birthplace of country music museum

If you like country/bluegrass/mountain music, put this on your bucket list!We decided to stop in Bristol just to break up a drive to Nashville. So I googled the town and discovered this museum (only opened in August 2014). What a bonus! It is an affiliate of the Smithsonian and has that level of quality. The focus is the 1927 Bristol Sessions and other recordings and artists around that time. Many displays and opportunities to learn about the recordings and to listen to the music. A must see if you are anywhere near Bristol. There is also a Mountain music museum in town but it was not open when we passed through.

This museum is an excellent resource for locals and tourists alike! The staff/volunteers are incredibly passionate about what they are doing and your experience at the museum. There are a ton of things to do so give yourself plenty of time to visit.

I am not technically qualified in music. The guests I bought are. They were blown away by the museum. I found the history in conjunction with the equipment interesting. Bristol scored a home run with this.

Ok, tons of information and some interactive displays. Not much memorabilia on display but understandably so as much of the original instruments etc were not preserved. Lots of display panels so make sure you have time to read. My only issue is the admission is a little high for a museum with just information, I understand the cost of the museum has to be recouped and the staff must be paid but $55 for a family of four is just a little much.

We were traveling with musicians, so this was a must see. We arrived late in the day thinking two hours would be plenty. Not even close. This place was a blast. They have a sound booth to sing along with early recordings that we kept rocking. Seeing all the historic instruments close enough to touch was really moving. Don't sing or play? Try the sound board to re-mix the historic recordings. The Carter family exhibit made you remember what a loss the industry suffered when June and Johnny passed. Across the street were statues we played with like kids, what a good time!!

If you love country music, it is worth your time to visit this museum. Some of the country's earliest recordings were done in Bristol between 1927-1929. They captured the Era perfectly and the flow of the displays is easy to follow. Lots of info and good interactive components using modern technology allow you to be in touch with a period of musical history that few people know about. This is a partnership with the Smithsonian. They have a very knowledgeable staff who you can tell have a deep personal interest in the story they are trying to tell. Easy to find. Plenty of parking. Admission is a good value at $13

What I loved most was listening to the first hand accounts of this moment in time. Hearing Ralph Peer's voice talk about the 1927 recordings makes what seems like a lost memory become alive and active. The museum begs for a return visit due to sheer amount of info and interactive videos. I know I'll be coming back soon!

This is a great museum. I thought I knew a lot about Country Music, but this taught me a more. I especially liked listening to all the old songs from the early days. You can put on headphones and pick what song you would like to hear. Also very interesting videos to watch. Very nicely done Museum and easy to find. Free Parking right outside the door.

Very nicely done museum, this is a very informative display and well worth the stop, staff was very friendly and helpfull

The Bristol Recording Sessions held by Ralph Peer of Victor Talking Machine Company held for two weeks in Bristol, VA in 1927 are considered the genesis of what we now know as country music. The two major performers to emerge from the 19 artists that recorded 76 songs were Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter family. The Birthplace of Country Music tells the story not only of the “Big Bang” of country music, but the history of the performers and instruments of the Appalachian region. There are videos to explain many of the details and history of the regions, as well as interactive exhibits where you can mix a recording to your specs and actually record your own version of selected songs. My wife and I attempted a duet to the Carter Family classic “Single Girl, Married Girl”. (Look for the finished product on iTunes soon…just kidding!) Being a long time guitar picker, I enjoyed the video in the Greasy String Theater where there were demonstrations of mountain music and instruments, including Mother Maybelle’s “Carter scratch” method of guitar playing…just fascinating!I was very pleased to find that there was a featured temporary exhibit on the Carter family. It was nirvana for me, being such a long-time fan.Each and every staffer (both paid and volunteer) are just fantastic folks who really appreciate the museum, and all that it encompasses. Even if you’re not a country music fan, you’ll enjoy the historical significance of what occurred in Bristol over 85 years ago. Note: The museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution which helps explain the top notch professional layout, design and authenticity of the exhibits. Don’t miss the Museum Store for some interesting related items.

a museum based upon the Bristol recording sessions of the 1920's...just some great old voices and tunes. currently with a special exhibit of the Carter family.this is a very unique, interactive museum which give you a chance to listen to the original sessions, mix your own tunes and see videos of some of the original (and current) performers.housed in the museum... a train station, a church, radio station.if you are not familiar with real country music you can learn a lot. if you are a fan you can get back to the roots of "backwoods/gospel" beginnings.plan on 2 hours + to really take it all in. not a place for young kids, but for the buding musician a place that can be a great learning experience. happy trails.

So well done. Never knew how relevant this part of the country and it's music was to our heritage and country. A very cleverly done museum with easy to understand exhibits. Also the Main Street nearby separated by the TN and VA state line has great shopping and places to eat.

We visited this museum a couple weekends ago and I thoroughly enjoyed it! My granddad taught me the songs of the Carter Family (who are prominently featured in the museum) and I've enjoyed them ever since. Such simplicity and heritage! If you appreciate old time music and history you should definitely check it out. It is beautifully arranged and so interesting! We were there for about three hours but I could have stayed much longer!

I am so impressed, pleased and proud of Bristol! This museum is very well done. Well worth the money. If you haven't been...go!

My wifes Great Grandfather Alfred Karnes was involved in the Bristol Sessions and had several of his recordings on display. My wife and I were invited as a VIP to tour this building and were amazed at how professionally this was done. We were able to meet several family members who also had members that played during the sessions. If you like to learn more about early Country Music, this is a must stop and will be well workth your time. Enjoy!