Perhaps no other state in the union is more intertwined with music history than Tennessee.
B.B. King walked Beale Street here. Dolly Parton strummed her first guitar notes here. Country stars like Blake Shelton, Faith Hill and Garth Brooks flocked here with dreams and a notebook full of songs — and every day, more wildly talented hopefuls still arrive in Tennessee with that same dream. From blues to country to soul, there’s a rhythm to every part of these hills. What is it about this wonderful state that inspires such creativity? Each of these music cities has a story to tell — and plenty of ways for groups to experience Tennessee’s musical past and present.
Nashville
ashville is recognized around the world by its nickname: Music City. It’s a first stop for talented artists and fans alike. Through fascinating exhibits including instruments, costumes, rare recordings and more, the Country Music Hall of Fame tells the stories of the many musicians who have made their mark on the industry. The hall of fame offers several customizable group experiences, including the opportunity to take a private guided tour or produce and record a song as a team. Be sure to add on a trip to RCA Studio B, where greats like Dolly Parton, Elvis, Roy Orbison and Carrie Underwood recorded some of their most treasured hits.
Another must-see is the Grand Ole Opry, home to the world’s longest-running live radio show, with over 5,000 consecutive weekly performances. The Opry is gearing up to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2025 with more performances than ever, so the atmosphere is extra celebratory. Groups can catch a live show, take a tour backstage and enjoy group meals at nearby restaurants that partner with the Opry. Groups of 20 or more will enjoy complimentary tickets for their group leader and motorcoach driver. Groups can also tour the Opry’s former home, the historic Ryman Auditorium.
For an overview of Nashville’s music scene, hop aboard Old Town Trolley’s Soul of Music City Tour. Guides share stories and songs throughout the tour as they recount moments in the city’s artistic past and cruise by the Nashville skyline and the city’s most famous music venues.
Memphis
With deep soul and blues roots, Memphis is a must-visit for any music fan. Start your tour with the Stax Museum, which celebrates the legacy of Stax Records, where soul music was born. Legends like Otis Redding, Booker T. & the M.G.’s, and Rufus and Carla Thomas all recorded at the Stax Records studio. Today, the museum stands in its place, with a wide range of immersive exhibits, memorabilia, costumes, instruments and historic recording equipment.
Another essential stop in Memphis is Beale Street, which witnessed the early days of both blues and rock. Here you’ll find live venues playing delta blues, rock, jazz, gospel, R&B and more. Beale Street especially comes to life at night when these clubs open up and invite music lovers in to jam. By day, the street is home to tasty restaurants and eclectic shops. It’s a great destination to explore on foot.
As any music fan knows, Memphis is also the site of Graceland, Elvis Presley’s longtime home. Visitors can tour the King of Rock ’n’ Roll’s mansion and explore his private jets and car collection. The site also features the Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum, which shares the musician’s journey to fame through memorabilia, costumes, awards and fascinating exhibits. Restaurants and shops are also on-site. Groups can enjoy special rates, audio-guided tours of the mansion and grounds, and free motorcoach parking. Group meals can be arranged.
Bristol
Walk along the Tennessee-Virginia border in Bristol, the same route many of country music’s greatest legends took to make their mark. The Birthplace of Country Music Museum celebrates that first gathering in 1927, which was known as the Bristol Sessions. Jimmie Rodgers, the Carter Family and other soon-to-be stars recorded music for the very first time that year. Those recordings were many Americans’ first exposure to country music — and the rest is history. Today, the museum honors those recordings with interactive exhibits and storytelling. Every year, Bristol is home to a Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival that celebrates the musical past of both sister cities.
Bristol has also remained a musical hotspot thanks to WBCM Radio Bristol. This station broadcasts and streams live from the museum, playing both the vintage and modern sounds that Bristol is known for. Farm and Fun Time, one of Radio Bristol’s most popular shows, celebrates the music of Appalachia in the style of old-time radio shows. It’s recorded live in front of an audience at the museum’s performance theater, and in addition to radio, it’s broadcast regionally on public television.
At the museum, multiple tours of different lengths are available for groups. These tours generally cover the Bristol Sessions and can be customized to focus on specific topics.
Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge has been a musical destination for decades, with frequent vibrant live performances.
Perhaps the most famous musical destination of Pigeon Forge is Dollywood, founded by iconic
Tennessee musician Dolly Parton. Dollywood offers over 50 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, themed restaurants and other amusement park rides. But what it’s most famous for is its focus on the musical spirit of the region it calls home. Musical performers of all different genres are placed throughout the park, with performances as often as every few minutes throughout the day.
Dollywood also offers a peek into Dolly’s life through exhibits on her history, costumes, songs and memorabilia at the brand-new Dolly Parton Experience within the park. Dollywood offers special rates for groups, and the park can design special custom experiences for larger corporate groups.
After Dollywood, spend an evening in Pigeon Forge enjoying the Grand Majestic Theater, a long-running local fixture. This casual dinner theater offers several different types of live performances, from Motown to historic rock to Elvis tributes. The theater offers special rates for groups of 20 or more.
Franklin & Leiper’s Fork
These two cozy, welcoming towns near Nashville have music in their DNA. Franklin is home to the Franklin Theatre, which has been a local favorite since 1937. The venue got its start as a movie house, but since a renovation in 2011, the venue also offers live music performances and hosts more than 500 events annually. The venue can also offer personalized events for groups, including improv classes, jazz workshops and song cowriting experiences.
For more live music, Fox & Locke in nearby Leiper’s Fork is the place to be. This restaurant and music venue is named after the 1947 general store that once stood in its place. Between dining on Southern favorites, catch one of Fox & Locke’s live performances. You’ll especially want to catch the venue’s famous weekly open mic nights. In a town so close to Music City, you never know what kind of talent you’ll come across — and celebrity musicians have been known to stop by from time to time.
Another Franklin favorite is The Factory, an entertainment and retail hotspot that was converted from a historic stove manufacturing plant in 1996. One of The Factory’s most popular sites is the Mockingbird Theater, a top-notch music venue with a regular schedule of events and performances by artists of all genres.
visitfranklin.com/communities/leipers-fork
Chattanooga
In the first half of the 20th century, Chattanooga was a cultural epicenter of R&B, soul and jazz performances, and that musical legacy remains today. Chattanooga was known for its African American entertainment district, Ninth Street. Amid vibrant Black-owned movie theaters, grocery stores and restaurants were some of the city’s finest music clubs. Ella Fitzgerald, Curtis Mayfield, and other greats performed at Ninth Street venues, often retiring to the nearby Martin Hotel afterward.
Today, that legacy is carried on by Songbirds, a nonprofit foundation, venue and museum that aims to share the power of music across the South through education, historic preservation, live events and support for up-and-coming talents. Songbirds features fascinating exhibits on music history and an impressive collection of rare and vintage guitars. At any given time, about 40 guitars can be found on display, many of which were played onstage by celebrities. Exhibits are interactive with music and video components.
When evening sets in, it’s time to take in the city’s electrifying music scene. Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant, which doubles as a live music venue, is a great place to hear beats while you eat. Local musicians perform every Friday and Saturday night, and private dining spaces are available for large groups. Hi-Fi Clyde’s, a low-key haunt known for its all-day brunch, also brings in the best of Chattanooga’s local musicians on Fridays and Saturdays and offers group reservations.
