Hauntings of the Ryman Auditorium | Grand Ole Opry

Posted: 12.30.2019 | Updated: 01.09.2025

The Ryman Auditorium, best known as the Grand Ole Opry, is a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Over a century old, it has hosted countless celebrities and iconic figures in the country music industry, making it one of Nashville’s most visited destinations.

While renowned for its musical legacy, the Ryman also draws attention for its darker side—paranormal activity. Known for ghost tours in Nashville, visitors flock to explore its eerie reputation, with tales of disembodied footsteps, cold spots, and ghostly apparitions, including that of its founder, Thomas Ryman.

Who Haunts The Ryman Auditorium?

The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, is famous not only for its musical legacy but also for its ghostly visitors. Opened in 1892 as a religious gathering space, the “Mother Church of Country Music” has become a hotspot for paranormal lore.

Many believe the spirit of Thomas Ryman still roams the halls, ensuring the venue retains its original sanctity. Visitors often report eerie footsteps, disembodied voices, and inexplicable cold drafts in its shadowy corridors.

Some say the ghost of Hank Williams, Sr., also lingers near the stage, where his music once mesmerized audiences. Others claim to have seen fleeting figures in old-fashioned clothing during late-night tours. Whether you visit for the music or the mystery, the Ryman offers an experience that’s equal parts haunting and unforgettable.

What Is The Ryman Auditorium?

The auditorium has 2,362 seats. It would host live performances. You can find it at 116 Fifth Avenue North. The Grand Ole Opry would use this building for several years. It was entered into the historical places in 71 and  2001 and was considered a historical landmark. The role that the opry had on the building is what made it into a national historic landmark. It popularized country music to what we know and love today.

History of The Ryman Auditorium

This auditorium was first established and constructed in the later part of the 1800s. It was constructed by a man named Thomas Green Ryman. Ryman was a businessman with fleets of riverboats and owned several saloons.

He wanted an area that was located indoors for those who wanted to attend the tent revivals religion. This was a popular religion at the time and era. He had gotten this idea from Samual Jones. Ryman had been to one of Samual’s tent revivals. He went to heckle; however, he was converted. He was so converted that he built the auditorium. He had pledged to make an area in which people could go indoors.

He had done just that. The building took several years to complete. It was completed in 1892 with the name Union Gospel Tabernacle. The project cost about 100,000 dollars at the time. Today, that would be almost three million dollars. Jones would hold the first revival of the site. This would happen in 1890. The building would only have the foundation up and six-foot walls.

With that being said, the architect on the job, Hugh Cathcart Thomson, had exceeded the budget that was allowed for construction. The auditorium had opened with 20,000 dollars worth of debt. Today, that is over 500,000 dollars in debt. However, it was built in and would be open in 1897 for a gathering. The funds were provided by those who attended this gathering.

Jones wanted to name this area after Thomas; however, he denied it several times. It wasn’t until he had passed away and the memorial service was held at this auditorium that the name would change. It was Jones who proposed that they rename the auditorium in honor of Thomas Green Ryman. This proposal occurred during his memorial service and all the people in attendance agreed. Two years after this, Jones had died as well.

The Ryman Auditorium: From Worship Hall to Music Legend

After Ryman had passed away, they started to rename the building in his honor. This decision was made at his funeral services. The auditorium was now named the Ryman Auditorium.

The building was designed to be used for worship; however, it has been leased out many times for other events. It would be leased out to help pay for the debts and keep the auditorium open.

In 1904, after Ryman had passed away, Lula C. Naff was a stenographer. She had begun promoting and speaking at concerts, engagements, and even boxing matches. She had several different uses for the Ryman during her free time. It was in 1914 that Lula’s employer had gone out of business. After this, she had made booking the events a full-time job. In 1920, she was considered a booking manager. She eventually would go by the name of L.C. Naff. She would go by this name to avoid prejudice because she was a female in the male-dominated industry.

