Bristol is known as the “Birthplace of Country Music”, today Nashville is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and famous places where many artists made it big. Knoxville could be thought of a bridge between the very beginning and the growth we see today – a cradle, if you will – a place where bluegrass meets folk, and honky-tonk meets gospel to raise up this new sound.
Enjoy the downtown Cradle of Country Music Walking Tour and learn Knoxville’s ties to Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, Howard Armstrong, Dolly Parton, the Everly Brothers, Roy Acuff, and others. It also highlights the stories of some of the artists featured in Ken Burns 2019 documentary Country Music as well as some of the stops on the Ken Burns’ Country Music Pathway. For more information, pick up a brochure at the Knoxville Visitors Center and check out what this tour looks like on our Instagram!
This post showcases the playlist below to correspond with this walking tour. When possible, the artist mentioned is featured, and if there is no musician specifically mentioned, we have shared an artist who would have performed on the radio or at that location referenced.
You’ll notice the Everly Brothers have a track on this playlist; if you’re a fan you’ll want to check out the Everly Brothers’ Spotify Playlist here.
Enjoy!
