Nashville Music Row, Tennessee Travel Guide

Discover the heart of country music in Nashville's Music Row, where the legends of the past meet the stars of tomorrow. Experience the history, culture, and vibrant nightlife.

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Nashville Music Row

Nashville's Music Row is a must-visit for any music lover. Located in Tennessee, this iconic area is the epicenter of the country music industry. Music Row is home to many recording studios, music labels, and radio stations. Walking down these streets, you'll feel the rich history of country music all around you. Start your visit by exploring the famous RCA Studio B, where legends like Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton recorded some of their biggest hits. The studio offers guided tours that provide a fascinating insight into the recording process and the stories behind the music. Stroll along 16th and 17th Avenues South, known as Music Square East and West. You'll see historic buildings, many of which house music publishing companies. Stop by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to immerse yourself in the heritage of country music. The museum's extensive collection includes instruments, costumes, and memorabilia from some of the genre's greatest stars. For a unique experience, visit the Bluebird Cafe, a small but famous venue where many artists have been discovered. The intimate setting allows for a close connection between the performers and the audience. Make sure to check their schedule in advance, as shows often sell out quickly. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the vibrant nightlife. Many bars and clubs feature live music, giving you a chance to enjoy performances by both established and up-and-coming artists. Music Row truly captures the spirit and soul of Nashville, making it an unforgettable destination for music enthusiasts.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Nashville Music Row.

Book tours and show tickets in advance, especially for popular spots like RCA Studio B and the Bluebird Cafe.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking around, as you'll want to explore the area thoroughly.
Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum early to avoid crowds and have ample time to see all exhibits.
Check out the local bars and clubs for live music performances; many offer free entry.
If you're interested in music history, consider taking a guided walking tour to learn more about the landmarks and their significance.

Explore Nashville Music Row: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Nashville Music Row

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Best Attractions

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Grand Ole Opry

Discover Nashville's musical heritage at the iconic Grand Ole Opry, where legendary performances and rich history come alive.

4.8

Grand Ole Opry

Explore the Grand Ole Opry, a historic venue in Nashville, showcasing live country music performances and rich musical heritage.

4.8

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

Discover diverse wildlife, engaging exhibits, and conservation education at Nashville Zoo at Grassmere in the heart of Tennessee.

4.5

Ryman Auditorium

Explore Ryman Auditorium, a historic concert hall in Nashville, renowned for its stunning performances and deep musical roots, a must-visit for every traveler.

4.8

Best landmarks in Nashville Music Row

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Ryman Auditorium

Discover the iconic Ryman Auditorium, a historic concert hall in Nashville renowned for its exceptional live music and rich cultural heritage.

4.8

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Explore the rich heritage of country music at Nashville's iconic Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, a must-visit for all music lovers.

4.6

Johnny Cash Museum

Explore the life and legacy of Johnny Cash at the Johnny Cash Museum, a must-see attraction for music lovers in Nashville.

4.6

Honky Tonk Highway

Dive into the heart of Nashville's music scene at Honky Tonk Highway, where live performances and Southern charm create an unforgettable experience.

4.7

Best restaurants in Nashville Music Row

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Hattie B's Hot Chicken - Nashville - Midtown

Experience Nashville's iconic hot chicken at Hattie B's in Midtown – where flavor meets Southern tradition!

4.6

Acme Feed & Seed

Discover authentic Southern cuisine paired with vibrant live music at Acme Feed & Seed in Nashville - your gateway to local flavors and unforgettable experiences.

4.4

Robert's Western World

Immerse yourself in Nashville's vibrant honky-tonk scene at Robert's Western World—where live music meets delicious Southern cuisine.

4.7

The Row Kitchen & Pub

Discover Nashville's culinary scene at The Row Kitchen & Pub, where Southern comfort food meets live music in an inviting atmosphere.

4.4

Best bars in Nashville Music Row

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Bar Louie - Nashville

Experience the vibrant American grill scene at Bar Louie in Nashville's trendy Gulch. Enjoy delicious food and innovative cocktails in a lively atmosphere.

