From Elvis and Tina Turner to Carl Perkins and The Kings of Leon, the Tennessee Music Highway is the most important geographical location of musical influence on the planet.
So much so, the Tennessee Legislature officially proclaimed the 210 mile stretch of Interstate 40 between Memphis and Nashville the "Music Highway" in 1999.
The opportunities for enjoying your favorite musical interests are endless. The area provides the sites, attractions and legends of the history of music while promoting the music and artists that top the charts today.
The goal of this website, is to provide basic information on the sites along this famous Music Highway. Careful attention has been given to the accuracy of this information. However, the accuracy cannot be guaranteed, due to changes in a location schedule/event or possible hours of operation, etc and we suggest you always contact the individual sites for availability.
More changes for the website are forthcoming. Please check back to see these future changes.
If the artist's name is underlined, you can click on his/her name to view more photos of that location.
Shelby County - Memphis, TN | |
Elvis Presley | |
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Graceland provides the ultimate Elvis experience - maintained much as it was when Elvis lived there. Take the guided tour of the home and grounds. Hop on board his collection of private jets, car collection or tour the exhibits and shops. Graceland draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year from around the world. Experience for yourself, why Elvis and his music continues to be celebrated around the world. Visit the official Elvis website, www.elvis.com.
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Graceland- 3717 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, Tennessee | |
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This small studio in the heart of Memphis, is where The Million Dollar Quartet, changed the history of music. You can enjoy the sounds of Elvis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, B.B. King, Rufus Thomas and other legendary artists, much as it was in the 1950's. For more information contact : Sun Studio, 800-441-6249 or www.sunstudio.com.
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| Sun Studios - 706 Union Ave, Memphis, Tennessee | |
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Constructed on the original site of Stax Records. The museum offers a fabulous view of Blues, Gospel and Rock and Roll from Isaac Hayes to Aretha Franklin. The facility houses everything from a country church to displays of cars, wardrobe and documentaries of the beginning of soul music to today's musical genre.
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| Stax Museum - 926 East McLemore Ave, Memphis, Tennessee | |
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Don't leave Memphis without a stop at the Rock and Soul Museum or the Gibson Guitar Factory in downtown Memphis. It is well worth the effort.
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| Rock & Soul Museum - 191 Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee | |
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Tina Turner | |
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Tina Turner's Nutbush and Highway No.19 are just down the road from Memphis. Nutbush is just a quiet little neighborhood nestled among the Haywood County cotton fields (actually there is not a city limit, but it went well with the song) . The famous Highway #19, was officially named "The Tina Turner Highway" by the Tennessee State Legislature in 2001. Tina's home is no longer standing, but the two churches where she often sang in the choir during Sunday services, Woodlawn Missionay Baptist and Spring Hill Baptist, are still keeping the faith.
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| Nutbush, Tennessee | |
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Home of Sleepy John Estes. Visit the home of the legendary, world famous bluesman" just east of Nutbush near Brownsville in Haywood County (and just off of I-40).He reached his legendary status, despite his poor and humble beginning. He teamed up with mandolinist Yank Rachell and harmonica player Hammie Nixon to play in and around Brownsville in the 1920's. He actually recorded his music for over six decades, including Victor, Decca and Bluebird, Delmar and other record labels. While preparing to go on a world tour, he died at his home in Brownsville, Tennessee in 1977. He is buried at the Elam Baptist Church Cemetary in Lauderdale County. His home was relocated to the Center and is open to the public, along with wonderful exhibits depicting the life of the area. For more information for the home and additional museum events, call The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center @ 731-779-9000.
