Gospel Stops on the Tennessee Music Pathways

The Museum Center at 5ive Points tells the diverse history of the Ocoee Region, including its rich gospel heritage. Learn of one of the first mass-printed church hymnal book, the Red Back Hymnal, at the permanent Red Back Hymnal Exhibit. Foundational to gospel's cultural transcendence, the Red Back helped unite gospel worship music in 1951 when over 25,000 copies were printed in Cleveland, Tennessee. Since the 50's, over 6 million copies have been distributed world-wide. The exhibit brings the history of these praise-songs to life with videos, artifacts, and a listening station.

At Dollywood, gospel music can be enjoyed regularly with performances from the award-winning Kingdom Heirs. Amidst the Great Smoky Mountains, the uplifting music of more than 30 years' worth of chart-toppers is belted out in the Showstreet Palace Theatre. Keep an eye-out for additional seasonal celebrations of gospel music. The Harvest Festival, formerly known as the National Southern Gospel and Harvest Celebration, showcases dozens of gospel performers in addition to fall flavored treats. Christmas gospel classics with Kingdom Heirs can also be enjoyed during the holiday season.

While not a historical gospel music venue, the Niswonger Performing Arts Center is one of the most active gospel-presenting concert venues in Tennessee today. The Oak Ridge Boys, the Issacs, and David Phelps are just a few of the gospel musicians that have graced the performing arts stage. Explore their upcoming events and hear the spirit-lifting sound abound.

With four gospel-centric Grammy Awards, 12 Dove Awards, and countless other musical recognitions- the originally Southern gospel quartet of the Oak Ridge Boys has earned a shoutout on this list. At the Grove Theater in Oak Ridge, there is a Tennessee Music Pathways marker dedicated to the group. Before becoming the country music legends they are today, the Oak Ridge Boys sang traditional and contemporary heart-felt gospel songs, gaining them world-wide acclaim.

Nashville has long produced notable gospel artists such as The Fairfield Four, who began entertaining audiences a century ago. Fisk University’s Jubilee Singers have sung spirituals around the world for more than 150 years. The group first introduced 'slave songs' to the world in 1871-- to earn money for the university. The singers continue to perform at Fisk University and occasionally lift their voices around additional Nashville live music venues and beyond. They were inducted into Nashville’s Gospel Music Association’s Hall of Fame in 2000.

Known as the "Mother Church," the Union Gospel Tabernacle was constructed over 130 years ago. For two decades, the building was used as an evangelical beacon, with gospel music flowing through its acoustically perfected auditorium. While the space has since been transformed into the acclaimed Ryman Auditorium, audiences are still inspired and transfixed after sitting in the pews. Take a self-guided or guided tour of the backstage, see the Captain Ryman Statue, or stay for a live musical performance.

Lawrenceburg, Tennessee was home to James D. Vaughan, the "father of Southern gospel music." In his pursuits, Vaughan opened a gospel music publishing company, founded the Vaughan School of Music, created one of the first gospel radio stations and formed professional gospel quartets. His legacy as a Southern gospel pioneer is honored at the James D. Vaughan Gospel Music Museum. While in town, visit the historic Crockett Theater, opened in 1950. Here, the annual James D. Vaughan Music Festival is held in July and the Southern Gospel Jubilee preforms frequently.

Check out The Hideaway Farm in Bon Aqua, a unique museum filled with Johnny Cash history and gospel connections. Cash affectionately called the farm his "hideaway," as it was his home and retreat among the fame. Using the quiet and secluded atmosphere of the property, much of his spiritual writing took place in the old farmhouse. See Cash's gospel writings, artifacts, and his story-- all woven throughout his "center of the universe."

While you could venture into any Memphian church and likely hear amazing and authentic gospel music, one holds an exceptional star. The Rev. Al Green, who’s recorded as many gospel records as pop hits, still preaches and sings at his Full Gospel Tabernacle in Memphis. Services are held tri-weekly and are open for any who wish to hear the message and legendary music.

Elvis Presley was a three-time Grammy Award Winner, all for gospel pieces-- including the song and album "How Great Thou Art." Growing up in a religious family, many of Elvis's albums and songs drew inspiration from spiritual music- making gospel a key element of his musical identity. Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, showcases his gospel recordings, influences, and performance memorabilia.