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While I enjoy a variety of music including pop,
rock, classical, and jazz . . . country music is my favorite . . .
with a special fondness for songs about America, the troops, and
veterans. Nor is there a better
place to experience country music and its history than Nashville,
TN, which I did with my wife and 14-year-old grandson earlier this
month. And what an enjoyable and informative visit it was!
Just walking around downtown Nashville is a
pleasurable experience. We had an entertaining time just walking down Broadway . . .
listening to country music artists performing in the various open door clubs / bars.
You will also find many good affordable restaurants that are
suitable for children. (We had a tasty barbeque dinner at one of
them.) We even came across patriot and music legend
Charlie Daniels' museum just
off Broadway near Riverfront Park, where outdoor concerts occur. We
also discovered that a stroll across the nearby Shelby St Pedestrian
Bridge is ideal to view Riverfront Park along with much of downtown
Nashville and UP Field (stadium). It is a picturesque scene with
the Cumberland River flowing underneath the bridge.
Then just a few blocks further west is the
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the Musicians Hall of Fame
and Museum, which are both must visits.
 Country Music Hall of
Fame and Museum
The
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum was a unique
experience for my wife and me . . . and even impressed
our grandson, who really liked the large wall displays
of the gold and platinum records of the artists (photo
left) including those of Elvis Presley. Surprisingly, my grandson, who is
more into other types of music, showed similar interest
in many of the other Country Music Hall of Fame and
Museum displays including many questions about them!
 Holly Williams
(daughter of Hank Williams, Jr.) after we
saw her interviewed by Michael McCall with
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
She was there in
conjunction with the new compelling display
honoring her grandfather and father. (Click
on the photo right to see a larger version
with banner about the Williams display above
us.)
Holly also performed
several songs written by her, which were
very moving and should be heard by all . .
. Could the next great Williams in country
music be a woman named Holly?
 Musicians
Hall of Fame and MuseumOur next tour was at
the
Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. And while not as
large as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, it
has displays honoring artists from many music genres. It brought back fond memories of
the artists, who I enjoyed in every stage of my life . .
. and some being sad reminders of how
much older I am than my grandson, who even quipped once,
“You heard that Beatles' song when it first came out?”
My response... “I was your age then!”
Grand Ole Opry
 Now, I have to admit that
attending the
Grand
Ole Opry show on July 4th was the primary reason
for coming to Nashville . . . as it
epitomizes what country music is all about . . . and
has done so with every show during its illustrious
history.
In fact, the
July 4th show was even more entertaining than my
wife and I had anticipated. Even my grandson
thought it was “awesome” and came away a true
country music fan.
All the performers were wonderful with several
singing patriotic songs in honor of Independence Day.
We all really liked
John Conlee's performance and
associated video of his patriotic hit song, "They
Also Serve". (Click on photo above to see
a larger picture of John Conlee's performance.)
Another nice surprise was hearing rising star,
Chris Young, perform his new hit song, "Gettin' You Home".
Chris was a winner of Nashville Star a few years ago . . . and
"really appealed" to the females including my wife.
He is also one of my favorite country music stars.
There was even a very special 50th anniversary
performance by The Browns (Jim
Ed, Bonnie, and Maxine) of their 1959 hit, “The Three Bells”
. . . which sold over a million copies and was the first number
one country song ever to cross over to number one on the pop and
rhythm & blues charts as well. They received a very
deserving standing ovation.
It was a truly memorable night at the Grand
Ole Opry.
The Hermitage
 Another must when visiting
Nashville . . . is experiencing
The Hermitage, where Andrew Jackson lived before
and after his two terms as the fifth President of
the United States of America. Almost everything in
the home is how it was at his death.
You can also walk the grounds
including a lovely garden where his tomb is located.
Moreover, there is a very
informative short film about the life of this great
heroic leader from his childhood through his
presidency. My wife and I learned many new
interesting facts and a better understanding of the
man, Andrew Jackson.
My grandson now knows
more about Andrew Jackson than his grandparents did
before visiting The Hermitage.
Take The Time
I
encourage fellow patriots to experience Nashville at least once even if
you are not a country music fan. My wife and I plan to do so again, as
we want to do more of the same . . . and enjoy other Nashville flavors we were
unable to do this time.
David G. Bancroft
Founder / Owner
USA Patriotism!
Copyright 2009 | 
