Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium is famously also known as the Mother Church of Country Music and one-time home of the Grand Ole Opry, but it has also played a crucial role in Rock & Roll history. Last week, the 130-year-old venue was designated an official landmark by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, making it one of only 12 such locations in the United States.

“The Ryman is one of the most storied music venues in the world. With an unmatched role in popularizing country music — one of the pillars of rock & roll — its legendary stage has hosted performances by a staggering number of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees and continues to do so today,” said Rock & Roll Hall of Fame President and CEO Greg Harris in a statement.

Harris was joined by Nashville Mayor John Cooper and country band Old Dominion for the announcement, which included the unveiling of a historic marker and plans for a daytime tour exhibit at the Ryman.

Since opening, the Ryman has hosted more than 100 of the 351 members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Hall of Famer Bonnie Raitt played the room the same day its landmark status was announced.

Other Rock Hall-designated landmarks:

  • Brooklyn High School, Brooklyn, Ohio
  • Whisky a Go Go, West Hollywood, California
  • King Records (USA), Cincinnati, Ohio
  • The Crossroads, Clarksdale, Mississippi
  • Leo's Casino, Cleveland, Ohio
  • Corner Tavern, Cleveland, Ohio
  • WJW (AM), Cleveland, Ohio
  • WEWS-TV, Cleveland, Ohio
  • Surf Ballroom, Clear Lake, Iowa
  • Austin City Limits Studio, KRLU –TV, Austin, Texas
  • Cosimo Matassa’s J&M Recording Studio, New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, Tennessee