1927 Bristol Sessions

The recording sessions that Ralph Peer held on State Street in Bristol in 1927 have been recognized as "Big Bang of Country Music."

They helped to launch the careers of the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers, who are recognized as the first commercially successful modern country music artists. Rodgers is considered the "Father of Country Music" and was the first artist to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Carter Family has been recognized as country music's "First Family" due to the influence of their works on succeeding generations of country music artists.

You can learn more about the 1927 sessions by reading the following articles:

• In the Summer of 1927 by Dave Winship
  

  Provides a brief overview of the Bristol Sessions and their impact on country music.

• Pre-War melodies and Mountain Songs by Charles Wolfe
  

  The first of a two part essay which accompanied the liner notes to the release of The Bristol Sessions. Wolfe discusses the region's heritage, why Peer chose Bristol, and the events surrounding his trip to Bristol.

• The Sessions by Charles Wolfe
  

  The second of a two part essay which accompanied the liner notes to the release of The Bristol Sessions. Wolfe discusses the events of the actual sessions, including the musicians who appeared and the songs they recorded.

• New technological forces reinvent the music industry by John Maeder
  

  Provides an overview of the history of recording technology and its impact on country music.

Although the events of 1927 helped to launch the recording careers of country music's pioneers and provided the first commercially successful country recordings, Bristol did not become the center of the country music industry. To read an article that helps explain why, click here.

As part of its mission, the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance has sought to bring attention to the events of the summer of 1927 and gain recognition for Bristol as "the Birthplace of Country Music."

In 1984, the Tennessee General Assembly recognized Bristol as the "Birthplace of Country Music." In 1995, the Commonwealth of Virginia followed, as the Virginia General Assembly recognized Bristol as both the State Senate and the House of Delegates passed identical resolutions honoring Bristol.

You may view copies of the resolutions passed by clicking on links below:

• Tennessee State Senate (image / text)
• Virginia State Senate (image / text)
• Virginia House of Delegates (text only)

In 1998, the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance, along with local congressional officials help to secure passage in the United States Congress of House Concurrent Resolution 214 which recognized Bristol as the "Birthplace of Country Music."

• View a copy of House Concurrent Resolution 214 (image / text)
• See the debate from the Congressional Record surrounding the passage of this resolution.