Welcome to our latest motorhome holidays series, giving you inspiration for that next big trip. To kick things off, we're embarking on a journey through the deep south of America, a region rich with musical heritage that continues to influence music today.
And where better to begin than in Nashville, Tennessee? Known as "Music City" and the beating heart of country music, Nashville isn't just a place where music is made. It's where music lives and breathes – from the legendary classics that laid the foundation to the contemporary hits that continue defining the genre.
As we set off on this musical road trip across the American South, there's no better starting point than Nashville. So, pack up your RV, put on your dancing boots, and get ready to dive into the rhythms of the south, where every song tells a story.
What is country music? A very brief introduction
Country music emerged in the early 20th century, blending elements of folk, blues, gospel, and Appalachian traditions. Known for its heartfelt lyrics and storytelling, country music often delves into themes of love, loss, and rural life, using instruments like the guitar, banjo, and fiddle to create its distinctive sound.
Samantha Bumgarner (1878-1960) was an early country and folk music performer from North Carolina, earning praise for her fiddle and banjo skills. She recorded no fewer than ten songs, accompanied by guitarist Eva Davis, for Columbia Records. She is considered the first female country recording artist, debuting in April 1924. In 1939, at the invitation of President Roosevelt, she performed in front of King George VI and his wife Queen Elizabeth I at a Whitehouse concert of American Music.
Jimmie Rodgers (1897-1933) is widely regarded as the 'Father of Country Music'. He rose to prominence in the late 1920s and is best known for his distinctive yodelling. Hailing from Mississippi, Rodgers had hits including "The Singing Brakeman" and "America's Blue Yodeler" and is said to have influenced artists including Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, and George Harrison. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in the inaugural class of 1961.
The Carter Family (active 1927-1956) were the first vocal group to become country music stars and among the first to commercially record country music as a group. Their music has had a profound influence on many other genres of music including bluegrass, southern gospel, pop, and rock, as well as the US folk music revival of the 1960s. The group recorded hits including "Wabash Cannonball", "Can the Circle be Unbroken", "Wildwood Flower", and "When I'm Gone", the latter of which inspired the viral "Cups Song", as featured in Pitch Perfect.
The genre's origins trace back to the folk songs brought by European immigrants to the Appalachian Mountains. By the 1920s, these musical traditions were recorded, thanks to pioneers like the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers. The Carter Family's harmonies and themes of family and faith, combined with Rodgers' incorporation of blues and yodelling, helped shape the early sound of country music. Over the decades, the genre continued evolving, absorbing influences from jazz, blues, swing, and rock, and expanding its appeal to a wider audience.
Nashville became a country music epicentre largely due to the influence of the Grand Ole Opry, a live radio show that began broadcasting in 1925. The Opry played a crucial role in bringing country music into homes across America, and the city soon became a major hub for the genre. The development of "Music Row" in the 1940s and 1950s further solidified Nashville's status as the heart of country music, with recording studios, record labels and live nights producing countless hits and future stars.
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Along with its musical significance, Nashville's country music scene was deeply connected to broader social movements, such as the Civil Rights Movement. While country music is often associated with rural white America, its history is intertwined with African American contributions. Early country artists like DeFord Bailey (one of the Grand Ole Opry's first stars) helped shape the genre with their blues and gospel influences. During the Civil Rights era, artists like Johnny Cash also used their platforms to address social issues, advocating for Native American rights and prison reform.
Nashville's legends of country music
If you're heading south and craving authentic country heritage, Nashville is where you want to be. It's where legends were made and legacies thrive – and a perfect stopping point for American RV holidays.
To get started, here are seven iconic country artists whose lives and careers were deeply intertwined with Nashville, along with must-visit spots to explore their stories.
Johnny Cash
Famously known as "The Man in Black," Johnny Cash is one of the most iconic figures in country music history. His deep, resonant voice and rebellious spirit captivated global audiences, but his ties to Nashville were strong. Cash recorded many of his most famous songs at the legendary Columbia Studio A and was a regular performer at the Grand Ole Opry.
Today, you can dive into his legacy at the Johnny Cash Museum in downtown Nashville. An extensive memorabilia collection includes stage costumes, instruments, and even handwritten lyrics.
Clockwise from top left: Cash performing in Bremen, 1972; Publicity photo for Sun Records, 1955; Cash in the "one piece at a time" Cadillac, 1976
Dolly Parton is undoubtedly the queen of country music, with a career that's spanned decades and influenced countless artists. Her journey from a small-town girl in East Tennessee to a global superstar is nothing short of inspirational. After moving to Nashville to pursue her dreams, Dolly quickly made her mark with many early hits recorded in the city.
While in Nashville, you can feel her influence all over. But for a deeper dive, consider a day trip to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, a theme park celebrating her life and music.
Often hailed as the father of contemporary country music, Hank Williams' influence on the genre is immeasurable. His heartfelt songs about love, heartbreak, and life's struggles became the blueprint for modern country music. He was also a regular performer at the Grand Ole Opry, where his emotionally charged performances left an indelible mark.
His connection to Nashville is celebrated at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where you can explore an extensive exhibit dedicated to his life, legacy and work.
Clockwise from top left: Williams, Sheppard, and the Drifting Cowboys band in 1951; publicity photo for WSM in 1948; Williams and his first wife Audrey Sheppard in a publicity photo for MGM Records, 1952
Image credits, clockwise from top left: Public Domain / MGM Records; Public Domain / WSM radio; Public Domain / MGM Records.
Patsy Cline
Patsy Cline's smooth, emotional voice and her crossover into pop music made her one of the most beloved vocalists in country music history. She recorded many of her timeless hits at the Quonset Hut Studio in Nashville, contributing to the city's reputation as the recording capital of country music.
