Opry Entertainment Group President Steve Buchanan Retires

R. Diamond /Getty Images – Steve Buchanan

Opry Entertainment Group president and executive producer of the “Nashville” television drama Steve Buchanan is retiring after 33 years with the company.

Buchanan announced he will stay with company through June to oversee digital production and distribution and ensure a successful transition, according to Music Row. He is also stepping back from his involvement as executive producer of CMT’s “Nashville,” which is currently in its sixth and final season. 

“It was amazing to have a 33-year career and association with the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium,” Buchanan told Pollstar. “Both of those properties are in great shape and have in a great place solid teams to lead them into the future. I am looking forward to pursuing a variety of other projects, now is the time to explore other opportunities.”

During his time with The Grand Ole Opry’s parent company, which also owns the Ryman Auditorium, Buchanan helped return venue to its’ iconic status as the premier destination for country artists to perform.  

In 1985 he joined The Grand Ole Opry as the venue’s first marketing manager. At the time, The Opry was fading from relevance among industry professionals and musicians, but Buchanan used his understanding of the country music industry and media savvy to return the venue to its former glory.

“It’s been my life’s work to ensure that new generations embrace the Opry, not just fans but also artists. The Opry is a multi-generational show,” Buchanan said.

He used the same strategy to revitalize the Ryman Auditorium, in addition to overseeing an $8.5 million renovation of the historic venue.

“It was great honor to bring the Ryman Auditorium back to life,” he said. “How it has blossomed into one of the premier venues in the world in the last few years is something that can be attributed to a great team.”

While working at the Ryman, he executive produced musicals such as “Always … Patsy Cline” and “Lost Highway – The Music And Legend Of Hank Williams,” in addition to television specials including “Grand Ole Opry’s 75th: A Celebration” and “Grand Ole Opry: 75 Years In The Making.”

Buchanan also drew upon his years of experience working in the industry to develop “Nashville,” an American drama that follows the lives of rising and fading country stars in Music City. The cast of the show have upcoming spring dates in the U.K. and Ireland for the “Nashville In Concert” tour, in which they play original music and songs from the series.

Buchanan plans on working on film and television projects after he steps down, though its “not something to talk about just yet,” he told Pollstar.