Nashville's Country Music Hall of Fame: So much more than music

When I visited Nashville, I was surprised by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. I expected a typical museum with information about the artists and a lot of pictures. While I found the information and the photos, I found a history of our country. I found the process involved in the industry. Mostly, I found our connections to each other, to the music that pulls our country together. There is a connection between each genre in the music world and no one type could exist without the others. The museum's exhibits are basically in chronological order from the early roots of country music to the stars today. It's amazing how many twists and turns there have been in that evolution. 

I do have to admit that I loved the costumes. Each star is a performer in so many ways. Not only through his or her music, but in the stage presence, the costumes, the legend surrounding each one. It was pretty cool to stand in front of actual memorabilia from the greats of the music world.

Not only is the museum fascinating for its collection, it is housed in a truly remarkable architectural masterpiece. The entire structure is designed around the music world. The windows on the front of the building resemble piano keys. The sweeping arc on the right side of the building represents a 1950's Cadillac fin. The rotunda brings visions of the silos dotting the rural parts of our country. There are four disc-shaped tiers on the roof that represent recording technology: the 78, the vinyl LP, 45s and, finally, compact discs. The tower on top resembles the diamond-shaped WSM radio tower. From a distance, the building looks like a piano keyboard. From overhead, I'm told that the building resembles a bass clef.

If you find yourself in Nashville, even if you aren't a country music fan, stop by the Country Music Hall of Fame. It's a fascinating look at American folklore and lifestyles. Be sure you take the side trip from the museum to the historic RCA Studio B. It's really pretty cool to stand in the actual room and sit at the keyboard of the actual piano where Elvis Presley recorded "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" and Charley Pride sang the sweet sounds of "Kiss an Angel Good Morning." It's almost as if you can feel the legends walking past.