The Oklahoma Opry grew from a love of music and a love of family, and has become an important part of Oklahoma’s musical culture and history. Starting as a backyard gathering of family and friends who loved to play and sing country music, the Opry was formed and grew under the guidance of Granville “Grant” Leftwich (1929 – 2006). Starting at the OKC National Guard Armory as a family-oriented country show, the “Oklahoma Opry” was officially launched in 1977 in the renovated Knob Hill theater located in the Capitol Hill district of Oklahoma City. Later, moving into the historic Stockyards district in 2004, the Opry found its new home in the Rodeo Theater where it thrived from 2004-2020 as the Rodeo Opry. Reclaiming its original name in 2021, the Oklahoma Opry relocated to Oklahoma City's premier entertainment district, where the Opry’s forever at home at 19 E. California Ave. on the Bricktown canal will undergo renovations. Until complete, the Oklahoma Opry and music classes are being temporarily held in ACM@UCO (25 South Oklahoma Avenue).

Grant Leftwich loved nothing more than discovering and promoting talented young people as they began to establish careers in the music industry. He created a network of opportunities through the Oklahoma Opry that brought new stars into the light, including Bryan White, Katrina Elam and Cody Canada of Cross Canadian Ragweed and The Departed. Iconic Okie artists such as Reba McEntire, Wanda Jackson, Jody Miller, Wade Hayes, Byron Berline, Sammi Smith, and local legend Jude Northcutt not only performed at the Opry but also furthered the Opry’s mission by working with upcoming young Oklahoma talents to open the doors to their future. Reaching beyond Oklahoma connections, Leftwich brought country music legends to our local stage, including Jim Ed Brown, Helen Cornelious, David Frizell, Johnny Rodriguez, Leroy Van Dyke, and Kitty Wells. This collaborative relationship between music professionals and young performers from our state is the heart of the Opry.

Taking the next step into community outreach and education, the Opry Heritage Foundation of Oklahoma was established in 2004. Artist Development programs were then launched - including masterclasses in songwriting with hit Nashville songwriters, vocal technique & stage presence workshops with industry professionals - expanding on the Opry’s supportive foundation laid by Grant Leftwich. In addition to Artist Development opportunities, the Opry established Oklahoma Heritage Concerts. These concerts, written in partnership with professional K-12 certified Educators, teach Oklahoma history and heritage through music. These concerts currently take place at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, where hundreds of students from all over the state attend and experience Oklahoma music, history, and heritage firsthand.

The Oklahoma Opry continues to thrive and grow from the foundation laid by Grant Leftwich in 1977 and the continuous support of musicians, artists, patrons, and friends. With plans to open the new facility and the reopening of the Oklahoma Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum at 19 E. California Ave., the future of the Oklahoma Opry has never been brighter.