She was known for battling local groups. Censorship groups were trying to ban many performances that seemed risque. In 1939, she won a lawsuit against the board of censors. They were planning to arrest the star of a play because of its provocative nature. However, the court would declare a law that censors would be invalid. It was because of this woman that the auditorium would be in the light it was in. Even as the building aged, many famous people came and performed in it.

It wasn’t until 1943 that this location was chosen to be used as the location for the Grand Ole Opry. The building was most famous for hosting this event. It was also referred to as the Grand Ole Opry House.

This auditorium had been home to the Opry for thirty-one years. It relocated in 1974 because it needed a larger area. The new area was built specifically for this event and was named the official Grand Ole Opry House.

After this, the auditorium would be left to deteriorate. It was even said that the building would be demolished in the early part of the 1990s. However, it was at this time that several concerts were recorded in the auditorium. Emmylou Harris recorded these concerts live and put them on an album that was titled At the Ryman. The performances done by Emmylou had made a major impact on the life of the building. Because of this, the building would undergo renovations and be restored. This was completed at the end of 1994.

The Grand Ole Opry Curse

There is a legend that surrounds the auditorium, which is named the Grand Ole Opy Curse. There have been numerous paranormal activity reports throughout the years. Because of this, the building is now on a list of the many different haunted places in Tennessee.

The curse is a legend that has been around since 1970. It is because the people who are associated with the Grand Ole Opry have died tragic and even untimely deaths. It is believed that there are over thirty-five people who have fallen victim to the curse.

This includes several tragic incidents, such as plane crashes that claimed the lives of Patsy Cline and Jim Reeves, as well as the murder of Stringbean Akeman. Other notable deaths connected to the building include Texas Ruby Fox, who died in a fire, and Ira Louvin, who was killed in a car crash.

Hauntings of the Ryman Auditorium

Several spirits are said to live or haunt this auditorium. The names that are associated with the hauntings make it very popular because they are notable people. It is believed that people see the spirit or ghost of Hank Williams Sr. Hank is often seen backstage, however, there are a few instances where he is seen like a white mist on the stage while he is singing. He has also been seen behind the auditorium. This alleyway that he is seen in will lead to the Orchid Lounge. This was where Hank would frequent when he would perform here.

There is another sighting that many people report. It is that of a male who is dressed in all Gray. This man is never seen during performances, however, he makes himself seen during rehearsals of even after the performance. You can see him sitting on the balcony and overlooking the stage. However, no one can ever locate him. It is said that you can see him often and many people come just to look for him when they are getting ready for a performance.

The last spirit is said to be that of Ryman himself. Many people believe that he is there to make it clear that he does not approve of some of the performances that are going on in his auditorium. He makes loud noises that interfere with the shows that are going on. These are just a few of the ghosts that are said to haunt the Ryman Auditorium.

Haunted Nashville

Nashville’s haunted history offers more than just a peek into the city’s past—it’s an unforgettable experience that beckons the curious and the courageous alike. From the eerie halls of the Ryman Auditorium to the ghostly tales surrounding iconic landmarks, Nashville is brimming with supernatural stories waiting to be uncovered.

Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, a Nashville ghost tour will take you on a spine-chilling adventure through the city’s rich and sometimes haunting history. So, when you’re in Music City, make sure to explore its haunted side—it’s a journey that promises to be as thrilling as it is unforgettable.

Keep up with us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for even more spooky content! And be sure to read our blog for deeper dives into Nashville’s haunted history and the most chilling spots in the city.

Sources:

1. https://www.ryman.com/story/captain-tom-ryman-captain-skeptic-convert
2. https://www.grammy.com/news/history-nashvilles-beloved-ryman-auditorium
3. https://wwd.com/pop-culture/culture-news/what-is-the-grand-ole-opry-1235844321
4. https://savingcountrymusic.com/50-years-ago-opry-legend-stringbean-akeman-is-murdered
5. https://chapter16.org/haunted-by-the-ghost-of-hank-williams