Just as the plane began to land, I thought to myself, “What on earth am I going to do in Nashville for the next few days?” Even though I had business to attend, I knew there would be some time available to experience the city. As Nashville is proudly nicknamed “The Music City”, I thought I should see why. Reputation holds it to be the very seat of country music….Country music? Me? No way. If you check my downloaded iTunes, you will find an assortment of music styles, but country is not among them. I feared the next few days might be a struggle.
After a busy morning of meetings, I decided to take a few moments and go through Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. I thought if I was able to understand the history of country music, I might be able to relate to it more. While I stepped into the front door, “WOW” immediately came to mind. This place is immense. With over 4 levels of memorabilia, archives, interactive learning centers and performance halls, I was busy for more than just a few minutes!
A special exhibit featuring the life of Kenny Rogers was on display. Within seconds, I recognized how much influence his talents had on my own life growing up in the ‘70’s and ‘80’s. Many of the songs I had forgotten, but they quickly resounded in my mind-- supported by memories of people and places.
As you stroll the halls you see various bits of costumes, clothing, photos, and relics concerning many of country music’s mainstay performers. Funny, you soon begin to connect with these icons. Seeing such, you reflect on experiences and places you have been in a similar time frame. Just as the classic artists were represented, so were the contemporary faces of this genre. Many have crossed over into pop and are household names. This was a time capsule. It was an archive of American life. Everything from Elvis’s Solid Gold Cadillac and grand piano-to-Roy Roger’s boots-to-Taylor Swift’s recording bus was there to see and experience. People of all ages and musical inclinations would enjoy this.
While I walked past the wall of gold and platinum records, I read many of their titles. I soon realized how much country music is woven into the very fabric of America’s history and livelihood. I was beginning to hear the music in a different way.
Near the end of the museum’s trail, I discovered a beautiful rotunda dedicated as the “Hall of Fame”. Upon the circular walls were plaques representing those artists who have been inducted into this most impressive hierarchy. As many of the members have passed from this life, the room is quite somber with an air of reverence. A quote from Ada R. Habershon’s song, “Will the Circle Be Unbroken”, adorns the walls acting as a cloak of hope for pending generations.
When evening rolled around, I decided to treat myself to a performance of the Grand Ole Opry. During the early weeks of winter, the Opry is held at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Built in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle, it was home to the Opry from 1943-1974. Upon entering, you know that you are someplace special. Much of the original architecture remains as all guests are seated on semi-circular wooden church pews.
The Grand Ole Opry is a live telecast over radio station WSM/650 AM. As such, the master of ceremonies directs the audience when to laugh, applaud, etc. It was like stepping into a time warp. I loved it. As a live event, it moves quickly with timing paramount. The cast of performers was quite varied, including such greats as: Connie Smith, Riders in the Sky, Ricky Skaggs, and Jamey Johnson. A moment of personal pride occurred when fellow Tarheel, Scotty McCreery, took the stage. He did North Carolina proud, for sure.
One of the last performers of the evening was Jim Ed Brown. The crowd jumped to their feet the instant he came on the stage. Soon, I learned that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer in the fall of 2014. Since that time, he has been undergoing rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. While he shared his journey of recovery with the audience, I could sense this was more than just another performer. This was a family member. The audience was one large family. Although there were individuals from all walks of life and over 25 countries present, “we” were all as one.
Perhaps, that is the beauty of country music. As many of the lyrics share experiences and emotions that all of us have experienced, it becomes a tie that binds us. We can at once, laugh, cry, and beam with pride. It is the story of our lives, set to music.
As the plane took off and flew over Nashville, I peered out my little window and thought, “Country music? Me? Of course." ---May the circle be unbroken.
This was a Moment in America.
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