Music Row Named ‘National Treasure’ by National Trust for Historic Preservation

Today (Jan. 12) the National Trust for Historic Preservation announced Nashville’s Music Row as its newest National Treasure. National Treasures are highly-significant historic places throughout the country that are threatened and where the National Trust is committed to ensuring their future. Music Row has been selected because of its central importance to Nashville’s identity as Music City and the strong desire to preserve it as a cornerstone of America’s cultural and music heritage.

The National Trust will continue to raise awareness of Music Row’s importance and the growing threat to its survival. Activities include researching and documenting Music Row’s 60-year history and developing strategic plans to ensure Music Row’s sustainability as a center of culture and creativity. Key partners in this endeavor include the Music Industry Coalition, Nashville Office of the Mayor, Metro Nashville Historical Commission, Historic Nashville, Inc., Tennessee Preservation Trust and the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation.

“Music Row is the very definition of a National Treasure. The sounds created here have echoed throughout the country for decades, earning it an unparalleled place in America’s cultural life,” said David J. Brown, executive vice president and chief preservation officer for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “As a native Tennessean who grew up with a deep love of the sounds of Nashville, I am especially passionate about helping ensure the future of Music Row as a vibrant center of culture, economy and creativity.”

Despite its significance, Music Row area has not been immune to the changes occurring as greater Nashville has experienced an influx of new residences, and the construction of multiple new condos, apartments and other business constructions. Often construction includes plans to tear down older buildings that hold historical significance, most recently evidenced by the near demolition of historic RCA Studio A. Ben Folds, a multi-platinum selling artist/singer/songwriter, has operated out of the studio since 2002. In the early summer of 2014, Folds penned an open letter online expressing concern about the fate of Studio A and the Music Row area in the face of development. His post caught the attention of the National Trust and sparked an impromptu meeting with Folds.

RCA Studio A was later purchased by philanthropist Aubrey Preston, as well as Mike Curb and Chuck Elcan.

“I remember meeting with Tom Mayes (National Trust’s Deputy General Counsel) after one of my concerts in Washington, D.C., just days after I posted my first open letter of concern for Studio A,” recalled Folds. “Tom had reached out to me to offer the support of the National Trust, the first such outreach by any organization for our cause. That meant a lot to me, and has since led to a great partnership for Music Row, for the people who make the music here, and for our city.”

American Express is Presenting Partner of the National Treasures program, and has pledged $2 million to the National Trust for Historic Preservation to help promote and enable the preservation of these cultural and historic places.