The first country music house The Grand Ole Opry, was opened in Nashville in 1942 which made it a Mecca for all country stars. In the 1950’s and 1960’s hosted singers like Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Tammy Wynette, Tex Ritter, Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard and Charley Pride. Since then, an array of country music artist have flourished, like Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Randy Traves, Garth Brooks, Emmylou Harris and Lyle Lovett. Artists like The Dixie Chics, Mary J Blith, Taylor Swift, Billy Ray & Miley Cyrus now are enjoyed by a wider audience, continues to add to the growth and development of country rock.