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| Home of Sleepy John Estes - 121 Sunnyhill Cove, Brownsville, Tennessee | |
Madison County - Jackson, TN | |
Carl Perkins | |
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When you leave Brownsville head east up Interstate 40 to Jackson, the home of Mr. Blue Suede Shoes, Carl Perkins. Born in Tiptonville, in 1932, Carl Perkins moved to Jackson as a boy with his family. Carl Perkins called Jackson his home for decades, until his death in January, 1998. A member of the Million Dollar Quartet, Carl left a musical legacy that fellow artists and fans enjoy today. Paul McCartney once said, "there would have been no Beatles, if it were not for Carl Perkins." Carl and his wife Valda (Crider), also deceased, made their home in Jackson with their four children; Stan, Debbie, Steve and Greg. Both Steve and Greg are also deceased. The Exchange Club Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, with its' headquarters in Jackson, is one of the largest centers in America. Carl Perkins worked diligently with the center over the years. He took part in hours of telethons, performing, planning and ensuring the growth of the center into the surrounding counties. The center continues to thrive today with the help of supporters and Carl's family and friends. Having met the Perkins's family in 1971, we have remained friends over the years. I always appreciated the trust Carl Perkins placed in me and that he always called me his friend.
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Carl Perkins Marker - 2263 North Highland Ave, Jackson, Tennessee | |
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International Rockabilly Hall of Fame, located in downtown Jackson. The facility houses pictures of rockabilly artists and memorabilia. An outside pavilion has been added for outdoor performances, as well as a beautiful mural. For more information www.rockabillyhall.org.
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International Rockabilly Hall of Fame - 105 North Church Street, Jackson, Tennessee | |
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| Jackson , birthplace and childhood home of Hard Rock Cafe and House of Blues, co-founder Isaac Tigrett. Isaac Tigrett opened his first Hardrock Cafe in America at the Old Hickory Mall in Jackson, Tennessee. After the huge success of the original Hark Rock in London, with co-founder Peter Morton, I don't know if Isaac realized the success that would follow the Hardrock venture. I met Isaac Tigrett during the designing of the Jackson Hardrock Cafe. His mother "Ms. Francis" and I had become friends earlier on other design projects and we remained friends over the years. She always presented herself as a true southern lady (with a keen business mind). I appreciated the opportunity to "hold the measuring tape" during the design. I also appreciated her inviting me to the grand opening of the Jackson Hardrock and the opportunity to be a small part of rock and roll history. For more information on Isaac Tigrett, go to his website, www.isaac-tigrett.com. |
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Isaac Tigrett - Tigrett Place, Jackson, Tennessee | |
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Casey Jones Village/Old Country Store - Exit 80 and immediately off of I-40. The site is the location of the last residence of the legendary train engineer immortalized by "The Ballad of Casey Jones" . There is also a train museum, restaurant and shops. The business was founded by Brooks Shaw, The home was moved from its original site in downtown Jackson, as well as the original Old Country Store (originally on Airways Blvd). Today, his son Clark Shaw and family, Lawrence Taylor and Norwood Jones continue the southern hospitality. Thousands of tourists stop by to enjoy the site. For more information and for a listing of on-going musical events call (731)6681223 or visit the site www.caseyjones.com.
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Casey Jones Village - 30 Casey Jones Lane, Jackson, Tennessee | |
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| The Cultural and Heritage Museum, presented by James "Super" Wolf is located on East Main Street in downtown Jackson. James and his world- famous blues artist wife, Denise LaSalle, make Jackson their home. James, one of the original owners of the KIX96 Radio Station, help to pave the way for blues and R & B airplay in the area. Denise LaSalle, continues to tour the country and takes time out of her busy schedule to promote and perform charity events. |
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The Cultural and Heritage Museum - 438 East Main Street, Jackson, Tennessee | |
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Born near Jackson, Tennessee he lived in the area until 1934 when he settled in Chicago, Illinois. He toured extensively with such legendary greats as Muddy Waters, Yank Rachell, Sleepy John Estes and many others. He has been called the "Father of the Modern Blues Harp", and credited with being the first artist to utilize the harmonica as a lead instrument. His "Good Morning Little School Girl", on Bluebird Records, (which later became RCA Records) in 1937 became a standard. His performing and recording career resulted in him being called the most influential blues harmonica player of his time. This talented artist and band leader was killed during a mugging as he walked home from a recording session on Chicago's South Side in December, 1947. |
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Sonny Boy Williamson Marker - TN Highway 18, Jackson, Tennessee | |
Chester County - Henderson, TN | |
Eddy Arnold & Kings of Leon | |
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Henderson sets on the crossroads of the Rockabilly Highway and Highway 100, a well-travelled road between Memphis and Nashville. The quiet little town is the birthplace and childhood home of music legend, Eddy Arnold.
