G. SCOTT WALDEN NAMED GENERAL MANAGER
OF NASHVILLE'S RYMAN AUDITORIUM
Historic Music Venue Gains New Leadership

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 22, 2007) – G. Scott Walden has been named General Manager of Nashville's famed Ryman Auditorium. Walden will be responsible for the programming, financial and operational success of the renowned music venue and National Historic landmark. A 16-year veteran of the Music business, Walden served from 1991 to 2001 as Vice President of Artist Development for Capricorn Records, a label co-founded by his uncle, legendary music impresario Phil Walden. At Capricorn, Walden was responsible for all aspects of the roster's artist development, including A&R, product management, marketing (national, regional & touring) & video production. Walden also oversaw all touring activities for acts ranging from rock groups Widespread Panic, CAKE, 311, and Gov't Mule to Country Artists Kenny Chesney and Hank Williams Jr. Most recently Walden served as the Ryman's Marketing Manager from 2003 to 2006. During his tenure, the Ryman was nominated for and won its first-ever Pollstar Theatre of the Year award in 2004. The Ryman repeated its win the following year over such celebrated venues as New York's Radio City Music Hall and the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.

“G. Scott's broad based music industry experience in addition to his years at the Ryman gives him a keen sense of how to build upon the Ryman's success and reputation,” says Gaylord's Senior Vice President of Media and Entertainment Steve Buchanan.

Walden is only the 7th person in the building's 115-year history to hold the title of General Manager. Among the list of former GM's are Buchanan and legendary local business woman Lula C. Naff who held the title for 35 years from 1920 to1955.

“I am extremely honored and excited at being named General Manager of the Ryman Auditorium,” says Walden. “The history that has transpired within these walls is extraordinary, and after 115 years, it continues to be one of the best places in the world to hear live music. I am very mindful of the fact that I have been entrusted with both preserving this legacy and continuing to grow it.”

Last week The Ryman was named Venue of the Year at the 2007 IEBA (International Entertainment Buyers Association) awards, winning over an impressive list of fellow nominees including the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and Chastain Park Amphitheatre in Atlanta. Earlier this year, the Ryman earned its 4th consecutive nomination as Pollstar's Theatre of the Year, and Life magazine named The Ryman one of “America's 21 Wonders.”

The Ryman is open as a museum 7 days a week and at night features concerts by music's brightest stars. Artists who have recently played sold-out shows at the Ryman include Bob Dylan, Kid Rock, the Black Crowes, and Kings of Leon. The venue's schedule of upcoming events in 2007 features concerts by Old Crow Medicine Show, Smashing Pumpkins, Nickel Creek, Annie Lennox, and Michael McDonald. This week brings a sold out three night engagement by Southern Rock band Widespread Panic. The group, who like Walden, hails from Georgia, released its major label debut on Capricorn Records.

About Ryman Auditorium
A National Historic Landmark, the Ryman Auditorium was built as a church in 1892, served as the home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943-74, and was completely renovated in 1994. The Ryman, voted Pollstar's Theatre of the Year for 2003 and 2004 and one of the Top Ten "Best Live Music Venues" in the nation by Citysearch patrons, continues its more-than-100-year music tradition by offering the best in live entertainment. Ryman Auditorium is owned by Gaylord Entertainment (NYSE: GET), a Nashville-based hospitality and entertainment company that owns and operates Gaylord Hotels and the Grand Ole Opry. For more information visit www.ryman.com or www.gaylordentertainment.com.

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