Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum salutes lesser-known artists
Some of the world’s lesser-known artists are getting their due recognition at a Nashville museum and hall of fame.
The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum honors those whose music is heard in the background of some of the greatest recordings of all time. These musicians are responsible for contributing drum riffs, guitar solos and other musical additions to popular songs of their time.
The museum and hall of fame was started by songwriter and businessman Joe Chambers and opened its doors to the public in 2006. The exhibits, many donated to the museum, include photographs, award-winning albums and instruments played on popular songs.
Displays focus on artists such as Hal Blaine, a Los Angeles session drummer who played on hundreds of hit records ranging from Elvis, Frank and Nancy Sinatra and The Beach Boys — and also those who contributed without picking up an instrument: producers and musical engineers from cities such as Detroit, New York and Memphis.
Exhibits often rotate, but on any given visit museum goers can see the personal collection of platinum and gold albums of Will Lee, a New York bass player who performed for The Late Show with David Letterman; Eddie Willis' guitars, which were played on songs such as "Signed, Sealed, Delivered'; Pete Drake's steel guitars heard on Bob Dylan's "Lay Lady Lay"; and Marshall Grant's basses, which are heard on Johnny Cash's "Walk the Line" and "Ring of Fire."
The hall of fame features artists from most every genre, including rhythm and blues, rock 'n roll and country. Stories are told of artists whose musical influence peaked during the late 1950s through the mid-1980s, such as The Swampers, The A Team, The Memphis Boys, The Funk Brothers and the Wrecking Crew, .
The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum is a 30,000-square-foot multi-purpose building with a reception hall that can accommodate about 220 dinner guests and an adjoining movie theater that seats a maximum of 90. The performance hall has a seated capacity of 355 guests or 450 for standing. The facility is available for parties, dinners and receptions.
The museum and hall of fame also offers private music lessons for all ages at its School of Music. For more information on guitar, bass, drums or keyboard lessons, visit the website.
The museum is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Admission is $14.95 for adults, $11.95 for military personnel, $12.95 for seniors, students and AAA members, $9.95 for children ages 7-12 and free for children 6 years old and younger.
- by Leah Caudle , Nashville Reporter for HelloMetro
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