Country music is an American musical style combining folk, blues and rock genres into one unique sound. Country is immensely popular across the United States and acclaimed musicians often perform at intimate clubs as well as large arenas.
See which country artists will be performing near you soon – old or new school alike! It is likely there is something out there to suit any musical taste! Check back frequently as concert tours change often!
Nashville
Nashville, the capital city of Tennessee, is famously associated with country music venues and musicians. Home to the Grand Ole Opry House – an acclaimed stage and radio show – as well as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, as well as honky-tonks with live music performances, honky-tonks offering drink specials featuring country favorites and Johnny Cash Museum (honky tonks featuring live music performances and his life being honored), Nashville boasts many beloved country venues that provide musical memories.
Discover the development of country music at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, considered to be “The Smithsonian of Country Music.” This gorgeous, modern facility offers world-class exhibitions, archives storage space, educational classrooms, retail stores, restaurants and much more – featuring Thomas Hart Benton: Sources of Country Music at 50 and Patty Loveless: No Trouble With the Truth which explores her ability to establish her unique voice within country music over her long career.
Enjoy Nashville at night on an unforgettable music venues and bars tour, visiting downtown honky-tonks and printers Alley’s Gin Mill for some entertainment from your guide, plus sampling craft cocktails, local brews and authentic Tennessee moonshine! Guests will also receive samples of authentic Tennessee moonshine!
Discover Nashville’s musical history as you wander through a historic cemetery and tour its iconic music venues like Ryman Auditorium and Country Music Hall of Fame. Next, indulge in delicious southern comfort food like slow-roasted barbecue or traditional hot chicken before exploring charming neighborhoods in a small-group van tour led by your guide.
On this guided backstage tour of Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, take an exclusive behind-the-scenes journey and experience many of Nashville’s iconic attractions in an instant – this must-see is essential for all fans of country music! Listen to a performance by an established act before seeing where country music stars have taken the legendary stage before you. Plus you will experience many more top attractions quickly; an experience not to be missed!
Memphis
Memphis blues is its own genre distinct from Nashville’s more glittering country music. Memphis is also famous for being the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, soul music and gospel; multiple American music pioneers hail from this city including Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Aretha Franklin and Johnny Cash.
Memphis offers visitors an unforgettable music scene. Graceland and Sun Studio, where rock ‘n’ roll was born through producer Sam Phillips combining blues and rock genres, are two must-see attractions. Legends such as Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis got their start here. Additionally, The Stax Museum of American Soul Music where Booker T and the MG’s and Otis Redding created groundbreaking albums is another must see attraction for music enthusiasts.
Memphis is home to major professional sports teams and events, such as the Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA and Memphis Showboats of the UFL, while other sporting events include St Jude Classic – an annual stop on the PGA Tour – as well as Jerry Lawler and Jimmy “The Mouth of the South” Hart both hailing from Memphis.
Memphis also boasts an established art scene. Many renowned writers reside here, such as Civil War historian and best-selling book author Shelby Foote; novelist John Grisham’s hometown provides inspiration for several of his novels set here.
Noteworthy cultural venues in Memphis include the Pink Palace Museum and Planetarium, home of the third-largest planetarium in the world; Memphis Zoo with its signature cypress swamp and alligator habitat, Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid featuring America’s highest freestanding elevator, Dixon Gallery & Gardens and Brooks Museum of Art as two thriving art galleries; Beale Street and Mississippi River Landing all play host to popular tourist destinations; as well as its signature attractions of Beale Street and Mississippi River Landing.
Country Music Hall of Fame
Are You a Country Music Fan? If so, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame as it provides a fascinating historical view. From its 18th-century roots to contemporary country artists performing today through displays including priceless musical instruments, stage costumes, unique recordings and photographs; written exhibits document the development of country music while computer touch screens allow visitors access to its vast archives of recordings and photos.
The museum also hosts various rotating exhibits that change every two years, so even frequent visitors will discover something new each time they come. Take a look at Elvis’ gold Cadillac or Hank Williams’ Western-cut suit adorned with musical note appliques; or visit an exhibit dedicated to country legends Webb Pierce and Loretta Lynn!
As you walk through the museum, it is impossible to miss the rotunda with plaques honoring all 155 inductees of the Country Music Hall of Fame. From musicians and producers, to songwriters and other industry professionals – each has made significant contributions toward country music’s legacy and Nashville’s global reputation as “Music City.”
Visitors to the museum can listen to songs recorded by inductees during different eras of recording technology and watch videos that showcase their performances over the decades. Additionally, it houses several famous instruments belonging to Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill and Dolly Parton – such as guitars they once owned!
The museum features its own radio station and provides educational initiatives and programs tailored specifically for students, from instrumental workshops to songwriting lessons. Tour the historic RCA Studio B to see where Country Music Hall of Fame members like Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton made history by recording tracks.
The Country Music Hall of Fame is an increasingly popular tourist destination, and ticket lines may become long on most days. To avoid waiting in line, buy your tickets in advance online – this option includes a free audio guide in multiple languages! Choose the day and time that works for you best but aim to arrive early morning for smaller crowds.
Country Music Holidays
An Country Music Holiday is an excellent way to discover Nashville and Memphis through guided tours or self drive itineraries. Visits should include the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum as well as Ryman Auditorium; in Nashville itself there are 250 recording studios that contribute to its legacy; then take a backstage tour of Grand Ole Opry so you can witness this legendary venue’s incredible shows first-hand!
The Crooked Road heritage trail in southwest Virginia offers another great way to discover country music history. Spanning 330 miles, this route connects historic Appalachian music sites with more contemporary offerings – like Floyd Country Store for traditional singing and dancing performances as well as Carter Family Fold for acoustic acts.
Nashville, or Music City, is an energetic town with an Old South charm balanced by modern shopping malls and dining establishments. One fascinating attraction here is The Hermitage – President Andrew Jackson’s home where visitors can learn more about his life as an activist fighting for democracy; often known as ‘the people’s president’.
Tennessee offers visitors plenty to discover, from vibrant cities like Nashville to its rural landscapes. Nashville sits against a stunning backdrop provided by the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains while Memphis has an extensive musical legacy founded on civil rights struggles and African American liberation movements – be sure to explore Beale Street downtown to experience all sorts of musical sounds that define this eclectic scene!
Experience food, music and fun during an unforgettable multiday trip by attending a country music festival! Some of these popular events attract thousands of attendees each year for days filled with entertainment – not to mention local culture! There’s an array of country music festivals across America such as Wine Country in Santa Rosa California or CMA Music Festival in Nashville that offer memorable experiences – put on your cowboy hat and boots and let the good times roll!