1. The best bar bands in the world play in Nashville’s honky tonks.
2. Records
Ernest Tubb Record Shop. If it ain’t here it probably ain’t country.
Jack White’s Third Man Records
3. Guitars
Carter Vintage Guitars
Taylor Swift played this one
4. The Mother Church of Country Music
That was the name given to the Ryman Auditorium during the 30+ year stay of the Grand Ole Opry. The building itself dates back to 1892 when it was called the Union Gospel Tabernacle. It was renamed the Ryman upon the death of Thomas G Ryman who raised the funding for the building. In addition to sermons, the Ryman, in its early years hosted music like John Philip Sousa’s Band and speakers that included Susan B. Anthony and Booker T. Washington.
The Opry left the Ryman in the 70’s for seemingly greener pastures. The old auditorium underwent a renovation in the 90’s and still serves as a downtown venue for a wide range of music. This fall’s schedule includes UB40, Boz Skaggs, Ben Folds, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Kesha. Jason Isbell is booked for a week of shows and the Academy of Country Music Awards presentation is this week.
5. The Ole Opry is still Grand
When the Opry left the Ryman it moved a few miles outside of downtown to an off-highway location. It built a bigger and more spacious facility, but no doubt lost some character. But once you get inside….
The Opry is a pretty unique show. It features multiple acts that do two or three songs at the most. On the night I attended there were 11 performers in a two hour time frame. But this isn’t amateur hour talent show, there were Grammy winners, County Music Association award winners, even one Country Music Hall of Fame member. And it’s a live radio show that you can hear on WSN Online There’s even a live radio announcer reading commercials after every couple of songs.
Before I went to Nashville, I would have told you I’m not that interested in country music. I’ll never say that again.
Riders in the Sky
6. The Legend of Johnny Cash
(Photos are from the Johnny Cash Museum)
off the leash 
I’ve never been to Nashville but it looks like an amazing town. We have friends that live there, may need to pay them a visit soon. =)
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m sold! I totally want to visit!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wish I could visit some day. Let’s hope. Thank you for the great pictures.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nashville is a great town. The capital city of my state. Lots of opportunities there.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’ve never visited Nashville.I’m not much of a country music fan, although I do like some of it. still, I think Nashville would be an interesting place to visit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wasn’t much of a country music fan either until I went to Nashville. Great musicians are great musicians no matter the style.
LikeLike
I stopped in Nashville on my move back to Idaho from North Carolina. The ex and I never did much barhopping, so I regret not checking out more of the music venues, and I regret not visiting Jack White’s record store, but I was only there for a few days. I did fit in the Johnny Cash Museum and the Ryman. Plus, a trip outside of time to eat at the Loveless Cafe was quite the experience. Oh, and I saw a Bob Dylan concert!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I missed the Loveless Cafe. Next time.
LikeLike
After reading this, I’ve started thinking I have got to visit Nashville. Thanks for sharing these beautiful pictures.
LikeLiked by 1 person