Music Row is a lively district filled with stores, businesses and museums related to the great gospel, country and contemporary Christian music that helped to make Nashville famous. It is an iconic area for genre fans, where record label firms and publishing houses stand next to recording studios and video production units. Embark on a walking tour of the area to get familiar with this musical wonderland.
Among the highlights is the iconic RCA Studio B Tour, which offers visitors an insight into the recording of some of the biggest hits in country and gospel music. Admire the 1970s décor of the studio where Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton and The Everly Brothers recorded some of their masterpieces.
Learn how the Nashville Sound, which consists of heavy backing vocals and strings, was produced and refined within these walls. One block east is the famous Owen Bradley’s Quonset Hut studio, one of the earliest studios of its kind in the area.
As you amble around this fascinating district, notice how some of the streets are named after country music stars, such as Chet Atkins and Roy Acuff. Spot buildings containing radio networks and stations broadcasting their sound waves to the world. Nearby is Belmont University’s campus, which contains an important musical department.
Bring food for a picnic in charming Owen Bradley Park. Inspect the statue of its eponymous songwriter and performer sitting at a piano. Look for the guitar-shaped Elvis Presley Pool. Dine at one of the many upscale restaurants that adorn the area. Note that Music Row is so engrained in the country and gospel zeitgeist that the name is today synonymous with the industry.
Find Music Row southwest of the downtown area of central Nashville. Take a bus to one of the many stops dotted throughout this district and get around on foot. Meander through the surrounding areas, including Vanderbilt University, the Gulch and Pie Town.
