Good Times in the Music City

December 2-6, 2016
Nashville to Memphis, Tennessee

I'm in the campground office on Friday when this suspicious looking character walks in the front door....oh! hi Jim :)))

Later in the evening he and Diana join us for brews and live music over dinner just down the street. It's great getting to better know these two. We only met in person on Thanksgiving, but having read each others' travels and adventures for a couple years now, it's more like sitting down with old friends. 

Unfortunately Bill isn't feeling well Saturday morning so it's just the three of us heading into downtown. Jim and Diana, on the other hand, are feeling good enough for all of us because their Western Michigan Broncos are going to the Cotton Bowl!

We find a reasonably priced all-day parking lot (check for locations all over downtown at parkme.com) and take a brisk walk to our destination.

I am so excited to see the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Just a couple days in Nashville and I'm remembering how much I enjoy this music. It's practically all I listened to in the late '70's and early '80's.

Since Jim and Diana are both big fans, it's really fun to share the visit with them. 

Tis the season to be Western Michigan fans :-)

Hatch Show Print has a long standing relationship with country music. Continuing to print show posters for modern artists, the print shop has been active in Nashville since 1875. 

Their printed, cut and stapled paper ornaments are lovely and unique.

The exhibit for Alabama and their influence on music is very well done. Songs we can all sing along to. And do.

Part of Randy Owens' collection. Jim has a perfect quote for this......I'll leave it to him :-)

Fun historic pieces.

It's exciting to see how much Nudie's influence is included in the history of country music. I'm very familiar with the famous designer/clothier from North Hollywood in Southern California.

One of the many sewing machines from Nudie's design shop.

With a simple reference to the famous name.

I've been there!!!

Webb Pierce's 1962 Nudie's Cadillac. I fail to get a pic of the long horns on the grill. Classic.

Later, at Nudie's Honky Tonk, we learn the significance of the silver dollars

Elvis' Cadillac with 24 carat gold trim

The cloth corn field from the set of Hee Haw, complete with original costumes, including Grandpa Jones'.

On what is now known as Nashville's Music Row, Owen and Harold Bradley opened the first recording studio in 1955. This custom console recorded and mixed such hits as Patsy Cline's "I Fall to Pieces" and Brenda Lee's "I'm Sorry".

One of many walls of many gold and platinum singles and albums.

Not a big fan of Dylan the singer, but Dylan the song writer has had a very big impact on country music. This exhibit is my favorite.

Signed by Dylan, and given to Marty Stuart, the first two verses and chorus of "Wanted Man" are written by Dylan and the last verse written down by Cash. Johnny recorded Dylan's song on his 1969 Johnny Cash at San Quentin chart-topping album.

 You know you've "made it" when you have a bobble-head. Here, Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood as  CMA presenters.

The actual Hall of Fame in the rotunda. Plaques are placed randomly, and in a continuous circle, to give each star equal status. 

Following our museum visit, we make our way to Nudie's Honky Tonk for lunch. Also opened by our friend Bill Miller, Nudie's is the newest venue on Broadway. 

Jim's post covers the fun history of Nudie and his contribution to the sparkle and shine of country music and its stars - including the significance of the silver dollars used in his car interiors, saddles, and the longest bar in Nashville. He also got great photos of the interior of this classy new spot. Be sure to read it!

The more I see of Nashville, the more I really like it and want to come back. Maybe when it's just a bit warmer.....

With another weather front coming through, our pals head out on Sunday morning and we hunker down for the day.

One day while we were out and about, this little girl asked to recite the Pledge of Allegiance from the stage. We all stood up and she did a great job. What a cutie.

Both Monday and Tuesday are dreary drives with a one-night stop in Jackson, Tennessee. We stay at Jackson RV Park which has horrible reviews but is perfect for a pull-off the freeway with 50 amp FHUs and good free WiFi. It's just an asphalt lot with zero space between sites and no amenities. Not every place is a gem, but we appreciated the location and easy access.

Pulling into Tom Sawyer's Mississippi River Campground in West Memphis, Arkansas, on Tuesday, puts us in our 25th state - woohoo!!

Aaand we get to play with friends here too. Life is so good :-)