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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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At a Glance

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.
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
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.

What You'll Learn

  • Go backstage and on stage 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.

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
All trip experts
Profile Image
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 this program.

Profile Image of Tom Murray
Tom Murray View biography
Tom Murray is a graduate of San Jose State University but is a Southerner by choice, having spent more than 45 years in the South absorbing the culture, customs and history of the region. Tom specializes in coastal history with an emphasis on the sea islands of Georgia. Few people know and love beautiful Cumberland and Amelia islands better than Tom. He has spent 25 years lecturing and leading Road Scholar groups to sites from the mountains to the sea.
Profile Image of Lisa Horngren
Lisa Horngren View biography
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.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can 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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