Nashville Trivia

Whether you're visiting or a local, these facts will help you understand what makes Nashville the heart of the music world. So, hit play on this trivia and learn everything there is to know about the city's history and culture!

CULINARY CONTRIBUTIONS

• Nashville Hot Chicken: One of Nashville’s best-known culinary contributions, hot chicken, was an accidental creation by a woman seeking revenge. Prince’s Hot Chicken, the first and perhaps most well-known hot chicken restaurant, began when Thornton Prince’s girlfriend suspected him of cheating on her, so she put extra pepper in his fried chicken. Thornton liked it so much that he opened the BBQ Chicken Shack in the mid-1930s, which would later become Prince’s Hot Chicken.
• Goo Goo Clusters: Created in 1901 by Standard Candy Company, Goo Goo Clusters is considered the nation’s first combination candy bar, made with milk chocolate, caramel, peanuts, and marshmallows. The factory produces 20,000 clusters per hour and has been a staple of Nashville’s confectionary scene for over a century.
• Christie Cookies: Known for making the signature Doubletree Hotel Chocolate Chip Cookies, Christie Cookies has played an integral role in Nashville's culinary landscape.

CULTURAL IMPACT

• Civil Rights Movement: Nashville was a central figure in the Civil Rights Movement. In February 1960, John Lewis, a student at American Baptist Theological Seminary, helped organize successful sit-ins at segregated lunch counters in the city. These protests marked a significant moment in the struggle for civil rights, with the event now commemorated by black-and-white granite stools in Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.
• Jefferson Street: During the mid-20th century, Jefferson Street became a hotspot for jazz, blues, and R&B music. Legendary performers such as Jimi Hendrix, Ray Charles, and B.B. King graced the stages of clubs like The New Era Club and The Del Morocco, cementing Jefferson Street as Nashville’s “Black Broadway.”
• Kurdish Nashville: Nashville is home to the largest Kurdish community in North America, a thriving immigrant population that began arriving in the early 1990s. Today, estimates suggest around 11,000 Kurds live in the city, contributing to its cultural richness and diversity.
• Oprah Winfrey: Oprah Winfrey’s rise to fame began in Nashville, where she worked as an anchor at WTVF while attending Tennessee State University. Her time in Nashville played a crucial role in shaping her career as a media mogul.

