"Whiskey is a combination of fire, water, wood, time - and feelings."

In this sixth and final episode, step off the Music Pathway and onto the Whiskey Trail! Spanning 600 miles across the state of Tennessee, the Whiskey Trail takes visitors through dozens of craft distilleries where no sip is like the last. Along the way, distillers share the inspiring - and often grisly - stories behind whiskey production in Tennessee, illustrate the process of creating a unique flavor, and of course, offer some delicious pours.

Join host Aaron Millar as he samples a recipe as old as the Revolutionary War; visits a haunted prison that distills one-of-a-kind moonshine; meets a mad scientist blending chemistry and artistry in the glass; and learns the untold tale of the legendary whiskey maker that the world never got to meet. Whether or not you're already a whiskey drinker, this episode will have you ready to pour a glass!

ABOUT THE SERIES

Produced in a documentary style, the Tennessee Music Pathways series takes listeners on a more than 1,000-mile road trip, from Bristol and the birth of country music to Memphis and the start of rock n’ roll. Along the way, listeners will hear bluegrass played fast as lightning and traditional Appalachian music performed live in the Great Smoky Mountains. Follow along as host Aaron Millar shops in Elvis’ favorite clothing store, bangs drums in the studio that made Uptown Funk, learns to play the spoons and drinks whiskey in a distillery housed in a more than 100-year-old former prison.

WANT MORE TENNESSEE WHISKEY (AND MUSIC)?

The Tennessee Whiskey Trail knits together 25 distilleries across the state, offering visitors an immersive experience rich with history, culture, and taste. Learn more and plan your visit at TNWhiskeyTrail.com.

The Tennessee Music Pathways is a guide that connects visitors to the rich musical heritage of our state. Visitors can curate their own path based on interests using an interactive guide at TNmusicpathways.com. Follow the conversation on social using or searching hashtag #tnmusicpathways.

TNvacation.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Thank you to our guests:

• Heath Clark, Company Distilling companydistilling.com
• Alex Castle, Old Dominick Distilling olddominick.com
• Bill Lee, Gate 11 Distillery gate11distillery.com
• Stanton Webster, PostModern Spirits postmodernspirits.com
• Nick Bianchi, Lost State Distilling loststatedistilling.com
• Canaan Brock, Brushy Mountain Distillery brushymtndistillery.com
• Fawn Weaver, Uncle Nearest Distillery unclenearest.com/distillery
• Visit Memphis memphistravel.com
• Visit Chattanooga visitchattanooga.com
• Visit Knoxville visitknoxville.com
• Discover Bristol discoverbristol.org

This series was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry.

"It was here, on the banks of the Mississippi River, where music changed the world."

In Memphis, music has always been more than a melody and lyrics - it's a movement. This is a city that launched some of the world's most beloved musicians, from Otis Redding to Isaac Hayes, Carla Thomas, Elvis Presley, and more. And in the midst of segregation and racial tension, the music of Memphis became a powerful tool for bringing people together - and creating the sound of a civil rights movement that would move the world.

Join host Aaron Millar and step into some of the world's most famous recording booths all around the city. It's in these rooms where the greats of soul and rock n' roll have shed blood, sweat and tears for decades. You'll hear how Elvis Presley was discovered completely by accident at Sun Studios; learn about Otis Redding and the joyous growth of soul at the Stax Museum; and go behind the scenes of pop music with Bruno Mars at Royal Studios.

ABOUT THE SERIES

Produced in a documentary style, the Tennessee Music Pathways series takes listeners on a more than 1,000-mile road trip, from Bristol and the birth of country music to Memphis and the start of rock n’ roll. Along the way, listeners will hear bluegrass played fast as lightning and traditional Appalachian music performed live in the Great Smoky Mountains. Follow along as host Aaron Millar shops in Elvis’ favorite clothing store, bangs drums in the studio that made Uptown Funk, learns to play the spoons and drinks whiskey in a distillery housed in a more than 100-year-old former prison.

WANT MORE TENNESSEE MUSIC?

Tennessee Music Pathways is a guide that connects visitors to the rich musical heritage of our state. Visitors can curate their own path based on interests using an interactive guide at TNmusicpathways.com. Follow the conversation on social using or searching hashtag #tnmusicpathways.

TNvacation.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Thank you to our guests and musicians:

• Hal Lansky, Lansky Brothers Clothing lanskybros.com
• Crockett Hall, Sun Studio sunstudio.com
• Jeff Kollath, Stax Museum of American Soul Music staxmuseum.com
• Boo Mitchell, Royal Studios boomitchellmemphis.com and royalstudios.com
• Dr. Noelle Trent, National Civil Rights Museum civilrightsmuseum.org
• Visit Memphis memphistravel.com

This series was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry.

