America was sharply divided in the 1960s over issues such as the Vietnam War and Civil Rights. At the time, Nashville was perceived in some circles as a conservative, backwater town, removed from the main trends of popular music. Opinions would change as Nashville musicians began to influence other music scenes of the era.

Bob Dylan’s decision to record in Nashville between 1966 and 1969 inspired other non-country acts to come to the city to work. The reason they came was simple: they wanted to avail themselves of the incredible skill, creativity, and virtuosity of the city’s musicians. And they often made repeat visits. Artists with very different backgrounds overcame divisions and found common ground by playing together. Around the same time, Johnny Cash was recruiting folk and rock musicians—including Dylan—to appear on his groundbreaking network television show, the Johnny Cash Show.