Public Programs
Nashville Cats
Nashville Cats showcases stories and songs from musicians and session singers who have played important roles in country music history. Through in-depth, one-on-one interviews with the honorees, gain a better understanding of how musicians made careers for themselves by backing hit artists in the recording studio or on concert tours. Vintage recordings, photos, and film clips supplement the interviews, and in some cases, the honorees demonstrate their techniques and recreate their famous musical contributions.
Nashville Cats: Alison Prestwood
Saturday, November 22 | 2:30 – 4:00 PM | Ford Theater
Celebrated Nashville bassist Alison Prestwood first fell in love with the instrument when she saw the Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. She bought her first bass at age thirteen, and after attending the University of Alabama—where she played in the school’s jazz ensemble—she spent twelve years performing in Atlanta’s live music scene. Upon moving to Nashville in the 1990s, Prestwood found touring work with Rodney Crowell, Patty Loveless, Olivia Newton-John, and others. She also became an in-demand studio bassist and can be heard on several of Blake Shelton’s early hits, including his chart-topping debut, “Austin,” and his version of “Ol’ Red.” Prestwood has also recorded with Trace Adkins, Frankie Ballard, Brooks & Dunn, Faith Hill, LoCash, Tim McGraw, Little Richard, Jessica Simpson, and more.
Past Nashville Cats Honorees Include:
- Richie Albright (2019)
- Eddie Bayers (2010)
- Richard Bennett (2016)
- Harold Bradley (2006)
- David Briggs (2011)
- James Burton (2011)
- Jimmy Capps (2012)
- Jerry Carrigan (2009)
- Cindy Cashdollar (2022)
- Dan Dugmore (2024)
- Stuart Duncan (2014)
- Duane Eddy (2016)
- Ray Edenton (2007)
- DJ Fontana (2011)
- Paul Franklin (2013)
- Sonny Garrish (2018)
- Mac Gayden (2013)
- Steve Gibson (2014)
- Lloyd Green (2006)
- Rob Hajacos (2025)
- Don Helms (2006)
- John Hobbs (2012)
- David Hood (2023)
- Jim Horn (2017)
- Jerry Kennedy (2008)
- Millie Kirkham (2012)
- Kenny Lovelace (2022)
- JayDee Maness (2025)
- Brent Mason (2023)
- Mac McAnally (2017)
- Charlie McCoy (2006)
- Joey Miskulin (2018)
- Bob Moore (2007)
- Wayne Moss (2009)
- Weldon Myrick (2009)
- Herb Pedersen (2023)
- Norbert Putnam (2009)
- Mickey Raphael (2018)
- Leon Rhodes (2014)
- Michael Rhodes (2015)
- Hargus “Pig” Robbins (2007)
- Billy Sanford (2012)
- Buddy Spicher (2008)
- Ray Stevens (2010)
- Gordon Stoker and Ray Walker of the Jordanaires (2008)
- Robby Turner (2019)
- Pete Wade (2016)
- Bill Walker (2015)
- Bergen White (2013)
- Kristin Wilkinson (2024)
- Bobby Wood (2024)
- Chip Young (2010)
- Reggie Young (2008)
- Andrea Zonn (2017)
Watch Videos On-Demand
Hear stories and songs from musicians and session singers who have played important roles in country music history – all at your own speed.
