The Ryman. Most famous former home of the Grand Ole Opry. The stage musicians long to play on.
Legendary.Musicians say when they Play the Ryman--(because you don't "play at the Ryman", you "play the Ryman")--no matter how famous they are--they are without fail humbled. Humbled thinking about all legends who have trod the same boards before them. Legends including Elvis, Johnny Cash (who met his wife June Carter for the first time back stage at the Ryman), Patsy Cline. They all played the Ryman.Emmy Lou Harris, Neil Young, Mumford and Sons, Coldplay have all played the Ryman. And now me. Yes, I "Played the Ryman."
Last December around this time, I found myself sitting on that same legendary stage looking out at the audience--sitting among my wonderfully talented musician friends--and having really no idea how I got there. I'm a children's book writer. This is not part of what we do.
And yet--there I was "Playing the Ryman." (I was not singing you'll be relieved to hear--just reading from my books). I was honored to be part of Andrew Peterson's moving BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD Christmas concert.And here I am back again for another year. Thanks to Andrew. And I can't wait.(And I'll still be pinching myself.)(And sending photos to prove it to you--but mostly to prove it to me.)SLJ.
