The Grand Ole Opry is bringing back the music that made Nashville the center of the Country Music industry.

Starting March 2009, the Opry is adding Opry Country Classics, a Thursday night line-up of classic Country Music performances, fully equipped with a live band and square dancing. The music that made Nashville the nucleus of Country Music will be performed by the legends that made it so, and fresh faces that have molded contemporary Country.

“We are pleased to introduce this new show that celebrates country music’s incredible legacy by showcasing its most familiar and beloved songs,” said Steve Buchanan, president of the Grand Ole Opry Group, in a statement. “The programming in Opry Country Classics is a perfect complement to our Grand Ole Opry performances."

The live broadcast will be broadcast on 650 WSM-AM Nashville, XM radio and Opry.com, Thursdays at 7pm.

Marty Stuart, Opry member since 1992, 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!”

The line up for next year also has Nashville city leaders buzzing with positive feedback. "The Grand Ole Opry is one of Nashville’s signature attractions and it’s always exciting when we provide one more reason for people to visit us in Music City,” said Nashville Mayor Karl Dean. Tennessee Department of Tourist Development commissioner, Susan Whitaker, is also looking forward to the blast from the past the ageless music will bring tourists looking for the tunes that came to make Nashville Music City. “We look forward to spreading the word about this addition to the Grand Ole Opry’s schedule as an important part of a musical mix unmatched by any other state.”

Crack open a cola, drop in some peanuts and enjoy the show. Tickets for Opry Country Classics go on sale next month and will be available as individual purchases or packaged with time-honored Opry performances.

By Patricia Montesinos