Tennessee, you music centric thing. What a joy to live in a space that celebrates auditory art and self-expression! Nashville may be Music City, but the Tennessee Music HIGHWAY runs straight through the belly of the state, exiting south in Mississippi and finishing up in the heart of the Big Easy – New Orleans. Here are seven gems along the way (and one bonus!) that are great for day trips and tour dates.
How many have you been to?
- Sun Studio - Memphis
Mr Littlehand - Flickr Known as the birthplaces of Elvis Presley’s highly lauded career, Sun Studios has recorded some of the most famous musicians in the world, including Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash. Founded by Sam Phillips, this is one iconic music locale that you don’t want to skip. (706 Union Avenue)
- International Rockabilly Hall of Fame and Museum - Jackson
Brent Moore - Flickr Located in Jackson, Tennessee, the International Rockabilly Hall of Fame and Museum is where you can experience and indulge in the history of 1950s rockabilly stars. Take in old photographs and props from musical greats like Brenda Lee, and watch iconic and influential performances throughout your tour of the building. (105 N Church Street)
- Graceland - Memphis
Natalie Curtis - Flickr Ah, yes. Graceland. It may not be a “hidden” gem, but it is a gem all the way around and is quite possibly one of the most iconic spots on our list. Visit the home of Elvis Presley, and see the world from his eyes. The Mississippi-born rockstar chose to live in Tennessee for the majority of his adult life, and his adopted state couldn’t be more proud. (Elvis Presley Blvd)
- Patsy Cline Plane Crash Site - Camden
Brent Moore - Flickr Although a bit macabre, the Patsy Cline crash site is considered an honorary member of the Tennessee Music Highway. It’s where one of the greats lost her voice, and the quiet, beautiful spot is located in the heart of the forest. It’s a peaceful space that pays homage to a horrific end, and is sure to be humbling. You can visit in Camden, Tennessee.
- The Tina Turner Museum - Brownsville
wavingatyou - Flickr Located in her hometown of Nutbush, the Tina Turner Museum is located in a most interesting place: Tina’s old schoolhouse. Flagg Grove School was where a young Anna Mae Bullock attended classes, and now houses her life’s work in the form of personal items and rock memorabilia. (121 Sunny Hill Cove)
- Ernest Tubb Record Shop - Nashville
Richard Roche - Fllickr The Ernest Tubb Record Shop is located on Honkytonk Highway in downtown Nashville, and has been open for over 65 years. Over its lifetime, the space has collected all sorts of vinyl records and rare CD’s. Wander through on your way to Tootsie’s, and pick up some new tunes. (417 Broadway)
- Tootsie’s World Famous Orchid Lounge - Nashville
Photo Credit Tootsie’s World Famous Orchid Lounge can be found right behind the Mother Church of country music (The Ryman Auditorium!), and is known for its quirky exterior color and rooftop patio. There’s live music nightly, and folks as big as Taylor Swift have made their way to the stage. Come to let go, let loose, and have fun! (422 Broadway)
Bonus! Preservation Hall - New Orleans
Phil Rhoeder - Flickr Okay…Preservation Hall is 100% not in Tennessee. It’s in New Orleans, but we wanted to include it on here because it serves as the final stop on the American Music Highway, stretching from the heart of Nashville, through Tennessee and Mississippi, finishing its run at the very tip of Louisiana. The historic jazz space may be “touristy” to some, but there’s nothing more pure than hearing “Saints” played by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.
PS: Looking for some more hidden gems? This amazing wildlife park in Tennessee is pretty memorable!
Mr Littlehand - Flickr
Known as the birthplaces of Elvis Presley’s highly lauded career, Sun Studios has recorded some of the most famous musicians in the world, including Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash. Founded by Sam Phillips, this is one iconic music locale that you don’t want to skip. (706 Union Avenue)
Brent Moore - Flickr
Located in Jackson, Tennessee, the International Rockabilly Hall of Fame and Museum is where you can experience and indulge in the history of 1950s rockabilly stars. Take in old photographs and props from musical greats like Brenda Lee, and watch iconic and influential performances throughout your tour of the building. (105 N Church Street)
Natalie Curtis - Flickr
Ah, yes. Graceland. It may not be a “hidden” gem, but it is a gem all the way around and is quite possibly one of the most iconic spots on our list. Visit the home of Elvis Presley, and see the world from his eyes. The Mississippi-born rockstar chose to live in Tennessee for the majority of his adult life, and his adopted state couldn’t be more proud. (Elvis Presley Blvd)
Although a bit macabre, the Patsy Cline crash site is considered an honorary member of the Tennessee Music Highway. It’s where one of the greats lost her voice, and the quiet, beautiful spot is located in the heart of the forest. It’s a peaceful space that pays homage to a horrific end, and is sure to be humbling. You can visit in Camden, Tennessee.
wavingatyou - Flickr
Located in her hometown of Nutbush, the Tina Turner Museum is located in a most interesting place: Tina’s old schoolhouse. Flagg Grove School was where a young Anna Mae Bullock attended classes, and now houses her life’s work in the form of personal items and rock memorabilia. (121 Sunny Hill Cove)
Richard Roche - Fllickr
The Ernest Tubb Record Shop is located on Honkytonk Highway in downtown Nashville, and has been open for over 65 years. Over its lifetime, the space has collected all sorts of vinyl records and rare CD’s. Wander through on your way to Tootsie’s, and pick up some new tunes. (417 Broadway)
Photo Credit
Tootsie’s World Famous Orchid Lounge can be found right behind the Mother Church of country music (The Ryman Auditorium!), and is known for its quirky exterior color and rooftop patio. There’s live music nightly, and folks as big as Taylor Swift have made their way to the stage. Come to let go, let loose, and have fun! (422 Broadway)
Phil Rhoeder - Flickr
Okay…Preservation Hall is 100% not in Tennessee. It’s in New Orleans, but we wanted to include it on here because it serves as the final stop on the American Music Highway, stretching from the heart of Nashville, through Tennessee and Mississippi, finishing its run at the very tip of Louisiana. The historic jazz space may be “touristy” to some, but there’s nothing more pure than hearing “Saints” played by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
