Nashville’s reputation as the Music City expanded last October when the Museum of Christian & Gospel Music opened its doors. In its first five months, the museum welcomed fans from all 50 states and 12 countries clamoring for a close-up look at the collection of instruments, awards, publishing materials, stage clothing and archival artifacts – including songbooks dating back two centuries and the Johnny Cash family Bible.
“We’re especially focused on items that tell meaningful stories,” said Steve Gilreath, the museum’s executive director. The collection includes Amy Grant’s first royalty check for $11.24 and The Martins’ first cell phone from the 1990s.
While the collection is primarily contemporary, some items go back centuries. The museum celebrates many genres of Gospel and Christian music, with 197 artists honored in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and several hundred more artists represented throughout the exhibits.
