Named Most Outstanding Attraction

The Carolina Opry is named the State’s Most Outstanding Attraction by the Governor of South Carolina.

New State-of-the-Art Theater Opens

Again, Gilmore was outgrowing his two theater locations. In 1991 Gilmore broke ground on the 2,200-seat state-of-the-art theater that The Carolina Opry now calls home.
 
It was also around this time that national media exposure of The Carolina Opry began to culminate. Gilmore was a legend in the area and was beginning to bring Myrtle Beach into a national light. It was during this time that corporate investors saw Gilmore’s model and his success and decided to try their hand at it as well. Numerous theaters came to Myrtle Beach and the theater market eventually reached saturation and many of those theaters closed shortly after they opened. Throughout this period, The Carolina Opry remained the standard other theaters tried to live up to and was one of the few theaters to remain not only standing, but successful through this period.
 
The Carolina Opry is the only show on the Grand Strand to have one owner that is local, performs in the show, produces the show, directs the show, watches the show constantly and reads every single comment card himself. Gilmore’s dedication, creativity, ingenuity, and courage brought theater to Myrtle Beach and have kept The Carolina Opry at the forefront of that industry.

Calvin Gilmore named South Carolina’s Country Music Ambassador

Governor Campbell names Calvin Gilmore “South Carolina’s Country Music Ambassador” and The Carolina Opry is designated ad “The Country Music Center of South Carolina.”

Country Music Spotlight airs on The Family Channel live from The Carolina Opry Theater

South Carolina’s first weekly television series, Country Music Spotlight, airs on The Family Channel live from The Carolina Opry Theater, named for the company’s in-house showbill, Spotlight Magazine.

It starred Calvin Gilmore and other featured performers from The Carolina Opry along with Merle Haggard, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Kris Kristofferson, Travis Tritt, John Michael Montgomery, the Gatlin Brothers, Martina McBride, and Patty Loveless.

Family Channel Sale

Calvin Gilmore Productions sells 80% to the Family Channel Television Network.

All Three Shows Move to One Location

Gilmore brings all three shows together under one roof at the 2,200-seat Carolina Opry Theater to bring the biggest live entertainment experience Myrtle Beach has seen.

Myrtle Beach Walk of Fame

Calvin Gilmore receives a star on the Myrtle Beach Walk of Fame along with Wheel of Fortune hostess Vanna White.

Hard Rock Cafe Hall of Fame

Calvin Gilmore is inducted into the official Hard Rock Café Hall of Fame and Gilmore’s Taylor guitar and custom Manuel jacket are added into the Hard Rock Café museum and proudly displayed in the Hard Rock Café pyramid in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Gilmore Interviewed on Fox News Success Stories

Pat Summerall interviews Gilmore on Fox News Success Stories highlighting the national spotlight he brought to Myrtle Beach and his successful negotiations with one of the largest national television networks.

Calvin Gilmore Album – Better Late

Legendary producer Barry Beckett produces Calvin’s album, Better Late, in Nashville.

Tribute Theater Opens

Calvin Gilmore opens Tribute theater in North Myrtle Beach.

Governor Proclaims May 31st as The Carolina Opry Day

The Carolina Opry celebrates its 6,000th show with guest, Governor Mark Sanford, who proclaimed May 31 as Calvin Gilmore and The Carolina Opry Day.

National Republican Debate National Anthem Performance

Calvin Gilmore and cast are asked to perform the National Anthem on Fox Television Network for the National Republican debate, aired live from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Calvin Gilmore recognized on Wall of Honor for lifetime achievements

Calvin Gilmore is honored in his hometown of Lebanon, Missouri, with an induction to its Wall of Honor at an annual banquet and gala. He is recognized alongside 4 others, including the late playwright Lanford Wilson and writer Ellen Gray Massey, for bringing honor to the community through their lifetime achievements. Gilmore is introduced with remarks by childhood friend and farm neighbor Steve Swaim, now a successful businessman in Lebanon and Springfield.