Soundcheck: Tennessee
From Nashville’s stages to Memphis blues, Tennessee’s music story runs deep, inspiring generations and defining the sound of the South.
Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival is a Woodstock-like celebration of music with a chilled, rural vibe. This four-day music festival features an extensive and diverse lineup — everything from rock to jazz, country music, and more. Held at the 700-acre farm of Great Stage Park, Bonnaroo also has 4 campground party barns to explore.
Overton Park Shell is a historic open-air amphitheater located in Memphis, Tennessee, known as the venue where the King, Elvis Presley, performed his first ever concert. Aside from its significance in musical history, Overton Park Shell is also known for its series of free signature concerts, held regularly throughout the year.
When you walk into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, a stop on the Tennessee Music Pathways, you start on a rich musical journey through interactive exhibits that house 2 million artefacts, including 500 musical instruments, more than 1,900 items of stage wear, accessories, personal clothing, microphones and automobiles, and more than 40,000 clips from film, video and other digital formats from the 1920s to today.
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Visiting the Elvis Statue in Memphis is an absolute must for music enthusiasts and pop culture aficionados. This majestic bronze tribute captures the King of Rock 'n' Roll in all his charismatic glory, exuding his electrifying stage presence. Standing tall in the heart of Memphis, it's a tangible connection to the city's rich musical heritage. Snap a selfie beside Elvis, relive the era that changed music forever, and let the soulful vibes of Beale Street envelop you. This iconic landmark is more than just a statue; it's a pilgrimage for anyone looking to feel the rhythm of Memphis's musical soul.
Experience one of the biggest country music festivals in the USA. CMA Music Festival takes place each summer at various stages in and around downtown Nashville, with nightly performances from big artists. Here, you can meet and greet your favorite country stars and discover new artists. Each night ends with performances featuring artists like LOCASH, Keith Urban and Little Big Town.
This 2,362-seat live performance venue claims to be the birthplace of bluegrass music. Aside from this historic claim, Ryman Auditorium is best known as the home of the Grand Ole Opry, a weekly American country music stage concert, and is widely recognized as one of the most celebrated and premier venues for modern music.
This unassuming building a few blocks from downtown Memphis is the site of the humble beginnings of rock ‘n’ roll. It’s here that the “Million Dollar Quartet” had its infamous jam session with Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis, and where artists like Howlin’ Wolf, B.B. King, and Roy Orbison recorded blues, rock, and rockabilly hits in the 1950s and 1960s. Modern-day Memphis musicians serve as knowledgeable and charismatic tour guides through Sun Studio’s exhibit space and recording studio, which is still in use today.
Bristol, on the Tennessee/Virginia border, is where country music first began and should be on every country music lover’s list of places to see. The museum, a stop on the Tennessee Music Pathways, tells the story of The Bristol Sessions, considered by Johnny Cash to be the single most important event in country music’s history. The Sessions are known as the “big bang of country music,” with the recordings continuing to influence and inspire today’s music. Learn more about this world-changing story through interactive exhibits, artefacts and audio/video recordings.
The Grand Ole Opry, Nashville’s No. 1 attraction and a stop on the Tennessee Music Pathways, is the show that made country music famous. Celebrating its 100th anniversary on 2025, what started as WSM’s Barn Dance in 1925 now connects artists and fans globally. The Opry has seen some iconic moments in country music, like when Johnny Cash met June Carter, Bill Monroe and his band invented bluegrass, and other chart-toppers and country legends who have made the shows unforgettable. Take a backstage tour that features a new immersive theater experience, insider stories, and a chance to stand in the famous circle.
Make a stop in Brownsville, Tennessee, to see the Tina Turner Museum at Flagg Grove School, a former one-room schoolhouse Tina Turner attended as a girl and a stop on the statewide Tennessee Music Pathways that connects you to the people, places and events that shaped music history. The museum celebrates the “Queen of Rock” through an extensive collection of costumes, gold records and video of her last concert. Additionally, the story of the schoolhouse is told, giving visitors a look at the education of African American students in the 1940s through early 1960s.
Ranked the No. 1 music museum in the world by Forbes, Conde Nast and National Geographic Traveler, the Johnny Cash Museum holds the largest and most comprehensive collection of Cash artefacts and memorabilia in the world. Have an in-depth look into the life and career of the Man in Black through audio and visual displays, rare artefacts and stories. A museum gift store, coffee shop and café next door round out the experience.
