Ryman Residencies: A Look Inside the Tradition
By Lane Vaughn
Countless artists have taken the stage at the Ryman, but some have made it their home for a little longer. When an artist plays three or more consecutive shows, we consider it a Ryman Residency—and over the years, some of these residencies have become beloved annual traditions on our concert calendar.
Recently, we added a new wall to our lobby celebrating a few of these memorable residencies, with room to recognize the artists who will continue this tradition in the years to come.
See the Wall of Fame for yourself on a Ryman tour. But first, explore the history behind these legendary residencies below.
AMY GRANT & VINCE GILL
Longest-Running Annual Residency: Christmas at the Ryman
Iconic husband-and-wife country duo Amy Grant and Vince Gill deliver one of Nashville’s favorite holiday traditions: Christmas at the Ryman, a 12-concert run filled with Christmas classics, gospel anthems, and holiday hits. Since 2008 when this tradition began, they’ve performed over 100 Christmas at the Ryman shows.
OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW
Over 15 Years of New Year’s Eve Shows
Old Crow Medicine Show might best be known for the song “Wagon Wheel,” responsible for countless covers and bar singalongs through the years. Around Nashville, the GRAMMY Award-winning American roots band is known for something else—ringing in the new year at the Ryman. This tradition began in 2009 and is still going strong today. Listeners on WSM Radio can join in as the band leads a countdown to midnight, the crowd sings along to “Auld Lang Syne,” and a new year begins in Nashville style.
JASON ISBELL AND THE 400 UNIT
Over a Decade of Yearly Residencies
Each year in October, singer/songwriter Jason Isbell and his band perform a multi-night residency that leaves the Mother Church’s wooden interior buzzing. The yearly show series started in 2013, and each year, the band thoughtfully chooses openers and special guests, often featuring local acts. This year’s acts all hail from Memphis, Tennessee, including The Bo-Keys, Southern Avenue, and Amy LaVere. Isbell and the 400 Unit have also released two live albums recorded during their annual residencies: Live From the Ryman (2018) and Live From The Ryman, Vol. 2 (2024).
OLD DOMINION
Most Consecutive Shows
Legendary country group Old Dominion made history with their “7 for 7” residency in February of 2025. Celebrating their record-breaking seventh consecutive CMA Award for Vocal Group of the Year, the seven-show run also set a Ryman record for most consecutive shows. The residency raised more than $1.2 million for seven different charities they have been engaged with over their career: MusiCares, Save the Music, Backline Care, Opry Trust Fund, CMA Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and The Ramsey Foundation.
LITTLE BIG TOWN
First Year-Long Artist Residency
In 2017, country quartet Little Big Town hosted the Ryman’s first-ever year-long artist residency; the only one in the venue’s 100+ year history. Titled Little Big Town at the Mother Church, the residency spanned multiple sold out shows throughout the year. It featured packed setlists and appearances from several surprise guests, including Miranda Lambert, Brothers Osborne, and Maren Morris.
SEE THE WALL OF FAME FOR YOURSELF
Visit the Wall of Fame on a Ryman tour, and keep an eye on the calendar for your chance to experience an unforgettable Ryman Residency in person.
