Nashville Keeps the Music Playing
COVID-19 inspires Music City to share live streams, virtual experiences and more. It’s the next best thing to being there.
(Updated 4/14/2020 to add information about new songwriting instruction from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.)
During this uneasy time of pandemic, Nashville’s world-famous attractions have closed their doors and shifted to mostly free virtual experiences. You can still enjoy your favorite Music City artists–and loads of memorials to the late Kenny Rogers–from the comfort of your home.
As examples, the Grand Ole Opry has been live streaming, and two Nashville documentaries are online for viewing. In addition, the vast archives of the Country Hall of Fame and Museum are open for viewing and listening.
Here are some details:
The documentary, “For the Love of Music: The Story of Nashville,” chronicles how Nashville became Music City. The complete 40-minute film is available for viewing online here.
Another documentary, “It All Begins With a Song: The Story of the Nashville Songwriter,” grants viewers an inside look into Music Row and the daily life of a songwriter. The 1-hour, 27-minute film is available for purchase and streaming on iTunes, Google Play, Amazon and more. I checked out the prices, and $3.99 for rental seems to be the norm. Learn more here.
The Grand Ole Opry has paused all shows with a live audience, but continues its nearly 95-year radio broadcast history with acoustic performances and minimal crew. Browse the schedule and watch live–or view hours and hours of previously recorded shows–at Opry’s television network, Circle. Check your local broadcast listings as well.
Also, follow Grand Ole Opry on its Facebook page for singalongs, performances, interviews and news. On Thursday, March 19, Brad Paisley was taking live requests from his home
Many Nashville artists are sharing their talents with the world via the internet. Find a long list of upcoming virtual concerts, live streams and archived performances on the Visit Music City website.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum offers an online music education program, Words and Music at Home, for aspiring songwriters. You’ll find a step-by-step guide to the lyric-writing process and tips for putting your words to music.
For even more great advice, by some of the industry’s biggest talents, join the Hall of Fame’s weekly live songwriter sessions. Log onto its Instagram feed Tuesdays at 8 p.m. CT here.
The museum also has an archived database of sound recordings, videos, interviews, photos and more online for browsing, 24/7, free of charge. Here you go.
As you know, the pandemic situation is rapidly changing. Stay strong and stay safe. And stay updated on Nashville music events at Visit Music City.
Many thanks to Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp. for use of the stunning city skyline photo at the top of this post!
Wow, great offerings apropos for the times. We will watch the 40-mibute Nashville documentary tonight. Thanks!
I watched the documentary, too. Fun to learn some of the history and how some of our favorite tunes came about.
I love Nashville. So glad they are providing music opportunities to listen to country music online. Thanks for sharing the links.
You’re very welcome. Happy listening.
Have not been to Nashville though I am a huge country music fan. They’ve had a tough year, with first the tornado, and now closed due to COVID19.
I am not particularly a country music fan, but Nashville is about all music genres. It’s one of my favorite cities! No wonder so many people are moving there.
Nashville is one of our all-time favorites. The country music scene is so vibrant, especially with the honky-tonks downtown. On a side note, we had the pleasure of having brunch served to us on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, while a four-piece band serenaded. An unforgettable moment.
What I love is Nashville’s music scene is so versatile. The symphony orchestra is a Grammy winner. A lovely memory you have at the Grand Ole Opry. I only hope they can survive the virus.