Many of his family still calls Chester County their home. And while they are anything but quiet, The Kings of Leon, lived and attended school in Chester County.
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Henderson, Tennessee, Home of the Kings of Leon | |
Benton County - Camden, TN | |
Patsy Cline | |
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The Patsy Cline Memorial in Camden, Tennessee, Site of the tragic plane crash that claimed the life of the legendary country singer Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copus, Hawkshaw Hawkins and (pilot) Randy Hughes on March 5, 1963. I have visited the site at least three times and am happy to see the extensive improvements made to the site. Exit 126 on I-40. For more information: 751-584-8395.
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The Patsy Cline Memorial - Mt Carmel Rd, Camden, Tennessee | |
Humphreys County - Hurricane Mills, TN | |
Loretta Lynn | |
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The ranch offers up southern hospitality along with activities and entertainment. If you plan in advance, you may even catch a live performance of the legend herself. I have visited the Ranch on three occasions and once had the pleasure to watch my youngest daughter, Kellye perform on the stage. Located in Hurricane Mills at Exit 143 on I-40 - For more information call: 931-926 -7700 or 296-1840.
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Loretta Lynn Dude Ranch - 44 Hurricane Mills, Hurricane Mills, Tennessee | |
McNairy County - Adamsville & Selmer, TN | |
Buford Pusser | |
| The Buford Pusser Home & Museum. The famous "Walking Tall" sheriff's exploits were featured in song and movies. The home contains memorabilia along with his cars.I have visited the museum once and filmed a news report on location. I have been known to take part in the Buford Pusser 5k, along with my daughters, Rachel and Kellye, when they were in school. I still have my little plaque with the miniature "stick". 632-1401 or www.bufordpussermuseum.com. |
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The Buford Pusser Museum - 342 Pusser Street, Adamsville, Tennessee
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| Located just a few miles from the Buford Pusser Home and Museum in nearby Selmer, the county seat, is the Rockabilly Highway Mural and Sculptures- 124 West Court Ave & Second Street, Selmer, TN 38375. The mural was dedicated June 13, 2009 to celebrate Rockabilly Music and West Tennessee's Musical heritage. This landmark was created in conjunction with the naming of "The Rockabilly Highway". This is a 55 mile stretch of U.S. Highway 45 between Madison County (Jackson) to McNairy County (Selmer) to Tupelo, Mississippi on March 26, 2008. For more information contact The McNairy County Chamber of Commerce @731-645-6360 or www.mcnairy.com. |
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Rockabilly Highway Mural and Sculptures- 124 West Court Ave & Second Street, Selmer, Tennessee
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Hardin County - Savannah, TN | |
City of Savannah | |
| While you are in the area, you may want to continue along Highway 64 and over the Tennessee River bridge into Savannah. If music on the water sounds exciting, you may want to check on the availability of cruises on The Pickwick Belle. Or if you are a Darryl Worley Fan (who isn't?), be sure to check on concert venues with the Hardin County Convention and Visitor's Bureau @ 1-800-552-FUNN or www.tourhardincounty.org. |
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Savannah, Tennessee
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Davidson County - Nashville, TN | |
Ryman Auditorium | |
| Nashville, the capital of Country Music". Nashville offers Music Row, the Ryman, The Country Music Hall of Fame, the Grand Ole Opry and so much more! What began with a radio broadcast in 1925, has turned Nashville into a world-famous stage. From Kid Rock to George Jones, to Nicole Kidman, the artists that call the Nashville area home is just one aspect of this city's vibrant music scene. It is a fabulous town with live music venues, major record labels, music museums and today's hottest music stars. |
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Nashville, Tennessee
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