Tuesday, August 4, 2015

George Jones Museum curates the history of the country music icon

Upon entering the George Jones Museum in Nashville, you take a step through time into the life of the country music legend.  Nestled along the honky tonks and tourist shops along 2nd Avenue, the George Jones Museum is a great stop for any true country music fan.  As you enter the building, you are greeted with a smile from staff members.  To your left is a small bar area where you can take a taste test of White Lightning, the moonshine made in Kentucky and named for his popular song.  You can also take some home as a souvenir.

Straight ahead, you will submerge yourself with the gift shop full of memorabilia.  From fly swatters to t-shirts, there is something for everyone.  Personally, I always pick up a guitar pick and/or shot glass from places that I have visited.

After getting a wristband, you are led up the elevator to the second floor.  The entire floor encompasses a massive collection from George Jones.  Needless to say, each item was carefully curated and placed on display to showcase the life of George Jones.

George Jones Museum - photo by Jessica Blankenship

You will see the first guitar that George Jones played.  You will learn about his start in radio, as well as his marriage to Tammy Wynette and later to Nancy Jones.  You will also see his love for collecting football and knives, as well as see the many accomplishments over the years.

George Jones Museum - photo by Jessica Blankenship

George Jones Museum - photo by Jessica Blankenship

George Jones Museum - photo by Jessica Blankenship

George Jones Museum - photo by Jessica Blankenship

There is also a theater with performances of the one who would also be known as No Show Jones.  Lining the walls of the theater are the many rhinestone suits that George Jones wore over the years.  Fans will also be able to sit in one of the many special made rocking chairs made in his memory.

Fans will also get to see the infamous John Deere lawn mower that George Jones used to go on a beer run.  

George Jones Museum - photo by Jessica Blankenship
Then you will find yourself turning around to see the shocking photos of the car accident that nearly took his life.  A chill will go up your spine when you see the prayer hankie used by Vestal Goodman when she prayed over George Jones while he was in the hospital.

George Jones Museum - photo by Jessica Blankenship

Before the end of the museum tour, fans will have the opportunity to take a photo while sitting in a rather large rocking chair that requires a step stool to sit in.  Directly in front of it is a photo of those performers that played at his final tribute show, with many of the artists autographs alongside their photo.

George Jones Museum - photo by Jessica Blankenship

Upstairs is an outdoor bar and back downstairs is a restaurant just past the gift shop and red truck once owned by George Jones.  It is definitely well worth eating a meal.

Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for kids ages 6-15, and those youngsters ages 5 and under are free. There are discounts for senior citizens, students, AAA, and military.  The George Jones Museum is located at 128 2nd Avenue North in Nashville, TN.  Paid Parking is available within a block.


The quality of displays, as well as the southern hospitality is just two of many reasons to go and visit the George Jones Museum.  For more details, be sure to visit www.georgejonesmuseum.com. Be sure to check out more photos on our Facebook Page.