Despite this, Nashville still matters. And while its current output may not be of the highest caliber, it’s still the home of country music, and is important to its history.
Let’s look at a few things that are important about Nashville:
1) The Grand Ole Opry – It’s called “the show that made country music famous” and it is. And the show is still consistently good. Say what you want about the few less-than-stellar members, there are still legends who are members who perform their regularly
2) The Country Music Hall of Fame – With consistently strong exhibits and a wealth of history on display, the importance of this landmark is undeniable.
3) The Ryman – the MotherChurch of Country Music. Need I say more? Think of all the legends that have played here.
4) Broadway – You’ll find all kinds of talent on Broadway regularly. There’s all kinds of talented individuals and bands. And one of the best parts of this talent is that it’s pure: unaltered and untainted by marketers who are trying to make it something it isn’t. Very few of these unsigned artists are trying to be something they’re not. Most of them are still playing good country music. And those who aren’t country aren’t pretending to be.
Nashville may not be putting out the finest country music in the world right now, but the history of the city is important and undeniable. And it isn’t the city that is marketing frauds…it’s the industry.