Tennessee's Country Music Legacy

The Birthplace of Country Music Museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, tells the story of the 1927 Bristol Sessions, exploring how evolving sound technology shaped their success, and highlights how this rich musical heritage lives on in today’s music. Referred to by scholars as the "big bang of country music," the Sessions included the first recordings of The Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers and ushered country music into the mainstream. Through multiple theatre experiences, interactive displays, texts and artifact – along with a variety of educational programs, music performances, and community events – the exciting story of these recording sessions and their far-reaching influence comes alive. 

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum in downtown Nashville is the world’s largest music museum with more than 350,000 square feet of galleries, visitors are transported through country music history, with the chance to view priceless instruments, stage wear, and iconic artifacts. The collection includes Carl Perkins' blue suede shoes, Elvis' Cadillac and gold piano and Hank Williams’ Western-cut suit with musical note appliqués. The current exhibition is Luke Combs: The Man I am.

Tennessee Music Pathways tells the story of Tennessee’s musical heritage and its influences around the world and showcases the state’s live music scene. From the largest cities to the smallest communities, Tennessee Music Pathways stretches across all 95 counties and features hundreds of landmarks from the seven genres of music that call Tennessee home.  Country music fans will be able to follow in the footsteps of their favourite artists and chart their careers through landmarks across the State.