Nashville's Musicians Hall of Fame

When you walk through the halls of the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, you occasionally spot a familiar name. Most of those honored here, though, never received much publicity.

But their work did. You may not recognize the names, but you'll remember their music - the award-winning songs, recordings, and albums that have become part of music history. Stop in for a visit and learn something about music that you didn't know.

The museum's slogan is "Come see what you've heard," and that sums up things up pretty well. The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, Nashville's newest attraction for music fans, focuses on the session musicians who made the music.

Don't be misled by its Nashville location. This is not a country music museum, but one devoted to the musicians of all forms of music. Its exhibits include tributes to blues, rock, jazz, gospel, and country.

Where there is a Nashville tie, the museum doesn't hesitate to mention it. The exhibit on Jimi Hendrix, for example, includes a section on his early work in Nashville, the original stage on which he played, and a quote from the legendary rock guitarist: "That's where I learned to play really... Nashville."

The displays include the instruments played in historic sessions - guitars, pianos, saxophones and other instruments used on original recordings by such performers as Elvis Presley, Hank Williams, Frank Sinatra, Otis Redding, The Supremes, The Byrds, Ringo Starr, and others.

Producers are also honored. Legendary Nashville producer-writer Billy Sherrill, a native of Phil Campbell, Ala., warrants his own exhibit. Sherrill worked with Nashville signers Tammy Wynette and Barbara Mandrell plus a host of other performers.

Those familiar with the work of Owen Bradley can take a peak into one of his early studios. It has been moved from its original housing in an old military building and re-created in the museum.

The museum also includes a 5,000 square-foot performance hall, with a state-of-the-art sound system, and a 3,800 square-foot reception hall. The week I stopped by, Peter Frampton was making also visiting there.

Plans are under way to complete a fully working studio in the museum. A seated viewing area has already been completed. It would allow museum visitors to watch as new CD tracks are recorded.

The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum has been open less than a year. Three old warehouses near Union Station were renovated and redesigned to house it. It opened to the public last June. By this June, it will be included in the Grayline Tours of Nashville.

The Museum is located at 301 6^th Avenue South in downtown Nashville, only a three-block walk from the Country Music Hall of Fame. It is open 10-6, Monday through Thursday; 10-5, Friday and Saturday; and 1-5 on Sunday afternoons. Admission is $14.95 for adults, $9.95 for children. Children under six are free.

More information can be obtained by calling 615-244-3263 or through the museum's website: www.musicianshalloffame.com

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