Michele Lomax
Editor
Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum
Nashville’s history encompasses both music and the Civil War. There were so many interesting museums and historical sites that I was able to explore and learn about. Of course, country music has its roots deeply embedded in Nashville with artists like Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, and Patsy Cline, who all have their own museums, but also black musicians such as Jimi Hendrix and Little Richard have ties to Music City. I discovered that the Fisk Jubilee Singers were instrumental in Nashville’s reputation as a global music center. Fisk University is a HBCU (Historical Black College or University), where the group originated, was founded after the end of the Civil War. Fisk School opened its doors to Black individuals, but the university came under a financial crisis. In a last-ditch effort to save the school, the university’s music teacher and treasurer George L. White assembled nine singers for a fundraising tour. Seven of the nine were former slaves. This original ensemble became known as the Fisk Jubilee Singers. They toured around the world and raised funds to save the school.
The National Museum of African American Music is fairly new and is the only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the many music genres created, influenced, and inspired by African Americans. I enjoyed exploring the interactive galleries that allow guests to listen to, create and produce music. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is also a must visit as we were the first to explore their new exhibit called Western Edge: The Roots and Reverberations of Los Angeles Country-Rock. This major exhibit traces the Los Angeles-based communities of visionary singers, songwriters, and musicians who, between the 1960s and 1980s, embraced country music, created and shaped the musical fusion “country-rock,” and, ultimately, made a lasting impact on popular music. The Ryman Auditorium was especially interesting. The original church pew venue holds a storied history, from the start of bluegrass to featured performers such as Kings of Leon and B.B. King. It was once home to the Grand Ole Opry but sat empty for many years after the Opry changed locations. Neglected, and facing demolition the folks of Nashville were determined to see it rise again and eventually there was a complete renovation in the 1990s. The Ryman is known around the globe as one of the best performance halls in the world and the venue draws artists from all corners of the globe and all entertainment genres.