The Patsy Cline Museum is a one-of-a-kind experience for classic country music lovers.
Located in Nashville, Tennessee’s bustling downtown district, the museum immerses visitors in the life of legendary country star Patsy Cline. Displays feature unique personal artifacts: Various exhibits house handwritten letters and stage costumes. Fans who tour the museum gain a new appreciation of the late country singer.
Budding Country Musician
Born Virginia Patterson Hensley in September 1932, Patsy Cline began her professional music career at the tender age of 15. She started out performing locally in her home state of Virginia, working with fellow performer Bill Peer. Peer encouraged her to get a stage name. Sometime in the early 1950s, while hard at work making a name for herself in music, she shortened her middle name to “Patsy” and took the last name of her then-husband, Gerald Cline.
Eventually, like so many budding country musicians, Cline moved to Nashville in pursuit of a record deal. There, she worked with manager Randy Hughes and continued working with him for most of her career. She signed a deal with Four Star Records before moving on to Decca Records in 1960.
A Breakout Hit
Cline’s debut appearance on national television was the catalyst behind her breakout hit, the reflective ballad, “Walkin' After Midnight.” After performing on “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts,” the single became a hit on both country and pop charts.
Because of her crossover appeal, Patsy became one of America’s earliest artists to succeed at both country music and pop culture.
Cline released several more singles with Decca and scored her first number one country hit with her toe-tapping single, “I Fall to Pieces.” She had multiple hits during the early 1960s, making her one of country music’s most successful recording artists.
With the release of her languid tune “Crazy,” she scored another major hit, and the timeless song would go on to become a country music standard.
Celebrating Patsy’s World
Nashville’s Patsy Cline Museum celebrates the late country music pioneer in many distinct ways. Not only are visitors pulled into the grand, inspiring world of classic country music, but Patsy Cline’s world springs to life as well.
Vintage video footage featuring Cline’s performances can be found throughout the rooms. Many artifacts that can’t be found anywhere else are found in the exhibits as well, including instruments used to accompany Patsy’s distinctive sound: an upright bass and steel guitar.
Room recreations offer an intimate view of the country star’s humble beginnings and homespun spirit.
Honoring a Historic Artist
The beautiful and inspiring memorabilia collection at Patsy Cline Museum will leave patrons more connected to the singer, and they will gain a deeper appreciation of one of country music’s most historic artists.
Though Cline’s Nashville country music career only spanned about a decade, she spent her entire life exuding a tireless passion for music. And the hit music she created during the 1950s and 1960s endures today.
The Patsy Cline Museum beautifully honors this enduring passion by recreating the world of one of country music’s most treasured artists. Her legacy is kept alive as visitors tour the decorated halls and rooms each day.
