Nashville isn’t called “Music City” for nothing. Many of the world’s most iconic songs have been penned in its cozy cafés, historic studios, and legendary writer’s rooms. For any music lover visiting the city, exploring where these famous tunes were written offers a deeper connection to the stories behind the hits. Here are the top 5 famous songs and the special Nashville spots where they came to life.
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1. "I Will Always Love You" – Dolly Parton
Where: RCA Studio B
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Dolly Parton’s timeless ballad “I Will Always Love You” was recorded at the legendary RCA Studio B, but it’s also where she first brought the song to life. Known as the birthplace of the Nashville Sound, Studio B has seen countless hits come through its doors. While the song later gained global fame when Whitney Houston covered it for The Bodyguard, it remains one of the most famous tracks ever penned in Nashville. You can even tour RCA Studio B today and walk in the footsteps of legends.
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2. "Friends in Low Places" – Garth Brooks
Where: Bluebird Café
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Garth Brooks’ smash hit “Friends in Low Places” was born in one of Nashville’s most intimate songwriting spots: the Bluebird Café. This unassuming venue has been the site of countless songwriting sessions for Nashville’s biggest stars. Songwriters Dewayne Blackwell and Earl Bud Lee came up with the idea after a night of hanging out with friends, and it turned into one of the most iconic country songs of all time. Don’t miss the chance to catch an intimate show at the Bluebird, where magic happens every night.
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3. "Tennessee Whiskey" – Chris Stapleton
Where: The Station Inn
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Before Chris Stapleton's rendition made it a modern classic, “Tennessee Whiskey” was written by Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove. This soulful track found new life when Stapleton performed it at The Station Inn, one of Nashville’s most beloved bluegrass venues. The Station Inn has long been a hotspot for live music and songwriting, with an atmosphere that fosters creativity. Stapleton’s performance there turned this gem into a modern anthem, solidifying its place in Nashville’s songbook.
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4. "The House That Built Me" – Miranda Lambert
Where: Green Hills Mall Parking Lot
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Believe it or not, the inspiration for Miranda Lambert’s emotional hit “The House That Built Me” struck in an unusual place: the parking lot of Green Hills Mall. Songwriters Tom Douglas and Allen Shamblin penned the heartfelt lyrics about revisiting childhood memories, and Lambert turned it into a country hit. It’s a reminder that inspiration can strike anywhere—even while running errands in a Nashville parking lot!
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5. "Ring of Fire" – Johnny Cash
Where: Hendersonville Lake House
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Though Johnny Cash didn’t write “Ring of Fire” himself (his wife June Carter and Merle Kilgore get the credit), the song became one of his most iconic hits. The lyrics were written at the Cash family’s Hendersonville lake house, just outside of Nashville. The fiery love song was inspired by June’s passionate feelings for Johnny, and it became a career-defining hit for the Man in Black. Today, the lake house stands as a reminder of Cash’s lasting influence on the music world.
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Where to Stay: JeTy Vacations
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If you're heading to Nashville to soak in its rich musical history, make sure your stay is as unforgettable as the songs you’ll discover. At JeTy Vacations, we offer vacation rentals that put you close to the heart of Music City. Whether you’re touring historic studios or attending a show at the Bluebird Café, JeTy Vacations provides the perfect home base for your Nashville adventures.
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Book your stay with JeTy Vacations and create your own soundtrack while exploring the musical soul of Nashville.