Music Row is a historic district located to the southwest of downtown Nashville, Tennessee, United States, that is home to numerous businesses related to music, predominantly the country music, gospel music, and contemporary Christian music industries.
A map of the Music Row district in Nashville Centered on 16th and 17th Avenues South (called Music Square East and Music Square West, respectively, within the Music Row area), along with several side streets, Music Row is widely considered the heart of Nashville's entertainment industry. In this area, one will find the offices of numerous record labels, publishing houses, music licensing firms, recording studios, video production houses, along with other businesses who serve the music industry, as well as radio networks, and radio stations. Within media, MusicRow Magazine has been a music industry resource reporting on the location for over 30 years. Lacy J. Dalton had a hit song in the 1980s about one of the streets, 16th Avenue, while the area served as namesake to Dolly Parton's 1973 composition "Down on Music Row".
Sometimes the term "Music Row" is used as a metonymous nickname for the music industry as a whole, just as "Madison Avenue" often refers to the advertising industry. In present years, the district has been marked for extensive historical preservation and local as well as national movements to revive its rich and vibrant history. A group dedicated to this mission is the Music Industry Coalition.
Historic sites such as RCA's famed Studio B and Studio A, where hundreds of notable and famous musicians have recorded, are situated on Music Row. Country music entertainers Roy Acuff and Chet Atkins have also been memorialized with streets named in their honor within the area.
The first Country Music Hall of Fame was located at the corner of Music Square East and Division Street from April 1967 to December 2000, but the building has since been torn down and the museum moved to a new state-of-the-art building eleven blocks away in Downtown Nashville in May 2001
One area of Music Row, along Demonbreun Street, was once littered with down-market tourist attractions and vanity "museums" of various country music stars. These began to disappear in the late 1990s with the announced move of the Country Music Hall of Fame. The strip sat largely vacant for a few years but has been recently redeveloped with a number of upscale restaurants and bars serving the Downtown and Music Row areas.
At the confluence of Demonbreun Street, Division Street, 16th Avenue South, and Music Square East is the "Music Row Roundabout," a circular intersection designed to accommodate a continuous flow of traffic. Flanking the intersection to the west is Owen Bradley Park, a very small park dedicated to notable songwriter, performer, and publisher Owen Bradley. Within the park is a life-size bronze statue of Bradley behind a piano. Inside the roundabout is a large statue called the "Musica"
At the other end of Music Row, across Wedgewood Avenue sits the Belmont University campus, and Vanderbilt University is also adjacent to the area. Belmont is of particular note because of its Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business (CEMB), part of Belmont University and a major program in its commercial music performance division. Music Row in Nashville, Tennessee is one of the most important destinations for music lovers and industry professionals alike. With a rich history of country, folk, and Americana music, Music Row is home to many of the biggest record labels, publishing companies, and music production studios in the world. If you are planning a trip to Music Row, there are a few things that you should keep in mind to make the most of your experience.
Getting to Music Row:
The easiest way to get to Music Row is to fly into Nashville International Airport, which is located just a few miles from the city center. From the airport, you can take a taxi or rideshare service directly to your hotel or the music district. If you are renting a car, there are plenty of rental car companies located at the airport, and you can drive to Music Row in about 15-20 minutes.
Where to stay:
There are many great hotels located near Music Row, with options to suit a range of budgets and preferences. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider staying in one of the many chain hotels located just a few blocks from the music district. For a more upscale experience, consider staying at one of the many boutique hotels located in the heart of Music Row. Some popular options include the Hutton Hotel, the Noelle Nashville, and the Thompson Nashville.
What to see and do:
One of the best things about visiting Music Row is that you can experience a slice of Nashville's rich musical history just by walking around the area. Take a stroll down 16th and 17th Avenues South, which are known as the heart of Music Row, and you'll see historic recording studios, record labels, and publishing companies.
If you're a big fan of country music, you'll want to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which is located just a few blocks from Music Row. This museum is the ultimate destination for fans of country music, with interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and live performances.
For a more hands-on experience, consider visiting one of the many recording studios located on Music Row. Many of these studios offer tours and behind-the-scenes looks at how some of the biggest hits in country music have been recorded over the years. Some popular studios to visit include RCA Studio B, Ocean Way Studios, and the Castle Recording Studios.
If you're interested in learning more about the music industry, consider visiting the Music Business Association (Music Biz) office. This organization is dedicated to promoting the interests of the music industry and provides information and resources for industry professionals. They offer tours of their office, which is located in the heart of Music Row, and also host regular events and networking opportunities for music industry professionals.
Food and drinks:
Nashville is famous for its hot chicken, and there are many great places to try this local specialty on Music Row. Some popular options include Prince's Hot Chicken Shack, Hattie B's Hot Chicken, and Bolton's Spicy Chicken & Fish.
If you're looking for a more upscale dining experience, consider visiting one of the many restaurants located in the heart of Music Row. Some popular options include the Noelle Nashville, Kitchen Notes, and Etch Restaurant.
For drinks, consider visiting one of the many bars and music venues located in the area. Some popular options include the Red Phone Booth, The George Jones, and The Patterson House. These bars and music venues offer live music, signature cocktails, and a lively atmosphere that will make you feel like you're a part of Nashville's rich musical history.
Conclusion:
Music Row in Nashville, Tennessee is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in music.
