songwriter and fiddler auditioned for the Grand Ole Opry in 1938. This launched the Smokey Mountain Boys and Acuff’s rise as a superstar. He was the first living member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. By his side is Sarah Cannon, better known by her stage name Minnie Pearl. She is wearing her signature straw hat with flowers and a dangling price tag. The comedian-singer joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1940. Together, Acuff and Pearl entertained at the Grand Ole Opry almost every weekend for decades. These statues by Russ Faxon are so lifelike you almost expect to hear Minnie shout out, “Howww-Deee! I’m jest so proud to be here!”
