The Birthplace of Country Music Celebrates the 90th Anniversary of the 1927 Bristol Sessions

BRISTOL, TN/VA – The Birthplace of Country Music celebrates the 90th anniversary of the legendary 1927 Bristol Sessions recordings beginning July 15 with a series of panels, performances, premieres, and promotions showcasing the deep impact of the Sessions at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.

Arguably the most influential country music recordings in history, the 1927 Bristol Sessions were produced by Ralph Peer of the Victor Talking Machine Company and included the first recordings of the legendary Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers, among others. The 1927 Bristol Sessions ushered in a new era for the commercial music industry due to their commercial success and the state-of-the-art technology used to record them.

A quick overview of the 90th anniversary offerings are below, but a full list of activities can be found at www.1927bristolsessions.org. 

90th Anniversary Symposium with Ralph Peer II

2-7 p.m. ET Saturday, July 15

The 90th Anniversary Symposium will delve into the technology, impact, and legacy of the 1927 Bristol Sessions. Following a screening of portions of the PBS documentary American Epic and discussion with producers Allison McGourty and Bernard MacMahon, esteemed music journalist and author Barry Mazor (Ralph Peer and the Making of Popular Roots Music and Meeting Jimmie Rodgers: How America's Original Roots Music Hero Changed the Pop Sounds of a Century) will explore the impact of the Bristol Sessions. Ralph Peer II, CEO of peermusic, and wife Liz Peer will provide the keynote.

Friends of 1927 Concert

6:30 p.m. ET Saturday, July 29

This intimate concert experience features the respected talents of musician and Grammy Award-winning producer Carl Jackson, Kentucky Music Hall of Fame inductee Larry Cordle, and SESAC Country Music Songwriter of the Year Jerry Salley. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres are included.

Born in Bristol Film Premiere

Public screening dates: Aug. 4-6

In 1927 musicians came from all over the region to make music in Bristol; they ended up making history. Don’t miss the highly-anticipated premiere of Born in Bristol, a film highlighting this history and featuring some of country music’s most respected artists, including Dolly Parton, Eric Church, Marty Stuart, Vince Gill, and many more. Public screenings will take place at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, and the film is included with a museum admission ticket.

90th Anniversary Promotional Admission

Museum admission is 90 cents: July 25-30

In honor of the 90th anniversary, patrons can visit the Birthplace of Country Music Museum to explore the history and music of the 1927 Bristol Sessions with a special admission price of 90 cents

Bristol Rhythm Tribute to the 90th

Sept. 15-17

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion will pay tribute to the 90th anniversary of the 1927 Bristol Sessions with a once-in-a-lifetime special showcase featuring an array of festival artists yet to be announced. The tribute will take place on the final day of the festival. Weekend passes to Bristol Rhythm are on sale now; headlining talent at this year’s event includes Dwight Yoakam, Judah and the Lion, Jerry Douglas Presents Earls of Leicester, Son Volt, Rodney Crowell, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, and many, many more.

For more information, visit www.birthplaceofcountrymusic.org.

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