Enjoy a night out in the tiny iconic club where aspiring singers' dreams are made. The Bluebird Cafe is internationally recognized as one of the world’s most preeminent listening rooms. With an intimate setting and a hearty menu, this beloved music venue invites its patrons to enjoy the electric performances of up-and-coming and experienced songwriters.
The National Museum of African American Music is a 56,000-square-foot facility that encourages visitors to discover the central role African Americans have played in shaping and creating all genres of American music. From classical to country, jazz to hip hop, the museum integrates history and interactive technology to share the untold story of more than 50 music genres and sub-genres. It is an unparalleled institution, unconfined by record label, genre or recording artist, and tells a unique narrative through the lens of Black music.
Experience music and nature like never before at the The Caverns in Grundy County, Tennessee. Located at the base of the Cumberland Plateau, this naturally occurring subterranean amphitheater invites guests to enjoy a variety of live music performances literally underground. They also offer concessions and, of course, daily cave tours for the full cavern experience.
Robust exhibits and in-depth history of blues musicians can be found at the Blues Hall of Fame Museum in Memphis. Learn about blues culture while seeing costumes, musical instruments, unique art and other special items as well as visual storytelling that highlights the more than 400 Blues Hall of Fame inductees. Iconic pieces include Koko Taylor’s dress, Otis Spann’s piano, Eddy Clearwater’s Native American Headdress and Mavis Staples’ Grammy gown.
A stretch of bars known for their atmosphere and music, Lower Broadway is where you’ll find Nashville’s most famous live music bars like Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, Legends Corner and Robert’s Western World. There’s never a cover charge and the music is always live, solidifying Nashville as “Music City.” Spend a day and night – places are open from 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. – soaking it in and letting the music lead you to your next destination.
The home of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll has a special place in the hearts of Elvis fans and appreciators from around the world. No visit to Memphis is complete without a tour of the Mansion, kept exactly as it was when Elvis lived there with his family. You’ll see the famous Jungle Room and pay your respects at the King’s final resting place in the Meditation Garden. Across the street is Elvis Presley’s Memphis, an entertainment complex that’s home to the Presley Motors Automobile Museum, restaurants, and Discovery Exhibits about Elvis and more.
Pilgrimage Music Festival is an annual two-day festival celebrating the music, culture, and gastronomical experiences of Franklin, Tennessee. Visitors can enjoy live, acoustic performances at the rustic grounds of The Park in Harlinsdale Farm. To complete your experience, the Pilgrimage Music Festival also features the region’s best food, drinks, and crafts by local artisans.
Step into the Listening Room Café in Nashville, and now at the second location in Pigeon Forge, for performances by singer-songwriters and classic American cuisine. Live music is the main attraction with audiences attentive and appreciative of the music being played on stage. Experience the atmosphere of this Nashville staple.
Overton Square in Memphis is home to a number of thriving businesses anchored by five live performance theaters and a multi-screen movie theater. Local restaurants, boutiques, fitness and entertainment businesses in Overton Square attract more than 1 million visitors a year. Kid-friendly art, nightly live music and crafted items make this area a must-visit when planning a trip to Memphis.
Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th is an unforgettable celebration of Independence Day in Nashville. This event features an impressive lineup of live music performances, delicious local food, and a vibrant atmosphere that captures the spirit of the city. The grand finale is the spectacular fireworks show, set to music, lighting up the Nashville skyline. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a festive day with friends and family while experiencing the unique culture and energy of Music City.
Visiting Historic RCA Studio B is a must for any music enthusiast. This legendary recording studio is where many iconic artists, including Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton, laid down unforgettable tracks. The space is preserved, allowing you to experience the rich history of American music firsthand. Guided tours provide insight into the stories behind the hits and the studio's unique sound. Being in such a significant location deepens your appreciation for the music that shaped the industry.
The Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum in Nashville is a must-visit for music lovers. It celebrates the contributions of countless musicians across genres, showcasing their instruments and memorabilia. You’ll find engaging exhibits that highlight the creative process behind famous recordings, along with stories from the artists themselves. It's an immersive experience that offers insight into Nashville's rich musical history, making it an enriching stop that connects you to the heart of the music industry.
Gibson Garage in Nashville is a prime stop for music lovers, offering a unique look into the craftsmanship behind Gibson’s iconic guitars. Here, you can explore the history, try out different models, or even watch guitars being made. The space doubles as a shop and interactive museum, so you can immerse yourself in the brand’s legacy or add a new guitar to your collection. It’s a solid experience for fans of music and skilled artisanship alike.