CMT Blog: Archive

Although I live in downtown Nashville, I never tire of the city skyline at night, especially the view from the Cumberland River. Last week I was able to enjoy Music City's scenery as well as its most famous songs aboard the General Jackson showboat on the opening night of Country Music USA, one of seven new country music attractions offered by Gaylord Opryland. Over the course of a couple of hours, I enjoyed a delicious meal followed by the sounds that helped shape country music. The night was rainy and cold, but I was still able to sneak out on the deck for a couple of moments to enjoy the city lights.

Back inside, the show consisted of a six-member cast singing through the decades of country music. From Roy Acuff's "Wabash Cannonball" to Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats," so many acts were covered I lost track somewhere around 35. With commentary between the tunes, the cast portrayed the likes of Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson, Conway Twitty and many, many others. I'd have to say my favorite renditions included Patti Page's "Tennessee Waltz" and the Judds' "Mama He's Crazy." It's never the same as the original, yet it's refreshing to hear the tunes I fell in love with years ago, all while traveling down the Cumberland River.