Nashville Music History Tour: Inside Music City

Join Grammy-nominated music journalist Bill DeMain on the Nashville Music City Legends Tour and discover the inside story of how Nashville became the iconic Music City. Explore decades of musical history and hear fascinating anecdotes from interviews with legendary artists like Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and David Bowie.

Duration: 1 hour, 50 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • The Hermitage Hotel - Tennessee’s only 5-star hotel, built in 1910. Guests have included Charlie Chaplin, Enrico Caruso, JFK, Paul McCartney and Dolly Parton.
What's Included
  • All applicable fees and taxes included
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
Additional Information

This journey is designed for music aficionados seeking an insider’s perspective on the evolution of Nashville into the Music City.
Your hospitable advisor is Bill DeMain, a Grammy nominee and seasoned music journalist with over three decades of experience. He has made contributions to well-known publications like Rolling Stone and MOJO and serves as a…

Location
Union Street & Anne Dallas Dudley Boulevard
At the entrance to Legislative Plaza. Look for the guide with the cowboy hat and microphone headset.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(78 Ratings)
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Musiccity828
Dec 13, 2024
Bill DeMain, your Go-to-Guy for the real stories of Music City! - We had high hopes of our tour, and Bill DeMain did not disappoint. He exceeded the expectations of our 2 out-of-towners who are newbie country music lovers, as well as those of our 2 Music City locals who are already aware of Nashville's history and music scene. He put a different spin on all of the tidbits of country trivia by peppering them with anecdotes involving other music genre personalities. Who would have know Linda snapped a picture of her husband Paul McCartney sporting a hat and pair of mirrored shades coming down the steps of the Ryman to avoid being noticed by tourists? Yet Bill had the story and the photo to prove it! Among many things, he is a music journalist, BBC correspondent, interviewer, author, songwriter and yes, even plays in 2 bands! He is a fellow with many talents and anyone who goes on one of his tours will be graced with "Walkin' Nashville" in a most enjoyable way.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stuartr588
Dec 4, 2024
Best tour in Nashville - Amazing 90 minutes in the company of one of the top authorities on Nashville history and music. Despite being a regular visitor to Nashville, I learned so much and saw places that I didn't know existed. Bill's laid back delivery and openness to all questions make a fascinating journey. I guarantee you'll learn first hand anecdotes told to Bill from Broadway and beyond that you won't hear anywhere else.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
555shaunaj
Nov 16, 2024
A great way to kick-off time in Nashville! - Bill was absolutely amazing! He hosted our group of 13 on a phenomenal tour around Nashville. He was knowledgeable and answered all of the questions asked by our group. I've been in Nashville 20+ years and learned so much on this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
717lindav
Nov 4, 2024
A City Tour that informs from the inside out... - My friend Kim and I had the immense pleasure of participating in Bill DeMain's walking tour of Nashville this past Saturday. WOW - did we get a deal!!! We learned a great amount about the history of country music in Nashville, of course, but SO MUCH MORE! We learned about the history of Nashville as a city, its changing economy and demographics, Nashville's civil rights history and it's connection to the music, the meaning and definition of 'country music', the cultural history of the city and places like "Printer's Alley", how the city has changed over the years, meaningful architectural sites and buildings, important and iconic moments and places in Nashville's musical legacy, etc. etc., and most of all, a million colorful and fascinating details about the musicians themselves, and the club owners and industry characters that supported them through the decades. Can't recommend this tour enough. I would do it again in a heartbeat because I know that Bill would probably add new nuggets and stories all the time. Thank you Bill! I can't wait to come back!! ~ Linda Viens
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amywp1391je
Oct 8, 2024
Great tour - This was an amazing tour. So many stories and great music information. Would highly recommend. Bill was so friendly and has a great presence about him.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kcheney
Oct 7, 2024
Fun time walking Music highlights - Bill was great. Welcoming, knowledgeable, and great stories about music legends he has actually met. We really enjoyed the 90 minute tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chriswm518td
Oct 5, 2024
Bill is incredible! - Bill’s expertise and experience is incredible! Such a likable soul. Really enjoyed this tour! So willing to answer questions as well!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
R9240xwjacks
Sep 15, 2024
Nashville’s musical history brought to you live and in person! - Bill was outstanding! He’s low key, starting out slow but steady. Then he gives you so much more than you expected. A lifetime as a musician, composer, journalist and broadcaster coupled with his great story telling makes for a top class experience. Thank you, Bill!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brent_a
Sep 14, 2024
Excellent tour - Bill was knowledgeable and engaging. Steeped in music and history. We visited many iconic, and not so well known spots.
Review provided by Viator
Zestychic
Sep 7, 2024
Must-Do Tour in Nashville!! - This is a Must-Do Tour in Nashville! Bill is such an amazing story teller and guide. He provided wonderful anecdotes and information I don't think you'd find anywhere else. He's a musician, author, prankster and fun guide. He's interviewed all the greats and written for Rolling Stone. I learned so much and had a wonderful experience overall. Hats off to Bill for how he promotes Nashville musicians and their walks through this town. - Molly
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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1 Adult
February 2025
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