HISTORY OF THE GREENVILLE MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM

As early as the beginning of the 20th century, citizens of Greenville were keenly aware of the need for an auditorium, a gathering place for the community.  However, it was not until the 1930’s that the dream finally became a reality.  The Greenville Municipal Auditorium officially opened October 24, 1939, as a public works project of the Roosevelt Administration.  Uniquely situated above City Hall, the auditorium’s stage has been graced by a variety of performers including Elvis Presley, Duke Ellington, Van Cliburn, Loretta Lynn, MercyMe, The Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Charlie Pride, and many more!

Throughout it’s 80-plus-year history, the GMA (as it is now known) has remained a cultural cornerstone for not only Greenville, but for all of North East Texas.  Over the past few years, the GMA has received numerous upgrades including a new state of the art digital sound system, brand new comfortable seats, new curtains and rigging, and a restoration of many of its original art deco details that were lost over the years.  In 2018, a new 501c3 Non-Profit was formed – The GMA Foundation – to raise money for continued capital improvements.  

Below is a partial listing of performers that have appeared at the GMA:

Asleep at the Wheel 
Chet Atkins 
Mitchell Ayers and His Orchestra 
Victor Borge 
Johnny Bush
Van Cliburn
Crowder
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
The Dixie Chicks
Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra
Jose Feliciano
Freddy Fender
Merle Haggard
Hot Club of Cowtown
Ray Wylie Hubbard
The Gatlins
George Jones
Ben Kweller
Jerry Lee Lewis
Loretta Lynn

Manhattan Pops Orchestra
Mercy Me
The Glen Miller Orchestra
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Elvis Presley
Ray Price
Charlie Pride
The Quebe Sisters
Collin Raye
Marty Robbins
Dave Rubinoff and His Violin
George Strait
Shoji Tabuchi
The Time Jumpers
The Vocal Majority
Bob Wills and His Orchestra Texas Playboys
Hank Williams Jr.

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