Public Programs
Nashville Cats
Classically trained violist Kristin Wilkinson is one of Nashville’s most in-demand string arrangers. She has accumulated hundreds of high-profile credits on country, rock, and pop projects since the 1980s. Originally from Philadelphia, Wilkinson began her music training at an early age, learning from a violinist at the Philadelphia Orchestra, and later parlayed that experience into playing fiddle in the pioneering all-women bluegrass band Buffalo Gals. One of her first big breaks in country music came when she got the opportunity to arrange strings for a young group calling themselves Alabama, with whom she ended up collaborating on several albums.
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.
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)
- Don Helms (2006)
- John Hobbs (2012)
- David Hood (2023)
- Jim Horn (2017)
- Jerry Kennedy (2008)
- Millie Kirkham (2012)
- Kenny Lovelace (2022)
- 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)
- 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.
