Tony Gonzalez

That singer, Johnny Cash.

Today, there are 77 living members, including stand-up comedians and some duos and groups.

Among the performers tonight are Trace Adkins, Vince Gill, and Connie Smith.

For NPR News, I'm Tony Gonzalez in Nashville.

And ever since then, his popularity's been growing and growing more than ever with all you folks and with all of us who have come to like him and pull for him so much.

I keep the ends out for the tie that binds.

Because you're mine, I walk the line.

I once was lost

The Grand Ole Opry hits the AM airwaves each week like clockwork.

That archival tape from 1958.

The Opry began as a radio broadcast from the offices of an insurance company, and music journalist Craig Hebighurst says it grew into a launching pad for artists.

Nearly two dozen performers are on the bill for the centennial birthday show.

For NPR News, I'm Tony Gonzalez in Nashville.

The blast occurred at a major employer in rural Humphreys County, where many residents have connections to the victims.

That widespread impact is weighing on local sheriff Chris Davis.

The disaster also evokes painful memories.

The county experienced flooding in 2021 that killed 20 people.

In a note to Families Online, one school superintendent said local children have faced more tragedy than most will know in a lifetime, and that they will become a generation that finds ways to help.

Officials say they're searching for the cause of the blast to provide closure to families, but that it could take months.

For NPR News, I'm Tony Gonzalez in Nashville.