Ken Burns Country Music Pathway

VISIT THE PLACES THAT INSPIRED THE MUSIC

Ken Burns tells the story of “Country Music” in his PBS documentary, but nothing compares to standing in the places where that history was made. Use this digital passport to make your county music pilgrimage and earn exclusive discounts and souvenirs along the way.

Click here to see what’s included!

Ken Burns Country Music Pathway

  • Mobile exclusive
  • Instantly delivered via text and email
  • No apps to download
  • Explore country music's history with this digital pass!

How this Pass Works

Step 1 - Get Your Pass

This mobile exclusive passport is a collection of country music history stops to explore during your visit.

Step 2 - Receive Text

Your passport will be instantly delivered to your phone via text and email and is ready to use immediately! There is no app to download. Your pass can be saved to your phone’s home screen for easy one-tap access.

Step 3 - Redeem

When visiting participating locations, simply select check-in for your chance to win a prize. Some venues require a 4-digit pin code to check-in, while others require you to check-in via GPS. You will receive the 4 digit pin code from an attraction staff member. For the GPS locations, you will need to be within .25 miles of the venue, and have your location services turned on.

Included Venues

See locations on an interactive map.

Stop 1: Birthplace Of Country Music Museum
In 1927, producer Ralph Peer set up a makeshift studio in an old hat warehouse. Over the next 12 days, he recorded 76 songs from 19 artists — songs that would change music forever. See and hear the history of the Bristol Sessions come to life through rare audio recordings and artifacts at this interactive museum.

What's Included

  • $3 Off Adult Admisson; $1 Off Student Or Senior
Stop 2: East TN History Center
Country music is rooted in East Tennessee. Discover the history of the region and learn about the legends who brought country from the hills of Appalachia to the stage of mainstream America. Explore exhibits dedicated to WNOX, one of the first 10 radio stations in the US, that featured the “Mid-Day Merry-Go-Round” and “The Tennessee Barndance” and gave a start to future Opry stars. "The Cas Walker Farm and Home Hour" radio and TV show, in particular, launched the careers of Dolly Parton and the Everly Brothers.
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What's Included

  • $1 Off Admission
Stop 3: WDVX Studios
This independent public radio station shares the music of Knoxville with the world. Continuing the tradition of live performance radio shows, its “Blue Plate Special” program takes place Monday through Saturday at noon. The Knoxville Visitors Center has information about all things Knoxville including the Cradle of Country Music walking tour.
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What's Included

  • 20% Off Visit Knoxville Gift Shop
Stop 4: Dolly Parton Statue
Born in a one-room cabin in Sevierville, Tennessee, Dolly Parton went from humble beginnings to country music superstardom. This statue stands in her hometown as a tribute to her remarkable success.
Stop 5: Dollywood
As one of the most successful artists of all time, it is only fitting that Dolly Parton have a theme park that bears her name. While you’re here, learn more about her life at the various museums throughout the park, including a replica of her childhood home.

What's Included

  • $5 Off One Day Child/Senior Admission
Stop 6: Songbirds Guitar & Pop Culture Museum
Home to the largest private collection of rare and vintage guitars on display in the world, this unique museum is a music-oriented, pop culture experience for the whole family. Enjoy live music on two stages, events and exhibits showcasing legends of country and all genres of music. Part of the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo Complex.

What's Included

  • 10% Off Admission
Stop 7: Ryman Auditorium
Built as a tabernacle in 1892, this Nashville icon is hallowed ground and a lively working venue and attraction today. The Ryman was the third home of the Grand Ole Opry show from 1943 to 1974, celebrating country music on stage with the likes of Loretta Lynn, Minnie Pearl, Marty Robbins, Patsy Cline and Roy Acuff. It’s where bluegrass was born and country became famous. Where Johnny Cash met June Carter, and Hank Williams made his Grand Ole Opry debut. Tour backstage at the “Mother Church of Country Music” and experience the history yourself.
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What's Included

  • $2 Off Daytime Tours
Stop 8: Lower Broadway District
Known as the “Honky Tonk Highway,” Lower Broadway is lined with famous bars where many legends got their starts. Today you can find live music playing here day and night.
Stop 9: Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum
The history of country music is alive and well right here. Explore the world’s largest collection of country music artifacts from both classic and current artists. While you’re here, visit the Hall of Fame Rotunda to learn about the members of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Stop 10: Musicians Hall Of Fame
Behind every hit song, there are musicians whose names you may have never heard. Take a tour and explore exhibits on Musician Hall of Fame members, the artists behind some of the greatest recordings of all time.

