Nashville, Tennessee, is known as the Country Music Capital of the World and for good reason. The major labels have offices here, along with the artist associations.
The honky-tonks and small venues have launched the careers of countless artists, along with the street corners of Broadway that almost always host musicians. Every year, big names flock to the city for CMA Fest, a celebration of country music.
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The Bluebird Cafe
Opened in 1982, The Bluebird Cafe is responsible for making a name for countless singers and songwriters over the years. With only 90 seats, the intimate venue has hosted acts like Kathy Mattea, Taylor Swift, and Garth Brooks.
Located in an unassuming strip mall, it was also featured on the show Nashville often. There are rules to attending shows here, namely that the audience remains quiet while the performance is going on. Seating is first-come, first-served, so attendees line up early.
Exit/In
Located near the campus of Vanderbilt University, Exit/In opened in 1971 to feature rock and alternative artists. The space holds around 500 people and has been seen in the film Nashville and countless music videos.
An elevated platform means there’s no bad seat in the house. There’s also an adjacent pub to eat and drink in between performances.
The Wall of Fame has been signed by the biggest artists. The stage has hosted acts like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kings of Leon, The Allman Brothers Band, and REM.
Grand Ole Opry
Started as a gospel radio show, the Grand Ole Opry is now one of the longest-running radio shows, with performances by everyone from Patsy Cline to June Carter and Johnny Cash to Hank Williams.
After years at the Ryman Auditorium, the Grand Ole Opry moved to Nashville’s northeastern suburbs in the 1970s, complete with top-of-the-line electronics and air conditioning. It’s here that big-name and up-and-coming artists still perform to packed crowds every week.
Book a tour of the Grand Ole Opry.
Layla’s Bluegrass Inn
Layla’s Bluegrass Inn, now known as Layla’s Honky Tonk, is a popular venue on Broadway. Covered in license plates from around the country, this space hosts mostly bluegrass artists.
Countless names have graced the stage, including Hank Williams III, Drive-By Truckers, and Ralph Stanley. They have a basic food menu with fried snacks and sandwiches if you get hungry.
Robert’s Western World
Robert’s Western World is a legendary country music venue and dive bar. Unlike other venues on Broadway, Robert’s doesn’t charge a cover fee. Located in a former steel guitar factory, the space opened in the 1990s.
They have a house band called “Brazilbilly,” a nod to the owner’s Brazilian heritage and love of hillbilly music. On Sundays, they even host gospel acts. Don’t miss their famous Recession Special, which is $6 for a fried bologna sandwich, chips, and a Pabst Blue Ribbon.
Ryman Auditorium
Called the “Mother Church of Country Music,” the Ryman Auditorium was built for traveling evangelists to preach their messages. But it’s best known for being the home of the Grand Ole Opry radio show for decades before its move to a new building.
The hardwood stage has seen the likes of Elvis Presley, Hank Williams, Minnie Pearl, Patsy Cline, and Roy Acuff. Tour the space to learn about the notable names who have performed on the historic stage. The venue, which can hold over 2,000 on its pew-type seats, still hosts acts.
Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge
You can’t miss the pastel purple paint of Tootsies Orchid Lounge, a Nashville icon. Owner Tootsie Bess purchased the space in 1960, painting its iconic color. She was in the music industry, and the venue quickly attracted her fellow performing pals.
Among them were Kris Kristofferson, Patsy Cline, and Waylon Jennings. A young Willie Nelson got his start in songwriting after performing here. Big names and up-and-comers still play here.
It’s also been used for movies, including W.W. & the Dixie Dance Kings, Coal Miner’s Daughter, and The Nashville Rebel.
Looking for a place to stay while in Nashville? The Inn at Opryland, the Hutton Hotel, and the Hermitage Hotel.
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