Nashville’s culture is inextricable from its musical history, and now for the first time, travelers can take a guided walking tour through the center of the industry that defines the city.
Discover Music Row
Nashville’s legendary Music Row can be explored on new tours from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Let’s Go Travelin’ Tours, and Historic Tours of America’s Old Town Trolley Tours. Guests will walk through the historic district of Music Row, learning about its development roots, beginning in the 1950s and ’60s when iconic artists like Patsy Cline, Elvis Presley, and Bob Dylan recorded there. Moreover, they will be taken to spots that influenced artists like Neil Young in the 1970s and ’80s, culminating in the meteoric rise of Garth Brooks in the 1990s.
Contemporary Relevance
While Music Row has an undeniable place in music history, it remains important today, playing a pivotal role in the careers of contemporary stars like Chris Stapleton and Jason Isbell. The 90-minute tour will also delve into behind-the-scenes stories of how music is created, covering songwriting, recording, and promotion. Moreover, participants will explore the neighborhood to see the offices and recording studios that have launched the careers of some of music’s biggest stars.
What to Expect
“Amid its unassuming former homes and small commercial buildings, visitors will discover that Music Row is truly a one-stop-shop for every aspect of the music industry,” said Carolyn Brackett of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “Everything from recording studios, record labels, publishing houses, and even housing are all found along the streets of this district, creating a musical ecosystem unlike anything that can be found anywhere else in the country.”
Tour Details
The tours operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10 am and 1 pm, beginning at Bobby’s Idle Hour, located at 1028 16th Ave. South in the heart of Music Row. During the summer, there will also be evening tours on Mondays and Thursdays at 6 pm. Tickets are priced at $35 (£39) and can be purchased here with Trolley Tours or here with Let’s Go Travelin’.
