Doing Nashville

On a previous trip to Nashville we visited Andrew Jackson’s home and museum. The Hermitage.  It was great getting the story behind Old Hickory and his life.  The visit netted a picture of Andrew Jackson that Mike framed and now hangs in his office.

This trip we “did” country music with Jaclyn making suggestions, arrangements, and surprises.  Of course there were side trips to a car museum.

 

Mike's 1st car

Mike's 2nd car

 

and 3^rd row box seats to an NHL Predators game.

 

The Ryman started its life as a gospel tabernacle with money from Tom Ryman and after a short 12 years the tabernacle was “gifted” to the people of Nashville by the gospel preacher and named Ryman Auditorium. The stage was constructed to accommodate the opera Carmen touring from New York.  During the time until 1943 the Ryman was known as the Carnegie Hall of the South.  Usage included music, theater, preaching, lectures and integrated performers and audiences although Jim Crow laws were in effect.

Minnie Pearl's Hat

In 1927 George Hay the announcer on WSM announced "For the past hour, we have been listening to music taken largely from Grand Opera. From now on, we will present the 'Grand Ole Opry'."   This radio show grew in such popularity that a larger venue for the studio audience was needed and in 1943 the radio show moved to the Ryman where it “lived” until 1974.

 The Grand Ole Opry then moved to a new venue called “The Grand Ole Opry” complete with church style pews in deference to its former home the Gospel Tabernacle/Ryman.  Jaclyn had tickets for us to the show and one of the performers was Loretta Lynn and of course she sang “A Coal Miner’s Daughter”.

 

 

We also walked Broadway in Nashville.  The street with many venues where “would be” singers hope to be found.  We also “found” the home of Goo Goo Clusters…a Nashville staple.