Music City USA lives up to its name
THERE are several theories regarding the origin of the name “Music City USA” but, regardless of which one is true, Nashville, Tennessee, proudly lives up to the title.
The most popular story is that a DJ named David Cobb came up with the moniker during a Grand Ole Opry broadcast in 1950, but it’s doubtful even he could have predicted the all-pervasive role music plays in Nashville today.
It all happens on the Honky Tonk Highway
Tips? We've got you covered
And don't forget to go to 'church'
Within a minute’s walk, on Fifth Ave North, you’ll find the Ryman Theatre, the 2300-seat auditorium that was the home of the Grand Ole Opry, America’s longest-running radio broadcast, between 1943-74.
Named after Nashville businessman Thomas Ryman, who had it constructed over seven years, the Ryman is known as the “Mother Church” of country music. That’s because when it opened in 1892 it was officially the Union Gospel Tabernacle.
Entertaining, educational ... and brilliant
A minute’s walk in the other direction, on Fifth Ave South, is the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Established in the eary 1960s, it is now the big daddy of American music museums, where you can see everything from Elvis Presley’s huge Cadillac to Dolly Parton’s tiny-waisted costumes.
It is immense and comprehensive; entertaining and educational. Brilliant.
Be warned and be prepared
A few words of warning: We would advise anyone planning a visit to Nashville to be well prepared, well in advance.Tickets to various attractions and shows at venues such as the “new” Grand Ole Opry, east of Downtown, and the Blue Bird Cafe, which showcases songwriters, usually are scarce.
Confirm your dates as far in advance as possible and then hit the internet for details of shows and tickets. And enjoy! There’s no place quite like Nashville, although you’d be selling it short to believe music is its be-all and end-all.
