Do You Know the Birthplace of Country Music?

It's not Austin, Texas, or Branson, Missouri. It's not even Nashville, Tennessee.

What would signify a birthplace? Why a birth, of course. You might even call it a big bang. And in terms of country music, it didn't happen in any one of those cities. But it did happen here.

Photo byPhoto by The Birthplace of Country Music Museum

This article is part of our Regional Highlights series which features unique businesses, attractions and events around the South (outside of Georgia.)

Something big happened in Bristol, Virginia/Tennessee in the summer of 1927. A gentleman named Ralph Peer put out the word and took out ads in newspapers around the South inviting musicians to visit the third floor of the Taylor-Christian Hat and Glove Company on the Tennessee/Virginia state line to record some music. And the musicians showed up, many of them widely unknown.

The event became known as the Bristol Sessions, otherwise known as the Big Bang of Country Music. Artists such as Jimmie Rodgers, J.P. Nester and The Carter Family answered the call and recorded some of the earliest country music ever laid down on vinyl.

Recording this great music lead to a lot more radio play, which, of course, led to more widespread popularity of the genre. Johnny Cash himself called this “the most important event in the history of country music".

A few shorts years marks the 100th anniversary of this momentous event. But you don't need to wait that long to put yourself in the center of it all.

The Birthplace of Country Music Museum is located in downtown Bristol, Virginia. It's an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, and well worth a visit, especially for you country music fans out there.

If you really want an immersive experience, consider attending the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Festival September 13th through the 15th. This year's lineup includes Ashley McBride, The Wallflowers, The Lonesome Heart Bluegrass Band, and many more.

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