4.1

Whiskey Bent Saloon

Discover the heart of Nashville's nightlife at Whiskey Bent Saloon – a live music bar serving great drinks and unforgettable tunes.

4.6

The Pub - Nashville

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and Southern flavors at The Pub - Nashville, the perfect spot for brunch, drinks, and lively gatherings.

4.4

The Patterson House

Experience the art of mixology at The Patterson House, Nashville's premier bar offering craft cocktails in an elegant, intimate setting.

4.8

Best nightclubs in Nashville Music Row

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Losers Bar & Grill

Discover the heart of Nashville's nightlife at Losers Bar & Grill, where live music and great food come together in an unforgettable experience.

4.1

Tin Roof

Discover Tin Roof, Nashville's premier live music bar offering delicious food, refreshing drinks, and unforgettable performances in a vibrant atmosphere.

4.1

Play Dance Bar

Discover Play Dance Bar: Nashville's ultimate gay nightclub for dancing, entertainment, and vibrant nightlife experiences in a welcoming atmosphere.

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Hit Parader Nashville

Hit Parader Nashville: Dive into the vibrant nightlife with live music, delicious food, and an unforgettable atmosphere in the heart of Music City.

4.6

Best shops in Nashville Music Row

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Antique Archaeology Nashville

Discover unique antiques and vintage treasures at Antique Archaeology Nashville, home of American Pickers' iconic finds.

4.1

Legends Gifts

Explore the heart of Nashville with unique souvenirs and gifts at Legends Gifts, your one-stop shop for Music City treasures.

4.0

Nashville Gifts

Explore the charm of Nashville at Nashville Gifts, your ultimate destination for unique souvenirs and local treasures in Music City.

4.3

White's Mercantile 12 South

Explore White's Mercantile in Nashville's 12 South: A treasure trove of local goods, unique gifts, and Southern charm await your discovery.

4.4

Explore Nashville Music Row on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Nashville Music Row, mapped for you.

Nashville Music Row Essentials

Nashville Music Row in Tennessee can be reached by car, bus, or taxi from the city center. The area is easily accessible and well-connected to the rest of Nashville.
Public transportation in Nashville Music Row includes buses and taxis. Walking is also a popular option due to the area's compact size.
The currency used in Nashville Music Row is the US Dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases.
Nashville Music Row is generally safe for tourists, but it's advisable to be cautious in areas with high crime rates. Stay alert and avoid walking alone at night.
In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Familiarize yourself with the nearest hospital and police station for quick access in times of need.
Do dress casually and comfortably, respect local customs and traditions, use public transport responsibly, greet people with a friendly smile, and enjoy local cuisine. Don't wear revealing clothing, disrespect religious sites, be loud on public transport, refuse greetings, or waste food and drinks.
To experience Nashville Music Row like a local, visit off-the-beaten-path attractions, try local food and drinks, attend live music performances, and strike up conversations with residents to learn more about the area's history and culture.

When is the best time to visit Nashville Music Row?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Nashville Music Row

