Nashville is the epicenter of country music, so whether you love it or hate it, you’ll be immersed in it once you arrive. That said, Nashville is known as “Music City” and not “Country Music City” for a reason. Whether you’re into folk, rap, indie, rock or even classical, there is a concert for you in Nashville. By all means, don’t feel pressured to change your music taste to fit in. The following is simply a starting point for those looking to get into country music and explore Nashville’s most iconic genre.
Broadway essentials
To put it bluntly, country music is the moment on Broadway, but don’t get it twisted, it’s not just the “latest country hits” playlists. Broadway has its own tried-and-true favorites that everyone can sing at the top of their lungs at a moment’s notice. Here’s what I believe to be the top five Broadway essentials:
1) “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!” — Shania Twain
This song plays on every party bus. Even if you aren’t on a party bus yourself, chances are you will hear this song at least five times while walking down Broadway. This is the Broadway song.
2) “Tennessee Whiskey” — Chris Stapleton
A former Vanderbilt student, Chris Stapleton sings the slow dance anthem of country music. The song title alone makes it a Broadway staple.
3) “9 to 5” — Dolly Parton
As the queen of Tennessee herself, Dolly Parton reigns supreme on Broadway. Any of her songs are a guaranteed hit, but the one you’ll hear most often — and see printed on every hat, coffee cup and magnet — is “9 to 5.”
4) “Long Live Cowgirls” — Morgan Wallen
Use this song as a reminder to check for falling chairs as you walk down the streets (if you know, you know). This song is another party bus and honky-tonk classic. While I’m not the biggest Morgan Wallen fan, his music is undeniably a staple for anyone new to the Nashville area. Wallen grew up in Tennessee and often includes highlights from the area including references to the University of Tennessee Vols and Percy Priest Lake and even direct shoutouts to Broadway girls.
5) “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” – Luke Bryan
The title of this song makes its spot at number five on this list self-explanatory. It’s catchy, a bit risky and undeniably country. I’ve heard it played at most country-themed events, honky-tonks and even during an iconic performance from Vanderbilt’s Tap That dance group.
Country classics
If you’re new to country music, start with the classics, see what you like and branch out from there. Most of these songs helped shape country music into what it is today, so it’s good to know a few when getting into the genre. While these songs and artists might not be heard around Nashville every day, when they do play, it’s a really boot scootin’ time. The following list features quintessential songs and artists that helped shape my taste in country music.
1) “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” — Brooks & Dunn
This one is timeless for me — my dad grew up dancing to it, I grew up listening to it in the car and now I hear it time and time again in Nashville. Bonus points if you learn the line dance that goes along with it. Plus, Brooks & Dunn have so many classics and collaborations that they are a great starting point.
2) “Pickup Man” — Joe Diffie
When it comes to being unapologetically country, nobody does it like Joe Diffie. His songs are fun, lighthearted staples at just about every country bar, event and concert.
3) “Ring of Fire” — Johnny Cash
Nashville is nicknamed “Cashville” for a reason — Johnny Cash is one of the founding fathers of country music and is responsible for making Music City what it is today. If you are looking for something similar to Cash you might also enjoy Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and George Jones.
4) “Friends in Low Places” — Garth Brooks
This song shares a name with one of the newest honky-tonks in Nashville, so it’s worth remembering as it regains its fame. Additionally, Garth Brooks has become an icon in country music and as a businessman, even speaking at Vanderbilt last year.
5) “I’m A Survivor” — Reba McEntire
You’ve probably heard this song a million times on TikTok, but I want to use its popularity as a reason to dive into the music of Miss Reba McEntire. It’s upsetting that many new country listeners aren’t familiar with Reba. Not only did she own a recording studio in Nashville and have her own TV show, but she also killed the national anthem at the Super Bowl this year. Her songs are perfect for belting out and withstand the test of time.
Artists that have made Music City their own
As with all genres of music, country music grows with time and new icons emerge. Thus, it’s always helpful to know who is running Music City nowadays. This next section is dedicated to artists who have emerged in the last decade and have made significant contributions to country music.
1) Lainey Wilson
She wasn’t the star of Nashville’s New Year’s Eve event for nothing. Lainey Wilson has made her mark on Music City, from bringing back bell-bottoms to iconic songs such as “Heart Like a Truck” and “Watermelon Moonshine.”
2) Zach Bryan
While he is not one to linger in Nashville himself, his music definitely does. Bryan is a brilliant songwriter, known for many iconic collaborations. I predict that many of his songs from his new album “The Great American Bar Scene” will become Broadway essentials this year.
3) Luke Combs
In the last decade, Luke Combs has cemented himself as a country music icon. His storytelling ability is unparalleled, whether it’s a heartfelt love song like “Beautiful Crazy” or a perfect bar anthem like “When It Rains It Pours.” Additionally, he’s rumored to be opening his own honky-tonk near Broadway soon, so he’s definitely an artist to be familiar with.
New artists to look out for
Nashville has long been the place to become a country music star, and that remains true today. A huge part of living in Music City is the chance to discover new artists, whether at a small venue or their first stadium tour. This section is dedicated to newer artists who have taken Nashville by storm and those you might want to catch before they make it big.
1) Ella Langley
You probably don’t know her name, but you have definitely heard her hit song “you look like you love me.” Ella just released her new album “hungover” and has been making spontaneous appearances at honky-tonks and bars around Nashville. She is still performing at smaller venues and is worth seeing before she makes it big.
2) Grace Bowers
Grace is a 17-year-old up-and-coming artist who is an absolute beast on the guitar. She has been highly successful in Nashville and has been endorsed by John Osborne, Dolly Parton and more. Bowers’ debut album “Wine on Venus” was just released on August 9 and is highly representative of how talented she is.
3) Avery Anna
Avery is a Nashville-based artist who recently dropped her new album “Breakup Over Breakfast.” She has a beautiful voice and is like a breath of fresh air to listen to. Additionally, she recently received recognition for her hit song “Narcissist” at the Grand Ole Opry.
Like all genres, country music offers a wide variety of styles and paths to explore as you dive deeper into it. I hope this list serves as a starting point for your country music journey.
