How Nashville Became Music City: Behind The Mic

When people think of Nashville, many will think of cowboy hats, neon-lit honkytonks and the Grand Ole Opry… but where along the dusty road did the capital of Tennessee become known as Music City? Let’s dive right in.’

The home of Country Music

Early settlers to the city of Nashville brought with them a love for folk, gospel and fiddle, laying the foundations for what was to become known as the genre of country music. But it wasn’t until 1925, when a radio station was to change this genre forever… We are of course talking about The Grand Ole Opry, the world’s longest running radio show.

Did you know the Opry actually began as the WSM Barn Dance on November 28, 1925? It was first broadcast from the fifth-floor radio studio of the National Life & Accident Insurance Company in Nashville. Imagine witnessing that inaugural barn dance – the very show that launched country music into fame!

The Opry has always been a cornerstone of Nashville. From 1943 to 1974, it called the Ryman Auditorium home… with the likes of Hank Wiliams, Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash taking to the iconic circle. Today, you can visit ‘The Mother Church of Country Music’ to experience magical slices of country music history, from iconic concert outfits and instruments to a bucket-list snap with the legendary stage microphone.

Behind the curtain: The Grand Ole Opry

Since 1974, the Grand Ole Opry has had its own venue on Opryland Drive, east of Downtown Nashville, where becoming an Opry member remains one of country music’s highest honours. Over the last century, every legendary country artist has stepped into the sacred circle, yet only about 225 acts have earned membership among thousands of performers. 

But we wouldn’t be waxing lyrical about the place called Music City, without a nod to the bustling Broadway and its magnetising HonkyTonks. Ever wanted to experience the buzz of live country music from brunch right through to night caps? Then Broadway is where it’s at. 

Although known (and not necessarily loved) by many as the hen party capital of the states, Broadway stands as the cornerstone for emerging young artists in this captivating, ever growing genre. But starting out as a country artist on Broadway (or anywhere) is no easy feat. With bars owned by big country stars competing for tourist attention, the sheer volume of talent that oozes through Nashville makes it a notorious industry to crack. 

Beyond the sticky floors, red cups and cowboy merch, Broadway is also home to the Bridgestone arena… a pinnacle of any artist’s stadium tour. Whilst it’s not the Ryamn or the Opry, it has become a much-loved arena for sell-out shows in the home of country music.

A trip down Music Row

Just a stone’s throw from the tourist-packed downtown, is the iconic music row, which you can glide past if you take the old trolley tour through the city. Developed back in the 1950’s, Music Row is home to deep-rooted country music history, with studios lining the streets that have seen records produced by Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and more recent country stars such as Zach Top and Megan Moroney.

The widely considered heart of Nashvilles’ entertainment industry is also home to the prestigious Belmont University, known for its music and performing arts school, with notable alumni including Brad Paisley and Florida Georgia Line. 

And whilst the vibe on music row may seem quiet, we can assure you that there is country music magic happening behind all those closed doors.

A trip to Nashville wouldn’t be complete with an amble around the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. It’s the home that collects, preserves and showcases the evolution of country music through exhibits, publications and educational videos.

From Johnny Cash to Taylor Swift, there truly is something for everyone, and for the artists themselves? Well, making it into the hall of fame remains a golden country music honour and privilege. May the circle remain unbroken…

Whether Nashville for you is about the rootin’, tootin’ and scootin’ of Broadway, or the authentic country sounds oozing from The Listening Room, it goes without saying that it’s well and truly earned its place as the home of country music. 

Long may it be known that Nashville is not just a city – but a destination rich in history, culture and music, forever home to three chords and the truth.