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words and photos: Rachel L. Miller
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Springtime
view of Nashville's downtown and the Capitol Building
(on the hilll).
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And
of course, as mentioned earlier, Nashville is Music City USA,
probably the city's most truthful alias. For a music lover,
Nashville is a paradise of honky-tonks, clubs and other venues
where you can discover a burgeoning artist or a long-time favorite.
Whether
or not you're a country fan, the County Music Hall of Fame
and Museum is the best place to start your Nashville music
experience. Country music was first performed on the radio in
1922, its heritage strictly American and stitched into the fabric
of, indeed making it the music of America. Exploring the million-item
museum, complete with interactive exhibits, could easily take
hours; it's best to allow enough time so you're not rushing yourself.
Trace the history of country music through the museum's comprehensive
timeline - along the way, you'll find artifacts from artists like
Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley. Presley's
gold Cadillac is on display next to Webb Pierce's ridiculously
impressive silver dollar-studded 1962 Pontiac Bonneville convertible,
complete with ornamental pistols and horseshoes.
One
of the most breathtaking areas of the relatively new, $37 million
structure is the rotunda, where light streams down from the
glass above to illuminate bronze plaques depicting the 88 individuals,
duos or groups who have earned membership into the Country Music
Hall of Fame.
Just
a short walk from the Country Music Hall of Fame &
Museum is Ryman Auditorium, which gained the
title of "Mother Church of Country Music"
from hosting the Grand Ole Opry show from 1943 to 1974.
And since all types of musicians have taken the stage
at the Ryman - from Roy Acuff to Lenny Kravitz; the
Vienna Boys Choir to Keith Richards; Patsy Cline to
Bob Dylan - it's a hallowed ground for any music lover.
(CONTINUED...)
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