You know the name; do you know the story? Sure, Music City has lived up to its nickname, but there are several people to recognize for bringing the moniker to life.
In the 1800s, the Fisk Jubilee Singers of Fisk University became the first musical act to launch an around-the-world tour, according to the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. By 1873, the Jubilee Singers traveled over the pond to perform for the Duke and Duchess of Argyll when Queen Victoria paid an unexpected visit. The tale goes that the queen later stated the Fisk Jubilee Singers must come from a “City of Music.”
Fast forward to 1925 when WSM’s Grand Ole Opry aired its first broadcast. Radio announcer David Cobb started referring to Nashville as “Music City” on-air. WSM eventually introduced a “Music City” program later known as “Music City USA.” Johnny Cash even kicked off his variety show in the 60s going live “from Music City, Nashville, Tennessee.” The rest is history.
