Knoxville’s Country Music Heritage: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

3.0
(2 reviews)

1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

Experience Knoxville in a new way on a self-guided audio tour that looks at the city’s deep and dynamic heritage in the development of American country music.

Discover new stories about the talented musicians and songwriters who were born here or used the city as a springboard to fame, in Nashville and beyond. Some just came to play, while others left their mark in memorable ways. We’ll meet the truly famous, like Dolly Parton, Hank Williams, and Elvis Presley, but also the more obscure performers and songwriters such as Charlie Oaks and Arthur Q. Smith. Along the way, you'll hear interesting facts and tales from Knoxville’s history and culture along the way, too.

Whether you’re a visitor or a resident curious about local history, which often connects to national history, this tour is the perfect primer to Knoxville’s Country Music roots. This walking tour can be enjoyed on location or even virtually at home with our Continuous Play function which disables the GPS playback.

What's Included

Lifetime access to this tour in English
Access to our App for Android and iOS
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Smartphone and headphones
Food and drink
Transportation

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
319 N Gay St

The tour starts outside the former WIVK Radio Station. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace.

End point

The tour ends outside the Knox County Courthouse.

Itinerary

Duration: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes (approximately)
  • (Pass by)

    The tour briefly stops outside Mill and Mine. You'll learn about some of the building's history and hear about the famous musicians that have played there.

    Admission ticket free
  • Melting Pot (Pass by)

    You'll stop briefly in front of the Melting Pot restaurant. You'll hear a bit about what the venue past as a nightclub.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    On this tour, you'll walk past Lonesome Dove and hear about the venue's past as a jazz club.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    You'll pass by Boyd's Jig and Reel restaurant and club. While you walk, you'll hear about its history and its connection to "Stick" McGhee.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    You'll walk past the Knoxville Visitors Center and learn about how the main public room doubles as a radio studio for public radio station WDVX.

    Admission ticket free
  • Market Square (Pass by)

    You'll briefly stop outside of Market Square. There you'll hear about the square's history, its connection to live music and specific musicians.

    Admission ticket free
  • Tennessee Theatre (Pass by)

    You'll walk past the Tennessee Theatre and learn about its history. The theater has hosted some of country music's greats, from Steve Earle to Merle Haggard to the Everly Brothers.

    Admission ticket free
  • Bijou Theater (Pass by)

    You'll stop outside of Bijou Theatre to hear about its history. It is Tennessee's oldest secular auditorium and has hosted a wide variety of entertainers.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by VoiceMap Audio Tours

Tags

Private Sightseeing Tours
Audio Guides
Historical Tours
Art Tours
Walking Tours
City Tours
Music Tours
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

3.0 Based on 2 2 reviews
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