The Experience

Living History

The Storytellers of the Legends of Tenessee Music Museum

Week after week our group of organized storytellers grows. Come see us and hear a music story you can’t hear anywhere else in the world. The secret of the Million Dollar Quartet, or the mystery man on the cover of Blue Suede Shoes sheet music.

You won’t find some of these stories online or in books.

group of Carnegie Legends volunteer tour guides wearing Hard Rock Jackson t-shirts

The Rise of Americana Music

From the swinging tunes of rockabilly to the wailing melodies of blues to the unforgettable energy of rock-n-roll, the Legends of Tennessee Music Museum stands at the center of music history. With the merging of genres giving way to the music we know today, the legends of Jackson and West Tennessee laid the foundation for what would become one of the most diverse regions of songwriting and performing artistry.

History was made by them, but it is preserved by us.

The voices of the past…

Our region is one of the most influential centers of artistic talent in the world. The Legends of Tennessee Music Museum is home to over 500 relics from legends such as Carl Perkins, W.S. Holland, Tina Turner, Sonny Boy Williamson, Eddy Arnold, Wink Martindale, Big Maybelle, Denise LaSalle, John Kilzer, and more. These icons established our legacy and carved Jackson’s name into music history.

…the songs of the future

And today, Jackson continues to give rise to legendary artists such as Lauren “LOLO” Pritchard, singer and songwriter who co-wrote Panic! at the Disco’s #1 hit “High Hopes,” as well as performing as an original cast member for the Tony award-winning Broadway play Spring Awakening. Jackson is also the birthplace of world-renowned songwriter Jonathan Singleton, who wrote and produced countless #1 country music hits. Our region is witnessing a breathtaking rise in musical talent as the next generation of performers come to the forefront of music history.

The voices of these iconic performers are found only in Jackson, Tennessee, the capstone of Americana music. Come and experience the sounds and rhythms of our musical legacy.

Walk in Their Footsteps

At the Legends of Tennessee Music Museum, you can take a once-in-a-lifetime photo holding an original replica guitar just like the one used by legendary performer Carl Perkins, creator of iconic songs such as Blue Suede Shoes and featured in the world-famous Million Dollar Quartet photo. And with hundreds of original relics and memorabilia from iconic performers on display, you can experience the legacy that started right here in Jackson, Tennessee.

Origin of the Hard Rock Cafe

Thanks to the influential talent of Isaac Tigrett, the Hard Rock Cafe brought the music history of Jackson, Tennessee to the rest of the world. With the first United States location originally opened just a short drive down the road, the Legends of Tennessee Music Museum is proud to host iconic Hard Rock Cafe and House of Blues memorabilia, including exclusive stories, artifacts, and even collectible items only available for purchase at the museum.

man holding up white Hard Rock Jackson t-shirt