Country music star Kacey Musgraves has been making waves lately, nominated for five Grammy Awards and keeping the spotlight firmly on her career and vibrant life. The native Texan has intertwined her narrative with Nashville, the heart of country music.
She recently appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, sharing fond memories of her childhood, including her attempt to win the Little Miss Tater Tot Pageant. Musgraves recounted, "I’m still pretty bitter. It was a hard loss." Audience members were treated to footage of her pageant performance, sparking laughter and nostalgia.
Musgraves also spoke about her connection with the late John Prine, calling him one of her heroes and mentors. His passing in April 2020 left a significant impact on her life and songwriting. Reflecting on this, Musgraves revealed her belief she received messages from him through nature, particularly observing cardinals, which she linked to her songwriting process for her latest album, Deeper Well.
Fans are excited to see Musgraves perform at the upcoming CMA Awards on November 20, where she is nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Music Event of the Year for her collaboration “I Remember Everything” with Zach Bryan. This year’s awards promise to be filled with exceptional performances, including stars like Luke Combs, Megan Mooney, and Eric Church.
Musgraves’ passion for Nashville shines brightly as she opens up about her love for the city's dynamic music scene. "Nashville is home to an unparalleled songwriting community. Some of the best songwriters in the world are based there," she enthused, confirming the city has had a monumental influence on her success.
For those visiting Nashville, Musgraves suggests several spots worth checking out. The Country Music Hall of Fame is her first recommendation, highlighting its historical significance as the ultimate homage to the roots of country music. "Even if you’re not necessarily a fan of country music, it’s really interesting," she stated.
Musgraves also frequents Grimey’s, a record store transformed from a church, where she loves hunting for hidden treasures next door at Anaconda Vintage. Foodies should take note of her favorite burger joint, Brown’s Diner, known for being John Prine’s favorite place for hamburgers.
When it’s time to unwind, Musgraves enjoys the serene escape offered by Southall Farm & Inn, located just outside Nashville. This destination features breathtaking landscapes alongside organic food options and unique activities like yoga and paddle boating. According to her, “Sometimes I just go out there to eat or use the spa.”
Nature lovers can find peace at Radnor Lake State Park. With miles of peaceful trails, it's perfect for spotting local wildlife, including bald eagles. Musgraves described it as, "a great place to see animals; there are bald eagles and lots of deer." It’s easy to understand why she feels at home among Nashville's natural beauty.
Finally, she encourages visitors to catch some live music at The Station Inn, where she’s had memorable experiences, including watching John Prine perform. With its cozy setup and friendly vibe, it captures the essence of blues and bluegrass music.
The culture, energy, and beauty of Nashville have shaped Musgraves as both an artist and individual. Her experiences there have produced some of her best work and have contributed to her rising recognition on the music scene.
Looking forward, Musgraves is eagerly preparing for the CMA Awards, where she hopes to add to her accolades and delight fans with her performance. With her contagious enthusiasm and genuine connection to Nashville, there’s no doubt she will continue to shine brightly on the country music stage.
Musgraves’ story is not just about her individual success, but also the connections, memories, and inspirations she has found along her artistic path. Her unique experiences have enriched her music, making every note resonate with authenticity and heartfelt emotion.
