Nashville is the type of place that people write songs about. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that lyrical greats from Paramore to Taylor Swift to Brooks & Dunn also got their start right here in the 615.
It helps to have things in one place, so we’ve got a playlist of Nashville needle drops and Music City melodies you can listen to when you’re in need of a hometown hit.
“Down on Music Row” | Dolly Parton
The queen of country music takes you on her journey of making it on Music Row with mentions of RCA and label executives Chet Atkins and Bob Ferguson.
“invisible string” | Taylor Swift
Green was the color of the grass where she used to read in Centennial Park. This love song starts with some love for Swift’s city — and if you haven’t visited her bench, here’s your sign.
“Congregation” | Foo Fighters ft. Zac Brown
Each track on the band’s album “Sonic Highways” was recorded in a different city. “Congregation” speaks to how many artists in the country scene mastered their craft in church or gospel environments. Plus, don’t miss the “bluebird in the round” shoutout.
“Nashville Cats” | The Lovin’ Spoonful
Fun fact: The single made it to No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was the band’s last time reaching the American Top 10. The song pays tribute to a group of session musicians who supported artists from Bob Dylan to Elvis Presley.
“Home” | Ben Rector
Home isn’t just a place, but a feeling, summed up in this Ben Rector song. You know that last leg of a successful trip where you start to get excited to use your own shower and sleep in your own bed? That’s “Home.”
“Davidson County Blues” | DeFord Bailey
This instrumental comes from Tennessee-native and “Harmonica Wizard” DeFord Bailey, who was the first musician to hold a major recording session in Nashville in 1928.
“Nashville Without You” | Tim McGraw
Lastly, “Nashville wouldn’t be Nashville without you.” We love this NASHtoday community we’ve built, and we’re happy you’re here.
