The Grand Ole Opry Story is a four CD boxed set containing one hundred tracks which is set for release in the UK on January 5th on the Proper Record label.

For any country music fan it is a musically treat as it traces the history of 'The Opry' through the medium of country artists who have appeared there from it's formation.

For those not aware of it's importance in the history of country music the thirty two page booklet that accompanies the release is well worth the price itself.

From the early days of radio in the States and the emergence of WSM radio in 1925 that broadcast in Nashville,Tennessee it established itself as a great advertising medium for Nashville Life and Accident Insurance, complimented by a demographic mix of music.

It was only when one Saturday night a slot scheduled for advertising became vacant that the broadcasting output changed and the resulting spot became a part of country music's history.

The fill in radio show has now become the world's longest running 'live' radio show which continues to broadcast every Saturday night.

This four CD set is split into four twenty five track releases suitable titled 'Pan American Blues','Lost Highway','Oh So Many Years', and 'Success'.

From Disc One through to the final strains of Disc Four the listener is taken through a musical trip in time featuring artists who have graced the stage and appeared on the weekly radio output.

From Uncle Dave Macon in the early days through to household names like Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn,Marty Robbins, Hank Williams and Elvis Presley it is a cornucopia of musical treats.

Complete in its authenticity the majority of the tracks are mono recordings and it is not until disc four that stereo compliments some of the cuts.

In total it is a record of a time gone by that shaped the way for many of the country music artists of today.

It is a treat for the authentic country music fan.

A great gift to start the coming New Year perhaps.

The Grand Ole Opry Story 4 CD Boxed Set Proper Records