December 7, 2016

The Evolution of Sound on Nashville's Music Row

RCA Studio A - Control Room - Music Row, Nashville

photo by: Rick Smith

Since 2015, the National Trust has been working with local partners to preserve Nashville's Music Row.

Since the 1950s, Music Row, a National Treasure of the National Trust, has been the focal point of Nashville's music industry. From within its modest homes and small commercial buildings, artists, songwriters, producers, and publishers have created a remarkable canon of popular music.

But despite its significance to the identity, economy, and culture of Nashville, Music Row remains vulnerable to the city’s booming development—most recently evidenced by the near demolition of RCA Studio A.

The National Trust, together with music industry and preservation partners, seeks to give voice to Music Row, raising awareness of its importance and the growing threats to its survival.

The stories, interviews, and videos below, compiled by our team and presented through The History Project, help bring the dynamic history of Music Row to life—a small glimpse into the larger story of the people, places, and sounds of this iconic place.

But the work doesn't end there. We'd love to hear your stories of how the music industry, urban planning, social change, and other factors have shaped Music Row. Contribute text, photos, videos, and more to our project by clicking "Add Your Memory" at the top right corner of the box below.

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The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a privately funded nonprofit organization, works to save America’s historic places. Savingplaces.org

Looking for a meaningful way to support the historic local eateries you love? Nominate your favorite spots for a Backing Historic Small Restaurants grant.

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