Nashville is located in the north-central part of Tennessee along the Cumberland River. Aside from being the capital of the state of Tennessee, Nashville is also known as "Music City." Nashville earned its reputation as "music city" due to being a focal point for the music industry. Nashville's musical reputation started back in the 1920s with the radio broadcast of what would eventually become the Grand Ole Opry and continues today to be a hub for all types of music from country to rock to gospel.
Nashville began to earn a reputation as a center for music publishing as early as the turn of the 20th century. In 1925, however, the future "Music City" truly started to unfold when WSM radio station started broadcasting. Among the first programs sent over the airwaves on radio WSM were broadcasts of the Grand Ole Opry. The nickname "Music City" was born during the 1920s and 1930s and has been associated with Nashville ever since. The Grand Ole Opry has also continued to be broadcast live from Nashville every week since its first broadcast.
Aside from providing entertainment to thousands of listeners — and in more recent years, viewers — each week, the Grand Ole Opry was also the launching platform for some of country music's biggest stars during the 20th century and into the 21st century. As a result, Nashville become known as a thriving center for everything to do with the music business, from recording to publishing to performing.
Music Row, located just southwest of the city in the area of 16th and 17th Avenue South, continues to be home to some of the music industries' biggest publishers and producers. Rock, jazz, and country artists alike — and everyone in between — flock to Music City to share in the history and vibe of the city. Some of the industries' biggest record labels, publishing houses, and recording studios can be found on Music Row.
The Country Music Hall of Fame is also located in Nashville. Country music fans can visit the museum to see memorabilia from many of their favorite country music artists. Although Nashville is often associated with country music, some of the countries' biggest names in other genre's of music have also chosen to call Nashville home.
Nashville was originally founded in 1779 and was then known as Fort Nashborough. The city grew quickly due in large part to its accessibility by both water and train. Nashville became the capital of the state of Tennessee in 1843.
By Leigia Rosales