Dickson museum reopens with TN African American Musical Heritage exhibit

The Clement Railroad Hotel Museum reopened Wednesday, July 23 and is presenting the exhibition I Have a Voice: Tennessee’s African American Musical Heritage through Sept. 25. 

The exhibition, organized by the Tennessee State Museum, gives a snapshot of Tennessee’s African American musical heritage and its influence on worldwide musical genres.

The Volunteer State has been the birthplace of some of the most influential music in the world, from the Beale Street blues clubs in Memphis, to the R&B scene on Nashville’s Jefferson Street and the jazz in Knoxville’s Gem Theatre.

The exhibit traces how slaves adapted their African ancestors’ music to hand clapping, singing, the fiddle and the African–derived banjo.

The exhibit focuses on several Tennessee music legends: Bessie Smith, who was nicknamed the “Empress of the Blues;” B.B. King, often referred to as the “King of the Blues;” Grand Ole Opry star DeFord Bailey; and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Tina Turner.

The exhibit gives visitors a chance to hear their voices. Visitors can view YouTube videos of the performers and musicians on their smart phones or tablets through the use of QR-coded links.

Educators who are interested in teaching about Tennessee’s African American musical heritage will be provided with curriculum-based educational lesson activities.

The Clement Railroad Hotel Museum

100 Frank Clement Place

Dickson, TN. 37055

615-446-0500

Clementrailroadmuseum.org