Museum

Tim Buppert wrote "Another Nine Minutes" (Yankee Grey); "She's Sure Taking It Well" (Kevin Sharp); and songs recorded by Continental Divide, John and Audrey Wiggins, and Trisha Yearwood. Jerry Vandiver wrote "Always in the Band" (Lonestar); "Athens Grease" (Phil Vassar); "For a Little While" (Tim McGraw); and "It Doesn't Get Any Countrier Than This" (Tim McGraw). Included with museum admission. Free to museum members.  Made Possible by Ford Motor Company Fund.

This film details the inspirational story of one of country music's most beloved entertainers. Touring since age eight to support her family, Brenda Lee used her talent and ambition to lead her from impoverished beginnings to international success. Footage includes recollections and commentary from Lee and her family, as well as from Steve Allen, Owen Bradley, Ralph Emery, Harlan Howard, Porter Wagoner, and others. The documentary will be followed by bonus footage of Lee's 2002 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and 1997 induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Presented in support of the exhibit Brenda Lee: Dynamite, Presented by Great American Country Television Network. Seventy-five minutes. Free.  Made Possible by Iron Mountain Film and Sound Archives.

Eamon McLoughlin is a fiddle and mandolin player who has performed or recorded with Mary Gauthier, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Matthew Perryman Jones, Robert Earl Keen, the Greencards, and others. Frances Cunningham plays bouzouki with the Nashville-based Irish band Seamrog. She has also recorded with Rhonda Vincent and Mike Snider. Included with museum admission. Free to members. Made possible by Gibson Guitar Corporation.

A part of country music culture from its early beginnings, square dancing continues to thrive today. In this introductory workshop, participants will learn square dance fundamentals, from the history to some basic dance steps. Dancer and multi-instrumentalist Cheryl Chunn will lead this program. Chunn has performed as a member of the Grand Ole Opry Square Dancers for over twelve years. For ages seven to eighteen. No reservations required.

Marcus Hummon, Grammy-winning songwriter, wrote "Around the Bend" (Randy Travis); "Bless the Broken Road" (Rascal Flatts); "Born to Fly" (Sara Evans); "The Cheap Seats" (Alabama); "Cowboy Take Me Away" (Dixie Chicks); "One of These Days" (Tim McGraw); "Only Love" (Wynonna); "Ready to Run" (Dixie Chicks); and others. Included with museum admission. Free to museum members.  Made Possible by Ford Motor Company Fund.

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

Tim May is a mandolin and flatpick guitar player who has recorded or performed with John Cowan, Charlie Daniels, Patty Loveless, Eddie Rabbitt, and others. Gretchen Priest-May will sit in on fiddle. Included with museum admission. Free to museum members.  Made possible by Gibson Guitar Corporation.

Over her long career, Brenda Lee has made numerous television appearances. Watch a few of her memorable performances on The Johnny Cash Show (1970), Marty Robbins' Spotlight (1977), and Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sisters (1981). This screening includes performances and appearances by Steve Allen, June Carter, Merle Haggard, Sonny James, Charley Pride, Mel Tillis, and others. Presented in support of the exhibit Brenda Lee: Dynamite, Presented by Great American Country Television Network. Ninety minutes. Free.  Made Possible by Iron Mountain Film and Sound Archives.

A museum curator offers an introduction to the museum's new visitor experience in the permanent exhibition Sing Me Back Home: A Journey Through Country Music. The exhibit has additions that bring the story of country music forward in time. Included with museum admission. Free to museum members.

The educational programs of the Country Music Hall of Fame^® and Museum are funded in part by grants from the Tennessee Art Commission and the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission, through an agreement with the Tennessee Art Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.

One of the most successful writers in contemporary country music, Brett James has written hits including "Blessed" (Martina McBride); "Cowboy Casanova" (Carrie Underwood); "It's America" (Rodney Atkins); "Jesus, Take the Wheel" (Carrie Underwood); "The Man I Want to Be" (Chris Young); "Out Last Night" (Kenny Chesney); "The Truth" (Jason Aldean); "When the Sun Goes Down" (Kenny Chesney); and "Who I Am" (Jessica Andrews). James's appearance is part of festivities marking the opening of the museum's newly expanded second floor gallery. Included with museum admission. Free to museum members.  Made Possible by Ford Motor Company Fund.

"It just made sense," said Joe Galante, chairman of Sony Music Nashville, reminiscing about the Judds' first record deal in 1983. "To me, it never seemed like we were taking a chance because they were great."

Jeff Taylor plays accordion with the Time Jumpers. He has also performed or recorded with Elvis Costello, Vince Gill, Grandpa Jones, Martina McBride, Ricky Skaggs, George Strait, The Chieftains, and others. Jim Prendergast will sit in on guitar. Included with museum admission. Free to museum members.  Made possible by Gibson Guitar Corporation.

Join John Carter Cash for a live reading and signing of his newest children's book, Daddy Loves His Little Girl followed by an autograph signing in the Museum Store.

The Country Music Hall of Fame^® and Museum will be closed on Sunday, May 23.  The one-day closure is necessary so that Museum staff can set up for that evening's invitation-only Medallion Ceremony, during which Ferlin Husky and Billy Sherrill will be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Our Musical Petting Zoo travels to Hands Together in Flatrock Art and Music Festival. Bang a drum, play a dulcimer, and strum a mandolin! We offer budding musicians a chance to try new and familiar instruments. Instructors will be on site to offer guidance.  The festival is located at Coleman Park at Thompson Lane and Nolensville Road, Nashville, TN 37211. All ages. No reservations required. Free.

Alan Rhody wrote "I'll Be True to You" (Oak Ridge Boys); "Trainwreck of Emotion" (Lorrie Morgan); "Wild-Eyed Dream" (Ricky Van Shelton); and songs recorded by Don Gibson, George Jones, Toby Keith, Del McCoury, Michael Martin Murphy, Tanya Tucker, and others. Included with museum admission. Free to museum members.  Made Possible by Ford Motor Company Fund.

Brenda Lee has enjoyed international success since her first overseas tour in 1959, a trip she made when she was only fourteen years old. She toured Japan six years later, after recording "One Rainy Night in Tokyo," sung in both English and Japanese. The song is now considered a standard in Japan. This screening features two different Japanese television appearances by Lee in 1965 and 1966. Lee is interviewed with the help of a translator and she performs with her band The Casuals. Presented in support of the exhibit Brenda Lee: Dynamite, Presented by Great American Country Television Network. Seventy-five minutes. Free. Made Possible by Iron Mountain Film and Sound Archives.