Music Row
Music Row, Nashville, TN
No trip to Nashville is complete without a visit to Music Row. This is the home of the country music industry, with a slew of record labels, radio stations, and recording studios working side-by-side. This landmark area also boasts historic sites like RCA Studio B, where scores of artists recorded hits. There are also live venues on and near Music Row, to check out established artists as well as up-and-comers looking to break through.
The Basics
Music Row is packed with working businesses, as well as historic sites like RCA Studio B, which offers tours of the recording studio where scores of artists, such as Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton, and Chet Atkins recorded hits. Many of the music company spaces and offices are in converted homes, maintaining the look and feel of old-school Nashville. Guided trolley and Segway tours of the city include stops within Music Row.
Things to Know Before You Go
In addition to country music, Music Row is home to businesses that represent a number of music genres.
RCA Studio B is open for public tours.
The 40-foot-tallMusica statue by artist Alan LeQuire, located at the Music Row Roundabout, depicts nine dancing nude figures, which sometimes wear outfits for special occasions, such as Nashville Predator T-shirts on game day.
How to Get There
Located around 16th and 17th Avenues South (also known as Music Square East and West, respectively), Music Row is a 10-minute drive from the historic Ryman Auditorium, which is nearby many of the city’s famous honky-tonks. Music Row can be reached by taking the No. 3, 5, 7, and 25 buses from the Ryman. It’s also a 15-minute walk from Vanderbilt University.
When to Get There
Studio B tours depart hourly every day, from 10:30am to 2:30pm daily, from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; transportation is included. Neighborhood bar the Idle Hour is a favorite watering hole of industry veterans and hosts nightly entertainment. It’s open Sunday and Monday, 12pm to 12am, and Tuesday through Saturday, 12pm to 3am.
Nearby Belmont Mansion
History and Civil War buffs, as well as art lovers, will want to visit this must-see Nashville attraction that’s located on the campus of Belmont University, just on the outer edge of Music Row. The elaborate antebellum home is an Italianate villa that functions as a museum as well as a venue for special events. Guided tours are offered; the mansion is also a stop on the Old Town Trolley.
Ways to explore
Visit Music Row with a guide to learn more about Nashville’s country music history and heritage. Most walking, e-bike, trolley, bus, and golf cart tours take in the working businesses, as well as sights like RCA Studio B, from the outside—many of the music company spaces and offices are in converted homes, maintaining the look and feel of old-school Nashville. Enhance your visit with a tour inside RCA Studio B to learn more about how Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, and other stars changed the course of country music.
Accessibility
Some Nashville tours that include Music Row are accessible, but confirm in advance.
Age limits
Young country music fans will enjoy exploring this vibrant corner of Nashville, especially by charming trolley.
What to pack
Camera, battery pack, hat, sunscreen
What to wear
Comfortable shoes, layers
Not allowed
Most of the recording studios and record companies along Music Row are not open to the public, with the exception of RCA Studio B.
Amenities
Restaurants, country music bars, shops
Address
Located around 16th and 17th Avenues South (also known as Music Square East and West, respectively), Music Row is a 10-minute drive from the historic Ryman Auditorium and Country Music Hall of Fame. It’s also a 15-minute walk from Vanderbilt University, or can be reached by public transportation.
Driving
From downtown Nashville and the Country Music Hall of Fame, take US 31 south to South Street. Turn right and continue west, which will take you to the heart of Music Row.
Public transportation
Take the WeGo bus 7 from the Ryman Auditorium, Country Music Hall of Fame, and other downtown sights to Music Row.
Best times to visit
Visit during business hours to see this area at its liveliest, with record label offices and recording studios in full swing.
Best days to visit
Music Row can be very quiet on the weekends, when its businesses are closed. Visit from Monday to Friday to experience the neighborhood at its busiest.
Best months to visit
Nashville’s summer heat can make sightseeing a chore, so visit in the spring or fall for milder temperatures.
Special events
There are several honky-tonks in the area that feature live performances of country music, especially on weekend evenings.
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