"Music City, USA"

“Music City, USA”. That is a name Nashville rightfully deserves as it is the second largest music recording/production center in the US, second only to New York. It is the home of Country Music with the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Grand Ole Opry, and the Ryman Auditorium.

Grand Ole Opry House

The Grand Ole Opry got its start in 1925 on WSM radio. Country music fans have over the years been able to watch the show from several different locations, but perhaps the most famous is the Ryman Auditorium. The Ryman still hosts a few shows annually, usually in the winter. The primary location for the Grand Ole Opry is at the new Opry House near the Opryland Hotel.

Ryman Auditorium

I’ll have to admit I’m not a “dyed in the wool” true blue country music fan and I have never been in the new Opry House. However, I did have the privilege of seeing the Grand Ole Opry in the Ryman Auditorium. The particular night we went was way back in the 70s and it was pouring down rain. I don’t remember much about the show, but I can almost still feel the drops of water landing on me from the balcony above. The Ryman has been remodeled and is now a wonderful place which hosts a variety of shows.

Country Music Hall of Fame

For country music fans, the Country Music Hall of Fame is a must see. Originally, it was located on what is called Music Row—a street near downtown where many of the recording studios are located. Now the Country Music Hall of Fame resides in a new structure in the downtown area.

Bradley Park at Music Row

The Opry and the Hall of Fame are not the only way to get your country music fix in this town. Along both sides of the street along lower Broadway, there are numerous honky tonks offering up live music nightly. In the summer months, you may even catch a few star wantabes strumming on the street corners as the city is home to thousands of not so famous, but nevertheless, talented folks.