Home of the 1927 Bristol Sessions
Located in Bristol, TN-VA, the nonprofit Birthplace of Country Music honors the legendary recordings, which introduced country music to the mainstream, through immersive experiences at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, the annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival, and WBCM Radio Bristol.
VISIT & EXPERIENCE
Birthplace of Country Music Museum
An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, our museum tells the story of the 1927 Bristol Sessions, the influential recordings that sparked the “big bang of country music," and continue to inspire the music of today.
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion: Sept. 19-21, 2025
Experience Bristol TN/VA's rich music heritage with the birthplace of country music. Join us on state street in downtown Bristol for an incredible lineup of artists performing country, bluegrass, Americana, folk, rock and more! Reunite with friends while celebrating the rhythm of new genres along with the roots of traditional Appalachian music. Weekend passes to Bristol and Roots Reunion make great gifts for the holidays.
Radio Bristol Celebrates 10 Years in 2025
Broadcasting and streaming from the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, WBCM Radio Bristol specializes in vintage and modern roots music, with global access to its original and syndicated programming 24/7. Radio Bristol hosts the syndicated Farm and Fun Time® featuring nationally touring roots music artists across more than 70 PBS television affiliates in the United States.
More to Explore
The Museum Store offers the finest in regionally sourced, handcrafted artisan items, music-themed gifts and décor, books, CDs, Bristol-centric souvenirs, and exclusive Birthplace of Country Music merchandise in-store and online.
Why is Bristol, Tennessee-Virginia known as the birthplace of country music? On October 12, 1998, U.S. Congress designated Bristol as the “birthplace of country music.”
