Music City, USA
Nashville is known as many names across the world. Nicknames include: Athens of The South, Nashvegas, Buckle of the Bible Belt, and most notably, Music City.
It is no surprise the city’s essence is deeply intertwined with musical roots tracing back to the early 20th century (Source: Visit Music City). Fun Fact: The nickname “Music City” was dubbed in 1925 when radio announcer David Cobb of WSM started using the term to announce their newly launched broadcast titled Grand Ole Opry .
This broadcast consisted of live country music acts on a weekly basis and as the radio grew in popularity, so did WSM’s listener base, and Nashville’s sound. Pretty cool, right? Learn about this and more on Nashville’s #1 rated tour with Nashville Experience Tours.
Nashville Backstage
Whether you’re into country music or other genres – there is no denying Nashville has become an epicenter of the music industry. From country, bluegrass, blues, jazz, and rock and roll – Nashville attracts millions of people from across the world each year to hear and see her unique eclectic sound.
As a sequel to our previous blog (10 Songs You Didn’t Know Were Recorded in Nashville) – here is Part 2 for even more hits that put Nashville on the map!
In The Studio
1. “Congregation” by the Foo Fighters – Recorded at Zac Brown’s studio Southern Ground Recording in 2014. The studio was originally a Presbyterian Church. If that isn’t the most Nashville thing! 
2. “Lay Lady Lay” by Bob Dylan – From Dylan’s Nashville Skyline album recording at Columbia Studios in 1969, the song features country music legend Charlie Daniels on guitar. Johnny Cash claimed that Dylan first performed the song at a gathering of singer/songwriter’s at Cash’s house in Nashville.
3. “Crazy” by Patsy Cline – Written by Willie Nelson and made popular by Cline, this song was recorded in Nashville in 1961. Patsy Cline died in a tragic plane crash in Tennessee in 1963 on her way back to town after a concert in Kansas City, MO.
4. “Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffet – Recorded in 1976 for the “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes” album, the song was released in 1977. The recording took place at the iconic Quadrophonic Sound studios.
5. “The One I Love” by R.E.M. – From the Album “Document,” this was R.E.M’s first #1 hit in 1987. The Athens, GA based band introduced a new popular alternative/college sound to the music scene. This song was recorded at the Sound Emporium Studios on Music Row.
6. “Crying” by Roy Orbison – This is one of many sounds recorded in Nashville in 1961. Fun Fact – Orbison lived just a few blocks from Music Row.
7. “Wake Up Little Susie” by The Everly Brothers- This song was recorded in 1957. The brothers hailed from Knoxville, TN and Nashville was the recording city and home to many of the duo’s hits.
8. “All About That Base” by Meghan Trainor – Recorded in 2013 in The Carriage House studio in Nolensville, TN just outside of Nashville. Born on Nantucket Island, MA, Trainor decided to forgo Berklee College of Music to pursue singing/songwriting/recording initially with Nashville based publishing company Big Yellow Dog Music.
9. “Heart of Gold ” by Neil Young – Recorded on Young’s “Harvest” album in 1951 on music row at Quadrophonic Sound Studios.
10. “Drift Away” by Dobie Gray – The original version recorded in 1973 is by Mentor Williams but was given to Dobie Gray. This was Gray’s biggest hit and was later covered by Michael Bolton and Uncle Kracker.
In Conclusion
Nashville’s rich history has put the city on the map for more than just country music. As local expert Joe Nashville says, “there is always a Nashville connection”! Learn about this and more on one of our Nashville walking tours or van tours. We are delighted to show you around our wonderful city and welcome you into the sound that is Music City!
Recent Comments