LANDMARKS & SITES

• Andrew Jackson's Hermitage: The Hermitage, Home of President Andrew Jackson, boasts a driveway in the shape of a guitar. Legend says that the driveway was so shaped to please his daughter-in-law Emily. Nashvillians like to think it was a sign of good things to come
• Belmont Mansion: The Belmont Mansion was home to Adelicia Acklen, one of the wealthiest women in the U.S. in the 19th century. During the Civil War, she faced potential financial ruin when both Confederate and Union armies threatened her cotton. However, she ingeniously traveled to Louisiana, secretly negotiating the sale of her cotton to the Rothschild family in London for a reported $960,000 in gold.
• Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery: Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery was famous for breeding thoroughbred horses. On June 1, 1881, Iroquois – bred and later purchased by Belle Meade – had the honor of being the first American horse to win the English Derby. Nashville still honors this famous horse by hosting the annual Iroquois Steeplechase on the second Saturday of May. Thoroughbreds War Admiral and Seabiscuit, as well as Kentucky Derby winners Funny Cide, Barbarro, the legendary Secretariat, and Triple Crown Winners American Pharoah and Justify, can trace their lineage to Belle Meade.
• Cheekwood Estate & Garden: African-American artist and native Nashvillian William Edmondson was the first black artist to be honored with a one-man exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Cheekwood Estate & Gardens houses a permanent Edmondson exhibit. During a visit to Nashville, President Theodore Roosevelt declared the Maxwell House Hotel’s coffee “good to the last drop.” The coffee company, created by the Cheek Family (of Cheekwood Estate & Gardens), that adopted its name still uses the slogan today.
• Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: The architecture of the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum is a reflection of the very music it celebrates. One end of the building features an RKO-style radio antenna, while tall, narrow windows echo the design of a piano keyboard. From above, the structure takes the shape of a bass clef, further tying it to its musical heritage. Inside, Thomas Hart Benton’s mural The Sources of Country Music hangs as a priceless treasure. Completed in 1975, when Benton was 85, the mural captures the rich, varied origins of country music. Its imagery—a train, a country church, and a riverboat—draws upon the traditional themes that have shaped the genre. Tragically, Benton suffered a heart attack while admiring the mural, just before he could sign his name, leaving his approval forever absent from the artwork.
• Frist Art Museum: The Frist Art Museum is located in what was formerly Nashville’s main post office, a city landmark placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. The museum went to great lengths to preserve the historical integrity of the 1934 Art Deco building, a work of art in itself.
• Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center: Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center contains nine acres of indoor gardens, complete with a 44-foot cascading waterfall. Based on meeting space, it is the largest non-gaming property in the US.
• National Museum of African American Music: The National Museum of African American Music stands as the only museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to celebrating the rich legacy and profound influence of African American music. The museum honors the contributions of African American artists across a wide range of genres, from jazz and blues to hip-hop and gospel.
• Ryman Auditorium: Originally built as the Union Gospel Tabernacle by Capt. Tom Ryman, this venue became a vital part of Nashville’s musical identity. After Ryman's conversion to Christianity, he spent much of his wealth constructing the Tabernacle. The auditorium was home to the Grand Ole Opry for 30 years and has hosted the likes of Enrico Caruso, Katharine Hepburn, Bob Hope, and countless other icons. It was named Pollstar's best theater 14 times. Today, the Ryman still hosts the best music across all genres.
• The Hermitage Hotel: The Hermitage Hotel, which opened in 1910, has long been a landmark of Nashville's hospitality and history. It has hosted a variety of political figures, including John F. Kennedy and Franklin D. Roosevelt, as well as entertainment icons like Bette Davis and even notorious figures like Al Capone. The hotel also played a significant role during the suffrage movement, serving as the site of the historic 1920 Tennessee ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. This event solidified the Hermitage Hotel’s place in history as a focal point of political change and social progress in the United States.
• The Parthenon: In Centennial Park, Nashville proudly features the world’s only exact replica of the ancient Parthenon in Athens, Greece. Originally built for the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition as a temporary structure, it was rebuilt as a permanent monument in 1931. Inside is a monumental 42-foot-tall statue of Athena Parthenos, the largest indoor statue in the Western Hemisphere.
• Tennessee State Capitol: This beautiful neoclassical building, completed in 1859, is one of the oldest operating capitols in the U.S. The distinctive tower was inspired by the Monument of Lysicrates in Athens. William Strickland, the architect, considered it his masterpiece and chose to be buried above the cornerstone. President James K. Polk and his wife, Sarah, are buried on the grounds.
• The Hermitage: The Hermitage was the home of President Andrew Jackson. It boasts a unique, guitar-shaped driveway, which locals like to think symbolizes Jackson's connection to music and Nashville’s musical future.
• Union State Hotel: The Union Station Hotel, a National Historic Landmark since 1977, was originally built in 1900 as the city’s railroad station.

MUSIC INDUSTRY

• Jack White & Third Man Records: In 2009, Jack White moved his record label, Third Man Records, from Detroit to Nashville, opening its first physical location on Seventh Avenue. It functions as both a record store and a live venue known as The Blue Room, the only venue in the world where live shows are recorded direct-to-acetate, producing a vinyl master in real-time.
• Live Music Venues: Nashville boasts over 180 live music venues throughout the city. Venues that host live performances three or more nights a week are marked with a guitar pick-shaped “Live Music Venue” sign.
• Richard Florida’s Study: According to urbanist Richard Florida, Nashville has the highest concentration of people working in the music industry per capita, more than any other city in the world. Florida notes that since 1970, nearly all of the growth in the U.S. music sector has occurred in Nashville.
• United Record Pressing: As North America's largest vinyl pressing plant, United Record Pressing has been a key player in producing millions of records for iconic artists like Elvis Presley, Britney Spears, and N'Sync. Its contribution has solidified Nashville’s position as a pivotal center for vinyl production.
• United States First FM Broadcasting License: In 1941, Nashville was granted the first FM broadcasting license in the U.S., making Music City the first to enjoy static-free radio, further cementing its role in the evolution of modern music.
• Warner/Chappell Production Music: Located on Music Row, this internationally renowned studio creates custom scores for major TV shows such as the Today Show, ABC Sports, and HGTV. Its work has made it an integral part of Nashville’s thriving music industry.

