November 9, 2021 Country Music Hall of Fame and Broadway

(Picture Intensive!)

The shuttle picked us up right in front of the campground and dropped us off at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum where we spent the next few hours.  The museum contains displays, videos, movies, pictures and so much more.  According to Wikipedia it “is one of the world's largest museums and research centers dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of American vernacular music. Chartered in 1964, the museum has amassed one of the world's most extensive musical collections.”

We decided to take the audio tour – it was well worth it.  We started on the third floor which took us from the beginning of folk and country music.

This is the third floor.  On the right are the collections and also where research is done.  On the left are the display cases with even more artifacts.  There are also rooms off to the left.

Closer look at the research area:

Looking down from the third level:

The wall of printed advertisements and promotions:

I just love her

and her hat:

Oh My Dolly!

and Patsy:

and Johnny:

Tootsies back door and the Ryman side door face each other.  It was rumored that many a star from the Grand Ole Opry would slip out and get a drink before the next set (or even before the show).

Elvis’s Cadillac:

There were many clothing displays.  Check out the embroidery on this one.  Beautiful!

The wall of gold and platinum records:

Willy’s outfit:

This is the Hall of Fame Rotunda.  The room is round to ensure that every Hall of Fame member has a place of equal importance.  The plaques are set up to resemble musical notes.  Hard to see in the picture but when you stand in the middle and just look around, you can actually see the notes.

It was so interesting to hear about the beginnings of country music and the history throughout the decades.  Plus learning little tidbits of information along the way.

For more information:

https://countrymusichalloffame.org/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Country_Music_Hall_of_Fame_and_Museum

By this time, we were hungry and made out way to Broadway and the famous Tootsies Orchid Lounge.  Many of the venues on Broadway have a couple floors with singing artists on most floors.  This was the second floor.  We decided to have an appetizer and eat dinner later.  This band was great.

We continued down the street.  I have to stop here and tell you that every place we passed, there were bands, duets, or solos singing and playing (instruments).  For me, it was just awesome!

This is Miranda Lambert’s place.  It was closed for a private party (Miranda, maybe?)

So we headed to Ole Red – Blake Shelton’s place – where we enjoyed listening to this Johnny Dailey and his band.

This is the top floor of the restaurant.  Across the street to your left is Kid Rock’s place and to your right is Luke Bryan’s place.  The music was happening on all the floors.

Another view:

What a great sunset!

Our last stop was at Rippy’s for some barbeque – Yum!

Ole Red:

One final look before we headed home:

We had such a great time today.  We will be heading downtown tomorrow again so stay tuned.  The shuttle was a great idea – no driving.

Small side note:  Compared to where I live – food was relatively the same price.  Drinks..about 3-4 times as much.  It was sticker shock but, hey, we are on vacation!

Enjoy today!