"If you have a story...you have something to sing about."

This episode, trace the footsteps of thousands of aspiring musicians as you journey to Nashville! Also known as 'Music City,' Nashville is a mecca for professional and aspiring musicians of all genres, from country to soul, bluegrass, rock n' roll, and more. 

Join host Aaron Millar and step onto the stage at the legendary Ryman Auditorium, where the Grand Ole Opry hosted some of its most iconic performances. Learn about the songwriting process (hint: it involves both heartbreak and furniture building) from some of the city's most in-demand songwriters. And of course, don't miss some exclusive performances and a visit to the renowned Broadway district!

ABOUT THE SERIES

Produced in a documentary style, the Tennessee Music Pathways series takes listeners on a more than 1,000-mile road trip, from Bristol and the birth of country music to Memphis and the start of rock n’ roll. Along the way, listeners will hear bluegrass played fast as lightning and traditional Appalachian music performed live in the Great Smoky Mountains. Follow along as host Aaron Millar shops in Elvis’ favorite clothing store, bangs drums in the studio that made Uptown Funk, learns to play the spoons and drinks whiskey in a distillery housed in a more than 100-year-old former prison.

WANT MORE TENNESSEE MUSIC?

Tennessee Music Pathways is a guide that connects visitors to the rich musical heritage of our state. Visitors can curate their own path based on interests using an interactive guide at TNmusicpathways.com. Follow the conversation on social using or searching hashtag #tnmusicpathways.

TNvacation.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Thank you to our guests and musicians:

• Joshua Bronnenburg, the Ryman Auditorium and Museum ryman.com
• Kayley Bishop kayleybishop.com
• Michael McCall, Country Music Hall of Fame countrymusichalloffame.org
• Danny Wells, award-winning songwriter
• Sarah Trahern, Country Music Association cmaworld.com
• Visit Nashville visitmusiccity.com

This series was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry.

"Every time you hear the holler in blues, every time you hear the slide of a blues guitar, you are communing with an African ancestor."

If you had to pick the singular most influential genre in music history, chances are you'd pick the blues. Between inspiring rock n' roll to hip hop, R&B, and more, the early artists who created the blues laid a foundation for the music that would change the world. And in this episode, you'll hear firsthand the sounds and the history of this genre in Tennessee.

Join host Aaron Millar as he sings with a gospel choir; visits the grave of Sonny Boy Williamson, the grandfather of The Blues harmonica; learns the history of African ancestors and the influence of enslaved music on the blues; watches jazz performances burst to life on the streets of Chattanooga, and more.

ABOUT THE SERIES

Produced in a documentary style, the Tennessee Music Pathways series takes listeners on a more than 1,000-mile road trip, from Bristol and the birth of country music to Memphis and the start of rock n’ roll. Along the way, listeners will hear bluegrass played fast as lightning and traditional Appalachian music performed live in the Great Smoky Mountains. Follow along as host Aaron Millar shops in Elvis’ favorite clothing store, bangs drums in the studio that made Uptown Funk, learns to play the spoons and drinks whiskey in a distillery housed in a more than 100-year-old former prison.

WANT MORE TENNESSEE MUSIC?

Tennessee Music Pathways is a guide that connects visitors to the rich musical heritage of our state. Visitors can curate their own path based on interests using an interactive guide at TNmusicpathways.com. Follow the conversation on social using or searching hashtag #tnmusicpathways.

TNvacation.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Thank you to our guests and musicians:

• Rick Rushing, Rick Rushing & The Blues Strangers rrandbluesstrangers.wordpress.com
• Katie Rainge-Briggs, the National Museum of African American Music nmaam.org
• Elijah Cameron, The Bessie Smith Cultural Center bessiesmithcc.org
• Stratton Tingle, the Sidewalk Stages at Sound Corps soundcorps.org/sidewalk-stages
• Visit Chattanooga visitchattanooga.com
• Visit Nashville visitmusiccity.com

This series was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry.

"Bluegrass will lift you up and sweep you along like the fast-flowing waters of the Tennessee River...it's foot stomping, hand clapping, blazingly fast songs hotter than a match."

In this episode, dive into the world of Tennessee bluegrass and learn why this is a genre of music that can only be truly experienced live. Join host Aaron Millar as he sits down in a 100-year-old country store for a one-of-a-kind show; dives into the history of legends like Bill Monroe and Earl Scruggs; and meets some of the contemporary artists who are creating a new generation of bluegrass sound.

