More than 130 years after its founding as the Union Gospel Tabernacle, Nashville’s iconic Ryman Auditorium, known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” continues to honor its religious beginnings. Originally built by riverboat captain Thomas G. Ryman, who was converted by evangelist Sam Jones, the venue remains a beloved symbol of Nashville’s musical and spiritual history.
The Ryman, with its signature wooden pews and colorful stained-glass windows, has hosted countless legendary artists. From Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton to Prince, Taylor Swift, and even Elvis Presley, the king of rock ‘n’ roll, the auditorium has drawn music lovers from around the world.
Jessi Woods, a tourist from Massachusetts, experienced the Ryman’s dual legacy firsthand. After visiting its museum in the morning and attending a Postmodern Jukebox concert that evening, she remarked, “Technically it’s a building, but it’s clearly a living entity of some sort.” For many, the Ryman remains more than a concert venue—it’s a sacred place where music and spirituality unite.
