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Only Museum Devoted To African American Music Opens In Nashville Saturday

Music City celebrates the history, culture and sound of vernacular American music.

But, until now, one vital aspect has been neglected: the seminal importance of 400 years of African American music. On Saturday, that will change with the opening of the National Museum of African American Music.

The 56,000-square-foot facility will be an anchor tenant within the urban development known as Fifth + Broadway, located in the heart of Nashville. It is the only museum dedicated to educating, preserving and celebrating more than 50 music genres and styles that were created, influenced and/or inspired by African Americans. These include spirituals, blues, jazz, gospel, R&B and hip hop. Using artifacts, objects, memorabilia, clothing and state-of-the-art technology, each of the museum galleries is designed to share a different narrative and a unique perspective on African American music and history. The museum will tell the story of how a distinct group of people used their artistry to impact and change the world.

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