Most people know that Nashville is called: "Music City," but most don't know why. It can thank "The Grand Ole' Opry," for the title. Back in 1925, the first entertainment radio station (WSM) in the U.S., began in Nashville and their most popular program was a weekly barn dance which ended up being called: "The Grand Ole' Opry." Comedians, musicians, singers, story tellers, etc., would go on stage and perform while the radio station broadcasted the performance.
Since it was pretty much the only place to get broad exposure, the most talented artists across the country showed up to perform. As other markets such as in Atlanta, Detroit, L.A. and New York City, began providing large radio markets, artists from various genres migrated to other markets while Nashville remained primarily a bluegrass, country music, and gospel music market. Let's face it, other cities, especially large ones, would love to have the title of "Music City," but the bottom line is that Nashville earned it.
Since it was pretty much the only place to get broad exposure, the most talented artists across the country showed up to perform. As other markets such as in Atlanta, Detroit, L.A. and New York City, began providing large radio markets, artists from various genres migrated to other markets while Nashville remained primarily a bluegrass, country music, and gospel music market. Let's face it, other cities, especially large ones, would love to have the title of "Music City," but the bottom line is that Nashville earned it.
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