The Music Lover

You can’t discuss Nashville’s music scene without highlighting two iconic establishments that made an indelible impact on making Nashville the Music City, the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium. The Ryman was originally built as a tabernacle in 1897 and became the home to the famous Grand Ole Opry in 1943, where it remained until 1974, when it moved to the Grand Ole Opry House. Today, it is one of the most renowned music venues in the country, hosting big-name musical acts of all genres. Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, you can tour the Ryman during the day, and snag tickets to a show in the evening.

The Grand Ole Opry, the country’s longest-running radio show, celebrating 100 years this year, still puts on live shows three nights a week. You’ll hear a dozen performers in one show, from country music greats to newcomers on the scene.

The often unsung heroes of Music City, songwriters play a powerful role in putting Nashville on the music map. While their creativity usually takes place behind the scenes, when you get the chance to see these artists take center stage, jump on it. The holy grail for songwriters is the Bluebird Cafe, where they perform their original material in an intimate “in the round” setting every night of the week. The Listening Room Cafe and 3rd & Lindsley as well as countless writer’s nights at music venues around town are great places to hear songwriter’s incredible talent and hear the stories behind some of your favorite songs.

With more than 250 live music venues around town, there are countless places to hear music every night of the week. From blues music on Printer’s Alley to a rock show at The Basement or The 5 Spot in East Nashville, to a performance by the Nashville Symphony Orchestra at the stunning Schermerhorn Symphony Center, there’s always live music to take in. One such place is the revered Station Inn. Standing unchanged and unashamed in the middle of the bustling Gulch, the Station Inn offers live bluegrass music nearly every night. Its Sunday night Bluegrass Jam is a quintessential “only in Nashville" experience.

Before you can enjoy the music, you have to find it. Many of the city's most beloved venues are off the beaten path so let Nashville’s live music calendar be your guide. You can search for live music by date, neighborhood, or genre.

The music lover that you are, you can’t visit Nashville without hitting Lower Broadway, aka Honky Tonk Highway. Pop in and out of legendary clubs like Tootsie's World Famous Orchid Lounge and Robert's Western World. There may be a seasoned veteran on stage or an up-and-coming band, but they wouldn’t be playing on Broadway if they weren’t ridiculously talented. And while you may not be able to see some of your favorite country artists, you can visit their honky tonks at places like Garth Brooks’ Friends in Low Places, Blake Shelton’s Ole Red, and Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up to name a few. And remember, there’s no cover charge at the honky tonks, but be sure to drop a little something in the tip jar because it ain’t easy chasing your dream!

If the streets of Nashville could talk, you would hear the voices of Elvis, Jimi Hendrix, Taylor Swift, Johnny Cash, Kings of Leon, and so many more. Begin your history lesson at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, one of the world's largest museums dedicated to country music. Through its vast collection of memorabilia and interactive exhibits, the museum takes its audiences through country music’s evolution while teaching about the cultural importance of country music and the impact it has made on other genres of music.

From there you can hop on the RCA Studio B tour which departs from the Country Music Hall of Fame. Nicknamed “The Home of a Thousand Hits,” Studio B became famous in the 1960s for producing what has come to be known as “the Nashville Sound.” It was Elvis’ favorite place to record and has hosted a range of artists including Roy Orbison, Waylon Jennings, Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, and the Everly Brothers.

Another must-stop is the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum which honors the talented musicians who played on some of the greatest recordings of all time. Among many fascinating facts, you’ll learn that Jimi Hendrix actually learned how to play guitar while he was living in Nashville and that Roy Orbison wrote “Oh, Pretty Woman” from his apartment near Music Row.

Visit the National Museum of African American Music and discover the central role African Americans have played in shaping and creating all genres of American music. From classical to country to jazz and hip hop, NMAAM integrates history and interactive technology to share the untold story of more than 50 music genres.

One great way to get the maximum amount of music out of your trip is to plan your visit around one of the city’s countless music events. Nashville’s most famous festival, CMA Music Festival, features performances from more than 300 artists over 4 days, many of which are free to the public. Other popular festivals include Americana Music Festival, Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival, and Musicians Corner, to name a few. You can always count on amazing live music from big-name artists at the annual Music City July 4th and New Year's Eve celebrations- both of which are totally free!

Take home more than just great memories. Pick up some uniquely Nashville musical souvenirs at Hatch Show Print, one of America’s oldest working letterpress poster shops. You can get concert posters, original Hatch art, and other cool stationery. Take home a vinyl album from an indie record shop like Grimey’s Records in East Nashville or Swaggie Records located downtown. If you’re looking for a souvenir of the instrument variety, visit Gruhn Guitar or the beloved Fanny’s House of Music.