The Grand Ole Opry will add a new night to its weekly schedule, celebrating classic country artists, beginning next year on Thursdays. The Opry currently has shows on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

"Opry Country Classics" will share country music's colorful story through a live performance featuring country favorites performed by legends of the genre as well as talented new artists, " according to a statement from the Opry. Like current Opry broadcasts, the show will be heard on 650 WSM-AM.

"We are pleased to introduce this new show that celebrates country music's incredible legacy by showcasing its most familiar and beloved songs performed by the legends that made them famous as well as rising stars," said Steve Buchanan, president of the Grand Ole Opry Group. "The programming in Opry Country Classics is a perfect complement to our Grand Ole Opry performances featuring the new stars, superstars and legends of country music."

Opry member Marty Stuart said, "I was raised in Mississippi, where we were immersed in the blues, rock n' roll, and jazz, but it was the country music I heard that touched my heart. The sounds beaming from that 650 WSM signal seemed to beckon me to Nashville. I'm looking forward to performing some of those same great timeless songs for country fans on Thursdays next year. Let 'er go, boys."