NASHVILLE: COUNTRY CAPITAL The dreams that built‘ music city’
words and photography by sarah rowland
“ I walked into a world where everyone wants the same thing- the teachers you have, the lady that cuts your hair, the guy selling you jeans at the mall- every single one of them has a story of how they’ ve moved here to play music,” says Steven Darden, aspiring musician and Nashville Tennessee native.
This is the absolute essence of Music City, a place overflowing with dreamers and believers. It is impossible to stroll down Broadway Street- famous as the place for creating musical beginnings- without seeing hopeful artists singing and playing on every street corner. From the older gentleman wearing a white beard and Willie Nelson t-shirt, to the vibrant 16-year-old singing songs from her soul- the people and their music are what make this city so special. They are Nashville. Bringing their ambitions and aspirations, people come from far and wide to embark on musical journeys. Nashville is home to more musicians per capita than Boston, Portland, Austin, Seattle and Los Angeles.
“ In a way, the number of people looking for music careers devalues how special you think you are.
It scares the hell out of you,” says Darden.“ But, it’ s also what Music City is about. That’ s the most‘ Nashville’ thing about Nashville. Everyone in this place wants the same thing”.
From Dolly Parton to Bob Dylan and Waylon Jennings, many legends have roots planted in Music City. After visiting Nashville and meeting Johnny Cash, Parton made it her home in 1964. Around the same time, Dylan and Jennings also headed to Music City.
Dylan wrote his album Nashville Skyline there. Jennings was similarly inspired by the atmosphere:“ I’ ve been chasin’ the big wheels all over Nashville, waiting for my big break to come; I’ ll be a star tomorrow but today I’ m a Nashville bum.” The‘ struggle’ he sings of is simply part of the spirit of Nashville. Nashville wouldn’ t be the music capital without iconic live performance venues like the Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry.
The Johnny Cash show first brought attention to the Ryman in 1969. Cash aired his music variety show from its stage, hosting legends such as James Taylor, Neil Young, James Taylor and Joni Mitchell. >>
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