Why Is Nashville Known as Music City?

Nashville earned the Music City name a century ago by Queen Victoria in reference to the Fisk Jubilee Singers, according to local reports, and it still lives up to the title today. Nashville is not only a stopover for aspiring musicians from around the world but also the birthplace of many famous country music stars. 

Music is an essential component of Nashville’s heritage. Excellent music traditions that have been forever cohered, even from its earliest days. With over 200 years of music history, here are some highlights showing why Nashville has earned its reputation as Music City. 

History of Music city 

Before European settlers settled in the area, much of Tennessee was populated by Mississippian tribes. It was not until 1717 that the first trading post was established in the area, with Nashville effectively placed on the map.

The first settlement was not there for another 62 years, having been established in 1779 by an English settler named James Robertson. In 1843, Nashville became the capital of Tennessee. 

The Civil War destroyed Nashville, physically and financially. After the war, Nashville grew in population and economic strength, gradually becoming the central metropolitan area it is today. Nashville is now a booming tech hub, music center, and beautiful sports city! 

When the city was resolve in the late 1700s. It quickly began to be celebrated with fiddle tunes and reindeer dances. Davy Crockett was the first celebrity in town and a fiddle player with colorful stories. 

The 1800s brought more reasons for the Music City nickname. Nashville shout-outs and became a national place for music publishing. The Fisk Jubilee Singers came from Fisk University in Nashville and were the first musical act to travel worldwide.  

The Famous Music Venues in Nashville 

Throughout the city’s history, many music venues have been added to the landscape. These places give the town a perfect reason to be known as the “Music City.” Here are three of Nashville’s most famous music venues. 

 Ryman Auditorium 

Nashville’s first and most famous music venues begin with the Ryman Auditorium. Also known as the Church of Country Music, Ryman Auditorium attracted artists such as Dolly Parton and Hank Williams, bringing Nashville into the limelight for music concerts. In Nashville, the first concert was played in 1892, while the first concert of John Philip Sousa was played in 1894.

The venue saw plenty of use throughout its history by religious leaders, presidents, opera artists, and others. In 2003 it was the site of Johnny Cash’s funeral. 

The Grand Ole Opry 

The second most famous venue is the Grand Ole Opry. The place where country artists are seen at many stages of their careers. Today you can watch the Gatlin Brothers, Lee Greenwood, Mark Wills, Carlin Carter, Trace Adkins, Carrie Underwood, Travis Tritt, and more. The space has a lively performance program and remains a hot activity for music lovers throughout Nashville. Visit one of the most famous venues for country music everywhere at the Grand Ole Opry. 

Cannery Ballroom at Station Inn 

The Canary Ballroom is another famous venue for music in Nashville. The platform was build in 1974 by a group of six bluegrass pickers and singers. The Station Inn is located in Nashville’s Gulch area and plays some of the best bluegrass, classic country, and original music in the world, along with music seven nights a week.  

The Fisk Jubilee Singers 

The most recognizable music acts hail from Nashville “the Fisk Jubilee Singers” was model in 1871 at Fisk University. After the American Civil War, Fisk University’s primary mission was to educate formerly enslaved people. Then Fisk Jubilee Singers were build as a fundraising activity.  

Due to their touring and incredible reputation as musical act performers, these Fisk Jubilee Singers achieved popularity and prestige while performing for audiences globally, including Mark Twain and President Ulysses S. Grant, and Queen Victoria.

According to local reports, Queen Victoria, the queen of England remarked that the Fisk Jubilee Singers must be from a “city of music” because of their talent. And so, a name was born. 

Legend’s Corner 

Whether you’re visiting the city or are a local native. The best place for live music is going to be Legends Corner. You can catch four shows a day on most days from 10:00 to 2:30 the next morning. Visitors can also entertain themselves as Legends Corner has many regular performers so that they can browse their music schedule as per their choice. 

Wrapping up 

If you’re looking for “live country music near me” and you’re downtown in Nashville, you won’t find better music anywhere on Broadway than at Legends Corner. Check out our lineup, pick a performer to watch, and head towards the multi-level live music venue. Contact us for private events, upcoming performances, and more information.