To explore her legacy, visit the Patsy Cline Museum, located just above the Johnny Cash Museum on 3rd Avenue. It's a beautifully curated space filled with personal items, costumes, and stories that bring Patsy's remarkable life to light.
Clockwise from top left: Publicity portrait for Decca Recods, 1960; Cline at the Merri-Mint Theatre, Las Vegas, 1962; Billboard advertisement, 1961
George Jones is often regarded as the greatest country singer of all time. He is known for his emotive voice and tumultuous life that deeply influenced his music. His connection to Nashville was profound. He recorded classic songs in the city's studios and was a staple at the Grand Ole Opry.
Nashville's George Jones Museum sadly recently closed. But there are plenty of spots to enjoy live classic country music in the city – a perfect way to celebrate George's enduring legacy.
Clockwise from top left: Promotional image of George Jones and Tammy Wynette; Jones performing in June 2002; Jones and Tammy Wynette at Nudie's Rodeo Taylor, 1973
Image credits, clockwise from top left: Public Domain / Hubert Long Agency; Public Domain / Secisek; Public Domain / Jasper Daily and Michael Ochs.
Loretta Lynn
Known as the "Coal Miner's Daughter," Loretta Lynn's songs about the hardships of life struck a chord with audiences, earning her a place as one of country music's most revered artists.
To experience Loretta Lynn's world, visit Loretta Lynn's Ranch in Hurricane Mills, just outside Nashville. This sprawling estate offers tours of her home, a museum filled with personal and professional memorabilia, RV and tent camping, motocross racing, horseback trail rides, and more.
Clockwise from top left: Promotional portrait, 1965; Lynn performing at South by Southwest, 2016; promotional portrait, 1962
While Nashville is steeped in the history of country music, it's also a vibrant hub that continues shaping the genre's future. The city remains a launching pad for artists redefining country music, blending traditional sounds with modern influences.
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Take global icon Taylor Swift, for example. Starting her career in Nashville as a teenage songwriter, Taylor quickly rose to fame with hits like "Love Story" and "You Belong With Me." These songs, rooted in country storytelling but infused with pop sensibilities, showcased her knack for crafting relatable, emotionally resonant lyrics. Her success brought country music to a worldwide audience and paved the way for a new generation of genre-blending artists.
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Then there's Orville Peck, an artist whose unique blend of classic country and modern aesthetics captivates listeners. Wearing his signature fringed mask, Orville brings a mysterious, theatrical element to his music, steeped in the sounds of traditional country while pushing the genre's boundaries. His collaboration with Diplo and Kylie Minogue on "Midnight Ride" perfectly exemplifies his nostalgic yet innovative sound.
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Even artists not traditionally associated with country are feeling Nashville's influence. Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter" album infuses country alongside R&B and pop, and the recently released duet "Die with a Smile" from Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars blends aspects of country with sounds of seventies soft rock, soul and contemporary pop, both showing how Nashville and country music's musical influence extends far beyond traditional boundaries.
Linking Past and Present: Where to Experience Nashville's Country Music Scene
As you explore Music City, you'll find the new wave of country musicians are just as integral to its story as the legends who came before. It's a city honouring its heritage but also embracing the genre's evolution.
Here are some of the best places to immerse yourself in Nashville's established and emerging country stars.
The Bluebird Cafe: One of the most iconic venues in Nashville, the Bluebird Cafe is famous for its "in-the-round" songwriter sessions, where up-and-coming artists and seasoned songwriters share their latest work. It's the perfect spot to catch some of the freshest voices in country music as they perform in a cosy, acoustic setting.
The Listening Room Cafe: Similar in vibe to the Bluebird, The Listening Room Cafe offers a larger space while maintaining an intimate atmosphere where songwriters and new artists showcase their talents. The venue is known for spotlighting emerging country stars, giving fans a chance to hear new music in an intimate environment.
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The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: While the Country Music Hall of Fame is a treasure trove of country music history, it also celebrates contemporary artists. Explore regularly rotating exhibitions, special events, panel discussions and live performances showcasing today's talent.
The Basement and The Basement East: These two sister venues are staples of Nashville's live music scene, known for their eclectic lineups featuring emerging country artists alongside indie and alternative acts. They're great spots to experience the energy and creativity of Nashville's new wave of country artists in a laid-back, unpretentious setting.
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The Grand Ole Opry: While the Grand Ole Opry is famous for its legendary performances, it remains a vital stage for contemporary artists. Catch new country stars performing alongside established names, offering a dynamic mix of the genre's past and future.
Honky-Tonks on Lower Broadway: For a more spontaneous experience, Nashville's "Honky-Tonk Highway" is always buzzing with live music. While these bars are often associated with classic country, they also feature up-and-coming artists mixing traditional sounds with contemporary flair.
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Summary
If you're ready to discover the magic of country music, check out our Rhythms of the South Tour. As well as experiencing country music's dynamic past and present in Nashville, you can immerse yourself in New Orleans Jazz, Memphis Blues, Gospel and Soul, the fascinating history of America's southern states… and plenty more besides.
![Samantha Bumgarner [Public Domain via US Library of Congress]](https://worldwide.alanrogers.com/assets/cache/heroimages/933100/Samantha-Bumgarner_dc8e3e735e30.webp)
![Jimmie Rodgers [Public Domain via Victor Talking Machine Company]](https://worldwide.alanrogers.com/assets/cache/heroimages/933102/Jimmie-Rodgers_dc8e3e735e30.webp)
![Carter Family [Public Domain via Victor Talking Machine Company]](https://worldwide.alanrogers.com/assets/cache/heroimages/933104/Carter-Family_dc8e3e735e30.webp)