MUSIC LEGACY

• Chet Atkins: Legendary Nashville musician Chet Atkins was nicknamed “Mr. Guitar.” A bronze sculpture of the recording pioneer stands at Fifth Avenue North and Union Street downtown.
• Fisk Jubilee Singers: The Fisk Jubilee Singers, formed in the 1870s by students from Fisk University, played a pivotal role in introducing the world to the Negro spiritual—a genre that laid the foundation for much of African-American music. Their international tours helped raise crucial funds for the university, and their success solidified Nashville as a city associated with music.
• Grand Ole Opry: First broadcast in 1925 by National Life & Accident Insurance Company, the Grand Ole Opry (originally called WSM Barn Dance) revolutionized country music. The name change to Grand Ole Opry happened in 1927 when announcer George Hay humorously referred to the show as such after classical music played on WSM. This show became a platform for country music legends and continues to define Nashville’s music culture.
• Hatch Show Print: One of the oldest letterpress printing presses in the U.S., Hatch Show Print has been creating iconic concert posters for over 140 years. Their work has helped shape Nashville’s vibrant music scene by promoting events that have become legendary.
• RCA Studio B: This iconic studio on Music Row was where Elvis Presley recorded over 250 songs, including several Christmas albums. It’s famous for its red and green lights that were installed to get Presley into a festive mood while recording his holiday music in the sweltering heat of summer.
• Roy Orbison: Roy Orbison wrote the iconic hit “Pretty Woman” from atop his Eighth Avenue and Wedgewood apartment after he looked out his window and saw a pretty woman walking by.

NASHVILLE HISTORY

• Nashville was founded on Christmas Day, 1779, on the banks of the Cumberland River. Two teams of pioneers led by James Robertson and Capt. John Donelson set forth from the Carolinas to found the new city. They soon discovered they were not the first European settlers. Timothy Demonbreun, a Frenchman from Quebec, had been living on the banks of the river since 1769. Upon arrival, the pioneers immediately began building Fort Nashborough. Among the pioneers was Rachel Donelson, daughter of Capt. Donelson, who would later become the wife of President Andrew Jackson.
• Nashville is known worldwide as “Music City” because WSM radio announcer David Cobb referred to Nashville with that nickname in 1950 on Red Foley’s NBC radio broadcast.

SPORTS

• NFL Draft (2019): The 2019 NFL Draft in Nashville was a record-breaking event, drawing over 600,000 attendees and marking the first time the draft was held in the city. The stage, set on the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge with views of the Cumberland River and Nashville skyline, became an iconic backdrop. Nashville’s music scene was showcased with live performances and appearances by country stars like Tim McGraw and Luke Bryan. Fans enjoyed interactive experiences, including virtual drills and a chance to see the Vince Lombardi Trophy. The Tennessee Titans' selection of Jeffrey Simmons added an emotional moment to the event, which also featured a star-studded "red carpet" walk for draftees. The 2019 draft left a lasting legacy, solidifying Nashville as a prime destination for large-scale events.
• The Nashville Predators: The Nashville Predators were founded in 1998 when the NHL awarded an expansion franchise to Nashville, marking the city's entry into professional hockey. Despite the challenges of attracting fans to a traditionally non-hockey market, the team quickly gained traction thanks to its passionate fan base, known as "Smashville," and the city's growing sports enthusiasm. The team's success grew over the years, culminating in a thrilling 2017 Stanley Cup Final appearance that captivated the nation. Intriguingly, the Predators' founding story is also tied to a fascinating discovery during the construction of Bridgestone Arena. Workers unearthed the fossilized remains of a saber-toothed cat, which led to the adoption of the saber-toothed cat as the team’s mascot, "Gnash," and symbol—connecting the team to Nashville’s rich history and adding a unique layer to its identity.
• The Nashville Sounds: The Nashville Sounds, established in 1978, are a key part of the city’s sports scene, with MLB stars like Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun, and Mike Moustakas having played for the team before reaching the big leagues. The Sounds began playing at First Tennessee Park (now First Horizon Park) when it opened in 2015, after previously calling the historic Herschel Greer Stadium home. First Horizon Park was built on the site of the old Sulphur Dell ballpark, which dates back to the early 1900s. The stadium blends Nashville’s sports culture with its renowned music scene, featuring unique elements like a rooftop lounge with views of the game and the Nashville skyline, a musical scoreboard, and art installations celebrating local artists. Sox the Fox, the team’s mascot, is a fan favorite.
• The Tennessee Titans: The Tennessee Titans, originally the Houston Oilers before relocating to Nashville in 1997. They are known for iconic moments like the "Music City Miracle" in the 2000 playoffs when they defeated the Buffalo Bills with a dramatic kickoff return. Nissan Stadium, their home since 1999, is central to Nashville’s sports scene, hosting football games, concerts, and the Music City Bowl. The stadium features a 25-foot bronze Titan statue, and the team’s "Two-Tone Blue" colors and "Titan Up" chant are fan favorites. With a legacy of stars like Eddie George and Derrick Henry and a Super Bowl appearance in 2000, the Titans are a key part of Nashville’s identity.