What's Included

  • $2 Off Admission
Stop 11: Johnny Cash Museum
How much do you really know about The Man in Black? Visit this museum and learn more about his journey from an aspiring gospel musician with no recording contract to one of the best-selling artists of all time. Hungry for more Cash? Check out Johnny Cash's Kitchen & Saloon next to the museum.
Stop 12: Patsy Cline Museum
With hit songs like “Crazy” and “I Fall to Pieces,” Patsy was one of the first country music artists to successfully crossover into pop music. Explore exhibits full of never-before-seen artifacts from her life at this extensive museum.
Stop 13: The Gibson Garage
Tucked into the heart of Music City, The Gibson Garage is a must-see, hands-on experience for guitar players and music fans alike. For well over 100 years this iconic American company has produced guitars played by multiple generations of music stars and musicians. Try out a guitar, take a lesson, learn about Gibson’s history, or see a live show.
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What's Included

  • 10% Off Lifestyle Merchandise & Accessories
Stop 14: The Bluebird Cafe
Though it looks small, this 90-seat music venue has helped launch the careers of some of country’s biggest superstars, including Garth Brooks and Taylor Swift. Famous for an “in the round” show format, The Bluebird brings songwriters to center stage, where they take turns playing and sharing the stories behind their songs.
Stop 15: Grand Ole Opry
Called “The WSM Barn Dance” when it hit the airwaves in 1925, the Grand Ole Opry stars pioneered the genre we know as country music today. The massive reach of 650 AM WSM allowed performances of Bill Monroe, Ernest Tubb, Hank Williams, Little Jimmy Dickens, Minnie Pearl and Roy Acuff to reach listeners far and wide including the next generation of stars it would lure to Nashville. As the show grew in popularity it would move into various venues before settling into the Ryman Auditorium until 1974. Today, the show is performed several times a week at the Grand Ole Opry House where guided backstage tours are offered daily – even during the show.
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Stop 16: Storyteller Hideaway Farm & Museum
When Johnny Cash needed to escape from life in the public eye, this is where he went. Explore the farm he once called the center of his universe, and get to know a side of The Man in Black you’ve never met before. You’ll see rare video footage and photos and some of Johnny Cash’s personal items, including the famous “One Piece at a Time” Cadillac. Every visit at this two-venue location includes a live music concert.
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What's Included

  • $2 Off Admission
Stop 17: Loretta Lynn's Ranch
Explore the ranch owned by music legend Loretta Lynn. Learn about her childhood as a coal miner’s daughter and her journey to becoming one of the biggest stars in country music through various museums on the property.
Stop 18: Carl Perkins Visitor Center
People say there’d be no rock ’n’ roll without Carl Perkins. But without the experiences he had in this house as a child, rock ’n’ roll might sound completely different. Learn about his childhood, his early influences and his journey to becoming the Father of Rockabilly.
Stop 19: Southern Legends of Music at the Carnegie
Long before rock ’n’ roll was recorded in Memphis, it was written and played in Jackson. Discover the stories of Tennessee legends like Carl Perkins and Sonny Boy Williamson and how they helped shape music history.
Stop 20: Sun Studio
If these walls could talk, they would tell you about the birth of rock ’n’ roll. This is where music producer Sam Phillips created a new sound and changed music forever. Take a tour to experience the history up close.
Stop 21: Graceland
From tours of Elvis’ beloved home, Graceland Mansion, to more than 10 rotating exhibits that explore his passions and career at Elvis Presley’s Memphis, guests will be fully-immersed into the life of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. In addition, guests can enjoy live concerts at the Soundstage at Graceland, specialty-themed weekends, annual Elvis celebrations, and much more.
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What's Included

  • 10% Off Elvis Experience Tour
Beale Street Historic District
Created in 1841, Beale Street is one of the most iconic streets in America. It began as a thriving area for commerce, musicians, Black-owned businesses and was home to Ida B. Wells’ anti-segregationist newspaper. Four locations are significant to the Civil Rights Movement: Historical Daisy, Theatre/Randle Catron Interpretive Center, Withers Collection Museum & Gallery, First Baptist Beale Street Church and Robert R. Church Park.
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What's Included

  • $2 Off Admission To Memphis Music Hall Of Fame