Discover a mix of country, blues, soul, and rock rooted in Nashville’s musical heritage. From legends to modern voices, this playlist celebrates the creative heart of Music City.
Listen to the Trek Nashville Essentials Playlist on either Apple Music, Spotify, or YouTube. Choose your listening preference below.
Before that, backroom blues and gospel hymns echoed from church pews and roadside bars. From the earliest fiddle tunes to the soulful strains of R&B, Nashville has always been a place where creative expression and musical roots run deep.
This playlist is our way of honoring that legacy. It’s a collection of songs that reflect the sounds Nashville continued to shape. Country, blues, rock, gospel, folk, Americana; it’s all here. It’s always been here.
As we come together in Music City, we wanted to give you more than a playlist. We wanted to give you a piece of the city. Something you can play on your speaker long after the meeting ends. Something rooted in where we are, and in the spirit of creating something meaningful together.
Each artist in this mix either began their journey in Nashville or found something here that transformed their sound. Some tracks are timeless classics. Others are fresh voices redefining what southern music means today. Together, they tell a story of tradition, reinvention, and the power of creative energy.
Born from the Sun Records era and solidified in Nashville, this rockabilly classic captures Cash’s grit and storytelling swagger.
Jackson’s Nashville-based career has spanned over three decades, producing hits like “Chattahoochee” and “Remember When.”
One of Nashville’s most beloved voices, Dolly’s tale of love and longing became a global anthem of vulnerability and strength.
A soul-stirring, blues-soaked reimagining of a country standard, Stapleton honed his sound through Nashville’s songwriting circles.
Recorded in Nashville for Excello Records, this blues tune helped bridge the gap to early rock ’n’ roll when Elvis made it famous.
Living in and around Nashville for decades, Emmylou blends country twang with rootsy elegance in this working-class lament.
The “Queen of Country” launched her legendary career in Nashville, where she signed her first record deal, became a Grand Ole Opry member, and helped shape the modern country sound.
Recorded in Nashville under producer Ted Jarrett, this track captures the desperation and soul of the Jefferson Street blues era.
Written and recorded in Nashville, this modern gospel-country hybrid honors the city’s church pew roots and radio-ready evolution.
With vocals by Nashville’s Earl Gaines and lyrics by Ted Jarrett, this 1955 hit is pure Jefferson Street blues history.
Born and raised in Tennessee, this Nashville-based band pays tribute to their Southern roots with heartfelt vocals and rock swagger.
Recorded in Nashville, this minimalist country ballad marked Willie’s turn toward the outlaw sound, and away from the Nashville machine.
Though from Knoxville, Curry’s hit became a staple in Nashville’s soul clubs. Its danceable groove captured the spirit of Southern jukeboxes.
A staple of Southern blues with a cult following in Nashville, this track blends brash humor and blues authenticity.
A Jefferson Street icon, Church’s smooth delivery and onstage charisma made him one of Nashville’s true soul performers.
Though Texas-born, Lynn recorded in Nashville and helped pave the way for women in blues with her guitar work and emotionally raw vocals.
Acclaimed for their raw garage rock style, have a deep connection with Nashville after band members Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney relocated to the city.
Produced by Dan Auerbach in Nashville, this soaring, retro-soul ballad blends old-school drama with modern emotional fire.
Discovered by Nashville producer Ted Jarrett, Allison turned gospel phrasing into soul empowerment with this encouraging classic.
Nashville-based sisters bring fierce slide guitar and Southern energy to this high-octane blues-rock jam.
Loretta Lynn’s groundbreaking career began in Nashville and spanned over six decades, earning her multiple Grammy Awards and a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
A Nashville anthem since the ’90s, Garth’s signature song captures the city’s love of rowdy storytelling and sing-along spirit.
Raised in Nashville and steeped in its gospel and jazz traditions, Hebb’s “Sunny” remains one of the most-covered soul classics ever.
Based in Nashville, this folk-blues trio brings warm harmonies and groove-driven uplift to the city’s modern roots scene.