Tour the Bill Anderson exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame
Bill Anderson’s words have echoed on country radio for over eight decades. Dig out an album from your vintage vinyl collection and you’re bound to find a cut with his name on it. Those stacks of CDs that once crested the top of the Billboard charts in the 90s and throughout the new millennium? Yes, his name is inscribed all over those, too. View the Bill Anderson: As Far As I Can See exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and you’ll see the paths and events that shaped one of the premier songwriters of our time.
Exhibit Highlights
Bill Anderson’s professional start in country music began with a stint as a disc jockey at WJJC in Atlanta, Georgia in 1957. The station is now known as Whisperin’ 95.1 FM, honoring Bill who worked the afternoon shift. Nearly one year after working at WJJC, he would soon hear his own material coming over the airwaves. Ray Price would make “City Lights,” a song penned by Bill Anderson, the most-played country song for 13 consecutive weeks.
Attending a talent show in Ohio, Bill Anderson was captivated by the winner, Connie Smith. He guided her as she made the move to Nashville, eventually landing a record contract with RCA Records. Her first single “Once A Day” would go on to become a standard in country music, and it’s no surprise that the song came from Bill’s catalog. A dress worn by Connie Smith during that timeframe is situated on display in the exhibit.
From songs by Porter Waggoner to Kenny Chesney, Bill Anderson has contributed lyrical gems to hundreds of country songs.
Check out these timeless country standards, album cuts, and hits all written by Bill Anderson:
Tammy Wynette - I Never Once Stopped Loving You
Kenny Chesney - Demons
T. Graham Brown - Which Way To Pray
Sugarland - Joey
George Strait - Give It Away
Jean Shepard - Slippin’ Away
Sara Evans - Walk Out Backwards
Joe Nichols - I’ll Wait For You
Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss - Whiskey Lullaby
Del McCoury Band - Amnesia
Jim Reeves - I Missed Me
Childhood mementos, accolades from his career, stagewear, and more comprise this can’t-miss exhibit. In 2001, Bill Anderson was officially inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. More recently, he was added to the Songwriters Hall of Fame. And the accolades just keep adding up! In 2023, Bill Anderson strolled the red carpet at the Grammy’s where he was nominated alongside Dolly Parton for their duet “Someday It’ll All Make Sense.”
Plan Your Visit
The Bill Anderson: As Far As I Can See has been extended through September 2023.
How long does it take to tour the exhibit?
Give yourself at least 20-30 minutes in this exhibit. It’s located on the second floor and is immediately to your left when you exit the elevator as you begin your of the museum. Plan to spend 90 minutes to tour the entire Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
The gift shop on the main floor has a commemorative poster and book, along with Bill’s autobiography and vintage t-shirts that you’ll want to check out, too.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is located at 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S., Nashville, TN 37203. View hours and admission fees here.