Roy Acuff, known as the “King of Country Music” due to his long association with the Grand Ole Opry, was born in Maynardville, Tennessee, on September 15, 1903. Acuff is often credited with moving the Opry (and Country Music) from its early string band and "hoedown" format to the singer-based model. Acuff debuted at the Opry in 1938. He became the first living inductee in the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1962. He passed away on November 23, 1992 at age 89. | GatorRock