ABOUT THE SERIES

Produced in a documentary style, the Tennessee Music Pathways series takes listeners on a more than 1,000-mile road trip, from Bristol and the birth of country music to Memphis and the start of rock n’ roll. Along the way, listeners will hear bluegrass played fast as lightning and traditional Appalachian music performed live in the Great Smoky Mountains. Follow along as host Aaron Millar shops in Elvis’ favorite clothing store, bangs drums in the studio that made Uptown Funk, learns to play the spoons and drinks whiskey in a distillery housed in a more than 100-year-old former prison.

WANT MORE TENNESSEE MUSIC?

Tennessee Music Pathways is a guide that connects visitors to the rich musical heritage of our state. Visitors can curate their own path based on interests using an interactive guide at TNmusicpathways.com. Follow the conversation on social using or searching hashtag #tnmusicpathways.

TNvacation.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Thank you to our guests and musicians:

• Evie Andrus evieandrusmusic.com
• Alex Leach thealexleachband.com
• Fast Track Band fasttrackband.com
• Jimmy Bilbry, Sutton Ole Time Music Hour granvilletn.com
• Wayne Bledsoe realknoxvillemusic.com
• Michael McCall, countrymusichalloffame.org
• Visit Knoxville visitknoxville.com

This series was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry.

“Country music is three chords and the truth.”

In the first episode of this limited series, join award-winning travel writer Aaron Millar as he embarks on a music-themed road trip in pursuit of that truth. Along the way, you'll hear traditional Appalachian Music as it would have been performed more than a century ago; learn about the little-known Bristol Sessions, a 1929 recording that changed the music industry; explore Dolly Parton’s hometown with one of her childhood friends and visit the theme park which holds her name. Opening and closing the show is acclaimed songwriter Ed Snodderly with a live performance you won’t forget.

ABOUT THE SERIES

Produced in a documentary style, the Tennessee Music Pathways series takes listeners on a more than 1,000-mile road trip, from Bristol and the birth of country music to Memphis and the start of rock n’ roll. Along the way, listeners will hear bluegrass played fast as lightning and traditional Appalachian music performed live in the Great Smoky Mountains. Follow along as host Aaron Millar shops in Elvis’ favorite clothing store, bangs drums in the studio that made Uptown Funk, learns to play the spoons and drinks whiskey in a distillery housed in a more than 100-year-old former prison.

WANT MORE TENNESSEE MUSIC?

Tennessee Music Pathways is a guide that connects visitors to the rich musical heritage of our state. Visitors can curate their own path based on interests using an interactive guide at TNmusicpathways.com. Follow the conversation on social using or searching hashtag #tnmusicpathways.

TNvacation.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Thank you to our guests and musicians:

• Ed Snodderly edsnodderlymusic.com 
• Amber Rose dollywood.com
• Boogertown Gap boogertowngap.com
• Ruth Miller visitsevierville.com
• Rene Rogers birthplaceofcountrymusic.org
• Explore Bristol explorebristol.com

This series was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry.

The Tennessee Music Pathways podcast takes listeners on a more than 1,000-mile journey, from Bristol and the birth of country music to Memphis and the start of rock n’ roll. Produced in an immersive documentary style, listeners will hear bluegrass played fast as lightning, country music sung from the heart and traditional Appalachian music performed live in the Great Smoky Mountains. We’ll shop in Elvis’ favorite clothing store, bang drums in the studio that made Uptown Funk, drink whiskey in a distillery housed in a more than 100-year-old former prison and so much more. Join us as we discover the Soundtrack of America, Made in Tennessee.

Today we have a live session from Chattanooga blues musician Rick Rushing. We were lucky to catch Rick in an incredibly special and intimate setting at The Moxy, Chattanooga, just Rick, our presenter, producer, and his guitar.

Rick’s songs and the spirit in which he plays are incredible, but just as special was the conversation we had in between. The Blues is the bedrock of all music, even country, and when you hear Rick talk about his passion for this seminal American art form you’re going to understand why.

“The Blues is where everything comes from. It is raw and revives the soul, true emotion, and musical creativity.”

• Rick Rushing, Singer/Guitarist Rick Rushing and The Blues Strangers

You’ve been listening to blues master Rick Rushing, one of Chattanooga’s best musicians. His band is called Rick Rushing & The Blues Strangers and you can hear them live in Chattanooga and across the state. www.rrandbluesstrangers.wordpress.com 

Twitter @IIIRushing 

Instagram @RickRockiii 

Facebook Rick Rushing & the Blues Strangers

From the largest cities to the smallest communities, the Tennessee Music Pathways is a guide that connects visitors to the rich musical heritage of our state. Visitors can curate their own path based on interests using an interactive guide at www.TNmusicpathways.com. Follow the conversation on social using or searching hashtag #tnmusicpathways.

TNvacation.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

This series was produced by Armchair Productions, the audio experts for the travel industry www.armchair-productions.com