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Tennessee

Signature City Nashville

Program No. 23622RJ
Explore some of the musical highlights of Nashville, from Studio B and the Country Music Hall of Fame to the Grand Ole Opry, as you learn about the history of the “Nashville sound.”
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Signature CitiesIndependent City DiscoveriesSmall GroupHistory
Length
6 days
Rating (4.74)
Activity Level
Starts at
2,599
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Nashville, TN
Program Concludes
Nashville, TN
Meals
10 ( 5B, 2L, 3D )
Activity Level
Nashville didn’t earn the nickname “Music City, U.S.A.” for nothing. All it takes is a stroll down Honky Tonk Row or a visit to the Grand Ole Opry to understand the impact this city has had on American music. Visit Studio B where Elvis mastered more than 200 songs. Stand in the wings where greats like Hank Williams and Louis Armstrong waited to go on stage. Learn about the musical contributions of black Americans, and see costumes and instruments used by some of country music’s greatest stars. Plus, you’ll have lots of free time to explore the many other facets of this iconic American city on your own.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Go backstage and onstage at the Grand Ole Opry and at Ryman Auditorium — the former home of the Opry — for live music.
  • Step inside Studio B and the Country Music Hall of Fame to learn about the history of this utterly American genre.
  • Explore the National Museum of African American Music to learn more about these influential genres.
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General Notes
This is a Road Scholar INDEPENDENT program. It is designed for participants who want high-level Road Scholar instruction, a few group activities, and who are capable and comfortable setting out on their own for a significant part of the day/night. There will be several hours each day of educational content. Most meals will be on your own (excluded from the program cost) to have what you like, and there will be substantial free time for personal independent exploration. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Featured Expert
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Lisa Horngren
A lifelong fan of Johnny Cash, Lisa Horngren studied his records, biographies, articles regarding his life and career, and was a member of The Johnny Cash Fan Club. Closer musical ties began while playing and recording with Tommy Cash and Joanne Cash (Johnny’s brother and sister) as well as longtime members of Johnny Cash’s band with whom Lisa performed and toured. In addition to her strong ties to the early years of country music, Lisa plays basses, guitars, mandolin, banjo, autoharp, fiddle, and Swedish nyckelharpa.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
A lifelong fan of Johnny Cash, Lisa Horngren studied his records, biographies, articles regarding his life and career, and was a member of The Johnny Cash Fan Club. Closer musical ties began while playing and recording with Tommy Cash and Joanne Cash (Johnny’s brother and sister) as well as longtime members of Johnny Cash’s band with whom Lisa performed and toured. In addition to her strong ties to the early years of country music, Lisa plays basses, guitars, mandolin, banjo, autoharp, fiddle, and Swedish nyckelharpa.
Denise Swain is a Southerner who loves sharing the culture, climate, and curiosity of the Deep South. Her hometown was the coastal region of Georgia, better known as the Golden Isles. Denise resides today in northern Alabama. Her passion is to keep stories alive while enabling participants to observe sometimes overlooked people and spaces. She is a certified exploration director and spent more than 40 years in the advertising industry. She now enjoys hiking, biking, outdoor concerts, and leading Road Scholar groups on educational adventures.
Anita Stapleton has been singing since she was nine years old. She decided to move to Nashville in 1995 to further pursue her singing career. During 1997 and 1998, she toured as a background vocalist for country artist Patty Loveless. Over the years, she has made several television and radio appearances, including Grand Ole Opry Live and The Marty Stuart Show, and has hosted WSM’s Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree several times. Outside of music, Anita shares her love of Nashville with visiting groups.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 1.5-2 miles at moderate pace. Standing for on-site lectures on field trips. Frequent getting on/off coach. Stairs only in some historic buildings and homes.
Independent City Discoveries
Learn with a Group Leader and enjoy educational programming while also getting substantial independent time to explore on your own. Most Independent City Discoveries include lectures, self-guided excursions and passes for public transit and museums.
Suggested Books and Resources
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You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
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Call 800-454-5768
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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

  • Peace of Mind

    We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

  • Assurance Plan

    Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

  • Want to Protect Your Investment?

    Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

  • Sustainable Travel

    We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.