If you’re anyone who’s anyone in country music it is likely that you have pointed yourself in the direction of Nashville to find inspiration, fame and to broadcast your music to the world. Nashville is known as Musical City, but what gives it this name? How has it become part of the fabric of music in general? And more specifically country music?

The Beginnings of Music City

 It all begins with Davy Crockett in the 1700s. The famed frontiersman and congressman, settled in Nashville and brought crowds to the settlement with his vivid storytelling and accomplished fiddle playing. The reputation stuck and the city has been attracting performers and crowds ever since.

This reputation grew further in the 1800s. The first ever round the world tour was carried out by a group of musicians known as the Fisk Jubilee Singers. An African American a cappella ensemble that travelled the world from their base at Fisk University, Nashville. Their efforts helped fund the education of freed slaves.

Later in that century a huge reunion of Confederate soldiers descended on the city. The main event was held in the Union Gospel Tabernacle, now known as the Ryman Auditorium. The venue built a balcony in preparation for the nearly 74,000 veterans that planned on attending the event, this balcony was named the Confederate Gallery.

In 1925, the venue became famed for hosting the Grand Ole Opry. This was a weekly live exposition of all the latest and best in country music. It was, and still is, broadcast to WSM radio station, making it the longest running radio show in the USA. It has lasted more than 90 years.

The Opry is so ingrained in country music that its current slogan reads, “The Show That Made Country Music Famous”. This is a fair claim to make, and performing on the Opry is an important seal of approval for any aspiring country musician. In the past artists as varied as Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, the Carter Family and the Dixie Chicks have all performed on the show.

Contemporary Country’s Fascination With Nashville

 The city has a rich and deep history with country music.This has drawn many of the modern era of country stars to Nashville. From the mid twentieth century heroes such as Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson who all at some point or another through the 50s and 60s called the great city home. So too have the truly modern era of country stars.

To name but a few, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw and Chris Stapleton all packed up their guitars and headed for Nashville, Tennessee. While others, such as Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley are signed to Capitol Records Nashville.

Nashville clearly still acts as a shining light for any country fan to head towards. Streets are brimming with bars and honky tonks that haver performers taking to the stage at all hours of the day and night, 365 days a year.

If you’re heading down there try and grab a ticket to a well-established star, but be sure to check out the smaller venues too as you may well get front row seats to tomorrow's Willie Nelson.