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Nashville Music Row. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHowdy
  [haw-dee]
- GoodbyeSee ya
  [see yuh]
- YesYup
  [yuhp]
- NoNah
  [na]
- Please/You're welcomePlease and thank ya kindly
  [pleez and thank yuh kine-lee]
- Thank youMuch obliged
  [muhch uh-blahy-jed]
- Excuse me/SorryPardon me
  [par-dn me]
- How are you?How y'all doin'?
  [haw yall doin]
- Fine. And you?Just dandy. How 'bout you?
  [jus dan-dee. how bowt yuh]
- Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [yuh speak in-glish]
- I don't understandI ain't catchin' on
  [I aint kach-in on]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseI reckon I'd like to see the menu, please
  [I rek-un I'd like to see the menu, please]
- I don't eat meatI ain't no meat eater
  [I aint no meet eet-er]
- Cheers!Here's to ya!
  [heers to yuh]
- I would like to pay, pleaseI'd kindly settle up, please
  [I'd kine-lee set-l up, please]
- Help!I need a hand!
  [I need uh hand]
- Go away!Get lost!
  [get lost]
- Call the Police!Ring up the Law!
  [ring up the law]
- Call a doctor!Holler for a doc!
  [hawl-er for uh dok]
- I'm lostI'm turned around
  [I'm turned around]
- I'm illI'm feelin' poorly
  [I'm feel-in poor-lee]
- I'd like to buy...I reckon I'd like to buy...
  [I rek-un I'd like to buy]
- I'm just lookingI'm just browsin'
  [I'm just brouz-in]
- How much is it?What's the damage?
  [whats the dam-ij]
- That's too expensiveThat's a bit steep
  [thats uh bit steep]
- Can you lower the price?Can ya do any better on the price?
  [can yuh do any bet-er on the price]
- What time is it?What's the time of day?
  [whats the time of day]
- It's one o'clockIt's one in the mornin'
  [its one in the morn-in]
- Half past (10)Half past ten
  [half past ten]
- MorningMornin'
  [morn-in]
- AfternoonAfternoon
  [after-noon]
- EveningEvenin'
  [even-in]
- YesterdayYest'day
  [yest-day]
- TodayToday
  [to-day]
- TomorrowTomorrer
  [tom-or-er]
- 1One
  [wun]
- 2Two
  [too]
- 3Three
  [three]
- 4Four
  [four]
- 5Five
  [fahyv]
- 6Six
  [siks]
- 7Seven
  [sev-uhn]
- 8Eight
  [eyt]
- 9Nine
  [nine]
- 10Ten
  [ten]
- Where's a/the...?Where's the...
  [wheres the]
- What's the address?What's the street?
  [whats the street]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya point it out (on the map)?
  [can ya point it out on the map]
- When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?
  [whens the next bus]
- A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [A ticket (to ....)]

History of Nashville Music Row

In the 1950s, the area now known as Music Row began to take shape. It all started when music publisher Owen Bradley and his brother, Harold, converted a house at 804 16th Avenue South into a recording studio. This modest beginning laid the groundwork for what would become the epicenter of the country music industry.
Opened in 1957, RCA Studio B became one of the most famous recording studios in the world. Chet Atkins, known as 'Mr. Guitar,' was instrumental in its creation. This studio saw the recording of timeless hits by artists like Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and the Everly Brothers.
During the late 1950s and early 1960s, Music Row was the birthplace of the 'Nashville Sound.' This genre blended traditional country with pop music elements, featuring lush string arrangements and backing vocals. Pioneers like Patsy Cline and Jim Reeves brought this new sound to the masses, cementing Nashville's status in the music industry.
By the 1960s, Music Row had become a vibrant hub for the music industry. Record labels, publishing houses, and recording studios set up shop along 16th and 17th Avenues South. This concentration of industry players fostered collaboration and creativity, making Nashville a magnet for aspiring musicians and songwriters.
In 1964, RCA opened Studio A, a larger facility adjacent to Studio B. Built by producer Chet Atkins and engineer Bill Porter, Studio A became known for its state-of-the-art acoustics and hosted sessions for artists like Willie Nelson and Loretta Lynn. It remains a symbol of Nashville’s rich recording history.
Music Row is home to the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) and Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI). These organizations, which arrived in the 1960s, play a crucial role in the careers of songwriters and publishers by ensuring they receive royalties for their work.
While Music Row has remained a cornerstone of the music industry, it has evolved over the years. The 1980s and 1990s saw the rise of new genres like country pop and contemporary Christian music, with artists like Garth Brooks and Amy Grant making their mark. Today, Music Row continues to adapt to the changing landscape of the music industry.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to preserve the historic buildings on Music Row. Organizations like Historic Nashville, Inc. and the National Trust for Historic Preservation have worked to protect this cultural landmark from redevelopment. These efforts aim to maintain the legacy of Music Row for future generations.