American Currents: State of the Music
All Day
Museum Admission Required
Become a MemberExhibit Opens March 5
This annual exhibit offers a broad look at country music and its place in American culture over the past year, exploring musical developments, artist achievements, and notable events. The latest installment, which will be open through January 2026, features music and moments from cozy clubs to arena rafters.
Featured Artists
Those recognized with artifacts in this year’s American Currents: State of the Music are:
Jessi Alexander
Kelsea Ballerini
Kane Brown
Kaitlin Butts
Luke Combs
Wyatt Ellis
HARDY
Sierra Hull
Jelly Roll
Cody Johnson
Jamey Johnson
Amythyst Kiah
Miranda Lambert
Ella Langley
Carin León
Shelby Lynne
Megan Moroney
Orville Peck
Post Malone
The Red Clay Strays
Shaboozey
Chris Stapleton
Billy Strings
Taylor Swift
Zach Top
Turnpike Troubadours
Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
Morgan Wallen
Keith Whitley
Lainey Wilson
American Currents will also explore important country music moments in 2024, including Beyoncé’s release of Cowboy Carter, as well as the year’s chart-topping country albums and singles and highest-grossing tours. The exhibit features an archival video compilation of significant performances and events from the past year, including some of the artists mentioned above as well as Zach Bryan, Chappell Roan, Dasha, Sierra Ferrell, Rosie Flores, Wyatt Flores, From Where I Stand: The Concert Celebration, Sturgill Simpson and Country Music Hall of Fame members Joe Bonsall, Toby Keith.
Featured Artifacts
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Stage WearAmythyst Kiah wore this leopard-print jacket and pants and this tuxedo shirt when she made her Grand Ole Opry debut on June 29, 2021. Designed by Elise Fife, the western-cut suit is adorned with rhinestones, fringe, and embroidered peacocks and feathers.
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Video PropThis log cabin mailbox was featured in the music video for “Leadfoot,” from the 2024 album by Billy Strings, Highway Prayers.
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OutfitElla Langley wore this Frederick's of Hollywood corset, blouse with lace sleeves, and tulle skirt in the music video for her 2024 breakout hit, “You Look Like You Love Me” (featuring Riley Green).
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OutfitLainey Wilson wore this custom-designed Wear Pageant lamé vest and these matching bell bottoms when she appeared with the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders in a social media video promoting her performance during the halftime show at the NFL game between the Cowboys and the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium on Nov. 28, 2024.
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Stage WearMolly Tuttle wore this Fables by Barrie–designed lamé western outfit, embellished with fringe, contrasting piping, and embroidered flowers, when she and her band, Golden Highway, headlined for the first time at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Sept. 13, 2024.
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MaskMasked performer Orville Peck wore this custom-made leather-and-fringe mask when he performed at his 4th Annual Rodeo concert, held at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on Nov. 2, 2022.
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JacketPost Malone wore this vintage Nudie’s Rodeo Tailors jacket when he and Dwight Yoakam rode horses on Hollywood’s Sunset Boulevard in the 2024 music video for Yoakam’s “I Don’t Know How to Say Goodbye (Bang Bang Boom Boom).”
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Bass GuitarShelby Lynne played this 1966 Fender Mustang bass at recording sessions for her 2024 album, Consequences of the Crown.
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TrophyThis guitar-shaped award for Emerging Artist of the Year—hand-made and painted by Stef Ratliff—was presented to the Red Clay Strays at the Americana Music Honors and Awards ceremony in 2024.
Plan Your Visit
The exhibition American Currents: State of the Music runs March 5, 2025, through January 2026 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in downtown Nashville.