Although the hotel we are staying in is only a short drive to the downtown area, we were advised to take the shuttle as parking was so expensive. I’m pleased that we did as many of the city’s roads were closed as they prepared for the NFL draft which takes place here later this month. The shuttle dropped us off at the AT&T headquarters known locally as the Batman building, I can’t think why.
First stop was to be the Country Music Hall of Fame, a exceptional museum spread over three large floors in which all aspects of country music are highlighted. The main part of the exhibition tells the story of the history of the music from influences of British folk music through hill billy to the modern country pop. The number of artefacts that the museum contains is amazing from stage costumes….
….to musical instruments….
..and cars.
Alongside the main museum were special exhibitions of Emmylou Harris and another entitled “Outlaws and Armadillos” featuring the work of Willie Nelson and the growth of country music in the 1970s.
In the centre of the museum was a church like room in which all the inductees to the Hall of Fame were commemerated including the afore mentioned Willie Nelson…..
….and a few less well known players.
Altogether a great visit and probably better than any of the museums we visited in Memphis.
A little down the road is a much smaller museum dedicated to the life and times of the Man in Black, Johnny Cash. Again a lot of memorabilia including a wall from his house that burned down after his death but after the previous museum it was quite disappointing.
The third place on today’s visit list was the Ryman Auditorium. Originally constructed as a baptist church this building became the first home of the Grand Ole Opry and is known as the high church of country music. The tour started with a superb audio visual presentation outlining the history of the venue followed by a walk through the theatre itself.
Again well worth the visit.
Nashville seems to be a lot busier city than Memphis with crowds filling the streets even at this time of the day.
Music could be heard eminating from the various bars and restaurants along Broadway ranging from single people with guitars to loud rocking groups.
Large groups of young people seemed to be enjoying the atmosphere in the bars, or on various vehicles moving them around the city…
…..including some that were self propelled, probably fuelled by alcohol.
Considering that this was a Friday lunchtime one can only imagine how crazy it will be on a weekend night.
Although neither Sylvia or myself are great fans of country music, no visit to the music capital, Nashville, would be complete without attending the Grand Ole Opry. Tonight would be that night and what an experience it was.
The crowds began to gather outside at around six for the start of the show at seven giving us time for a look in the shop and take some photos.
A warm up act got the crowd going before the show but in truth she wasn’t needed as spirits were very high. American audiences are always very lively and these were no exception with hoots and hollers all over the theatre. The show is broadcast live on radio across the USA including the adverts were are read out on the stage.
Altogether eleven acts were featured in the two hour each performing two or three numbers. A mixture of traditional acts such as Gene Watson……
….together with a stand up comedian and more modern upcoming acts such as my favourites of the night, Locash.
A fantastic evenings entertainment made more enjoyable by the audience participation . The Grand Ole Opry is also used to introduce new acts but even this audience would not be ready for these two.
