After many delays, the construction of the National Museum of African American Music is finally being built. Developer Pat Emery is taking charge of the development that will being early 2015. This is only one component of a larger redevelopment of the old Nashville Convention Center on Broadway.
“I think there were skeptics in the beginning and there are still some now,” Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp. President and CEO Butch Spyridon said. “Hiring (Hicks) was a major statement from Kevin and his leadership from the board. The fact that 10 years later we’re closer than we’ve ever been says the project is real. It’s resilient, and it’s worthwhile.”
In addition to being a tourist attraction, the museum will honor Nashville’s rich history of black music. Nashville is commonly know for country music, but Jefferson Street or “Music Row” has hosted many legendary talents like Little Richard, B.B. King and Jimi Hendrix that played gigs until the 70s.
Not everyone is sold of the tribute the museum will bring. Popular Nashville vocalist Frank Howard is a bit skeptical and isn’t completely sold on the idea, yet.
“Start with us, the local guys that brought this music forward. This is where this music came from. It irks me just a little bit, but I’m taking a wait-and-see attitude. …
“I’m worried about people forgetting the people that really made the music in this town like Earl Gaines and Freddie Waters. I consider Freddie Waters one of the greatest singers.”
via: The Tennessean