History plays a role in our lives whether we realize it or not. Every one of us is a product of where we come from. Our environments, upbringing, and genealogy impact how we feel and express ourselves. For this reason, it can be enlightening to learn about (or pause to remember) those who came before us. And what better place to undertake this exercise than a museum?
The National Museum of African American Music is doing its part to preserve the heritage of Black musicians and spotlight their enduring contributions to song and sound. Construction began in April of 2017, and it opened to the public on January 30, 2021.
Being that the museum is relatively new, it uses plenty of modern technology. Touch screens give guests the opportunity to learn about who influenced famous artists, build their own songs, and listen to landmark recordings. General admission tickets include an RFID wristband that allows wearers to assemble a customized playlist to enjoy after returning home.
The physical design is intended to evoke a stream. NMAAM claims this is a metaphor emphasizing the continuity of rhythm through the ages. The three-screen film presented in the Roots Theater does a stellar job of setting the tone for what’s to come. Heading through the exit leads audiences into a curved hallway in the museum’s center known as Rivers of Rhythm. Footage of legendary performers plays on both walls, inspiring attendees to learn more about specific subjects via interactive touchscreen tables. Unfortunately, these devices aren’t always responsive; for better results, try a two-finger approach.
Radiating outward are five rooms, each dedicated to a specific genre. Follow the layout in a counterclockwise fashion to experience them in order. It’s easy to make the mistake of heading to the left and going chronologically backwards. However, the Rivers of Rhythm area has doors leading to every section, allowing for taking it all in however one wishes. Wade in the Water covers gospel, from the spiritual field chants of slavery days to the major artists of today. Crossroads dives deep into the blues, lifting up a diverse array of players that spans decades. A Love Supreme dissects R&B, soul, and disco. This leads naturally into One Nation Under a Groove, which highlights funk in its many forms. Finally, The Message is a loving tribute to rap and hip-hop.
One mark of a great museum is its collection of unique artifacts, and NMAAM has plenty. There’s Louis Armstrong’s trumpet, as well as Billie Holiday’s gown, face powder, and perfume. Get an up close look at a custom outfit made for George Clinton, complete with multicolored wig. There’s a drumhead signed by Chuck D and Flavor Flav of Public Enemy. See a wide variety of sheet music, records, contracts, and other assorted memorabilia. Other items, such as segregation signs from yesteryear, help put everything into historical context. This is also done in other ways, like giving attention to politicians such as Jesse Jackson and Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to Congress.
Additionally, there’s a room devoted to temporary exhibits, blessing newer artists with a bit of love, too. One act getting this treatment during MC’s visit was The BoykinZ, a country, pop, and hip-hop act consisting of four sisters widely recognized for their audition stint on America’s Got Talent. Alongside their outfits was the video for the group’s debut single, “Fell in Love with a Cowboy.” Yee haw!
Most impressive is the museum’s artistic flair. Everything is beautifully presented and inviting. The displays are immaculate and the lighting superb. One critique is that there’s so much information it can be dizzying. The website recommends taking an hour and a half to visit, yet one could easily spend multiple hours taking in all there is to see, read, and watch. Thankfully, it’s well organized, so visitors can absorb bits and pieces in bite-sized chunks, dipping in and out from various topics depending on level of interest.
There’s also a welcome emphasis on interactivity. Get your hands on a diddley bow and contemplate the challenge of entertaining an audience with such a minimalistic instrument. Don church robes and get into the Holy Spirit by singing with a virtual choir. Practice dance moves against a wall-size screen that shows your silhouette alongside a pair of professionals demonstrating routines from different eras. Step inside a mock recording booth and flex your rapping skills. Budding MCs can read popular lyrics off a screen or try their hand at freestyling. Besides being fun for adults, these activities grant young ones who are disinterested a chance to get active and expend some energy.
NMAAM is located at 510 Broadway in Nashville, TN, directly across from Bridgestone Arena, making this an ideal afternoon stop for anyone in town to catch a big concert or sporting event. Admission prices are around $30, with children four and under paying nothing. Others can get in gratis on the first Wednesday of every month during Nissan Free Wednesdays. Don’t miss out.
