Bristol in Sullivan County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

MISSING

SEE LOCATION SECTION

Bristol Sessions

July 25 through August 5, 1927

Photographed By Stanley and Terrie Howard, September 27, 2009

1. Bristol Sessions Marker

Inscription. In 1927 Ralph Peer, a record producer with the Victor Talking Machine Company, set up a temporary music studio on this site. Over the next 12 days he recorded 76 songs by 19 artists, including the Stonemans, and the first recordings of Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter family. These recordings launched the country music industry. In 1998 the United States Congress recognized Bristol as the "Birthplace of Country Music."

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 1A 140.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1927.

Location. Marker is missing. It was located near 36° 35.693′ N, 82° 10.875′ W. Marker was in Bristol, Tennessee, in Sullivan County. Marker was at the intersection of State Street (Tennessee Route 34) and Edgemont Avenue on State Street. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 434 State Street, Bristol TN 37620, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Mississippi Country: The Bristol Sessions (here, next to this marker); First Country and Western Recording

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(a few steps from this marker); Birthplace of Bristol (a few steps from this marker); Bristol (within shouting distance of this marker); Jimmie Rodgers (within shouting distance of this marker); Vance Klondike Derby (within shouting distance of this marker in Virginia); Historic Bristol (within shouting distance of this marker in Virginia); Confederate Hospital (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bristol.

Additional commentary.
1. Marker vandalized and replaced.
Leaving only the post, a vandal broke and stole this marker on Thursday January 10th, 2019. Video of the vandal can be seen here. The vandal has been arrested and charged. On February 20th the City of Bristol installed a new marker to replace the damaged one.

— Submitted January 12, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 17, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 1, 2009, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,040 times since then and 15 times this year. Last updated on May 5, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. Photo 1. submitted on October 1, 2009, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. A photo of the marker and the surrounding area in context. • Can you help?