Highlighting The Guided Music Row Walking Tour

By Ann Morgan


When visiting Nashville, there are a number of historic and interesting sites. When interested in seeing these and other spots, a Music Row Walking tour is a good place to start. For, the guided walking tour provides a great deal of insight into the music and history of the city.

As local history and culture is quite varied, the tour can not cover everything in 90 minutes. Still, the tour takes visitors through the heart of music row. When looking for more information on various tours, most in Nashville are listed in a number of local and national travel guides.

Visitors can now walk through districts of the city learning about the history and roots dating back to the early days of Nashville's sound. Beginning in the early to mid-1950s and 1960s with an overview of artists such as Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Bob Dylan and Elvis Presley all of whom at one time or another recorded albums at studios in the area. Whereas, the tour next highlights artists such as Neil Young and others whom were popular in the 1970s.

The journey continues with spots which inspired country artists old and new. For example, in the 1980s, country music started making a comeback with radio stations playing old and new chart toppers such as Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton and Tammy Wynette in an era that combined classic and progressive country artists on a regular basis.

Guides often provide a behind the scenes narrative with regards to promotion, song writing and recording. After which, guests can visit a number of management offices and recording studios. Some of the most well known artists on the Nashville music scene still record at a number of the studios on a regular basis.

Most guides also take individuals on a walk through areas which house current and past musicians. In doing so, those on the tour will see that the area truly is the heartbeat of country music in Nashville. For, most businesses related to performing, publishing, producing and distributing albums, CDs and DVDs are located in the area.

While many of the publishing houses and recording studios can be accessed on self-guided walks, most are by appointment with some charging a small admission fee or requested donation. As such, not only can the guided tour save time and money, it is often far more interesting to here the history of each location when visiting. In addition, while on a guided tour, one can also learn a lot about the city which may or may not available when it comes to other tours.

Currently the walks occur on Wednesdays through Saturdays though it is important to call ahead to assure a tour is going to take place. In addition, there can often be long lines to obtain tickets, especially during the Summer which is often the most popular and populated with regards to various operators. As such, operators advising obtaining tickets in advance when and where possible.




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