Knoxville, TN

Music connected to Knoxville

Ready to explore the "Scruffy City?" Knoxville, Tennessee, resonates with a sound all its own, echoing through the lyrics of artists like Kenny Chesney ("Just To Say We Did") and Hank Williams Jr. ("knoxville courthouse blues"). The city's musical identity is deeply intertwined with its Southern Appalachian roots, a landscape that inspires artists like Granville Automatic and Low Gap. You'll find Knoxville's name dropped in a surprising number of tunes, from Megan Moroney's "Tennessee Orange" to Morgan Wallen's "Had Me By Halftime," proving its enduring place in the musical landscape.

Beyond the music, Knoxville's history and geography shape its unique charm. Founded in 1791 and nestled in the Valley and Ridge Province along the Tennessee River, it's a city that's seen its share of history, from Civil War skirmishes in Market Square to economic hardship during the Great Depression. Today, Knoxville blends Southern hospitality with a spirited urban vibe, offering mountain views and a thriving cultural scene. So, crank up some Steve Earle ("Copperhead Road"), and get ready to discover the musical heart of this vibrant Tennessee town.

About Knoxville

• Quentin Tarantino, acclaimed filmmaker, was born in Knoxville, Tennessee.
• The 'Scruffy City' nickname originated in Knoxville during the 1982 World's Fair.
• Its strategic location along the Tennessee River made it a vital trading hub.
• Market Square hosted a Civil War skirmish and once housed a Confederate hospital.
• The Great Depression severely impacted Knoxville, leading to widespread unemployment.
• Named for Henry Knox, it was established in 1791 as the first capital of Tennessee.
• With 197,455 residents, it's smaller than Chattanooga but larger than Clarksville.
• Sitting at 925 feet, the elevation is higher than Nashville, offering mountain views.
• Healthcare, retail, and education are major employment sectors in Knoxville.
• A blend of Southern charm and urban energy creates a welcoming, spirited atmosphere.
• Knoxville is located within the Valley and Ridge Province, characterized by folded and faulted sedimentary rocks.
• The Three Caves, a former limestone quarry, provides a unique cave ecosystem and event space.
• The Tennessee River flows through Knoxville, influencing its history and development.
• The Gray Fossil Site, northeast of Knoxville, contains fossils of extinct species like the red panda's ancestor.
• Oak-hickory forests dominate the landscape surrounding Knoxville.
• Cherokee people inhabited the Knoxville area before European colonization.
• The Battle of Fort Sanders occurred in Knoxville on November 29, 1863, during the Civil War.
• The Tennessee Theatre, a movie palace built in 1928, showcases ornate architecture.
• Kingston Pike, a portion of US Route 11, follows an old stagecoach route.

Artists From Knoxville

10 Years A Different Breed of Killer Ashley Monroe Astral Decay Atticus Bark Big Giant Circles Billy Pilgrim Black Atticus Blind House Brad Renfro Brady Bowman Brandon Biondo Brent Smith Briston Maroney Brodequin Brooke Logan Brownie McGhee Cabin Chill Cannon Carl Butler Carlton Anderson Cleavant Derricks Col. Bruce Hampton Con Hunley Cooter Punch Death Etiquette Defyance Disciple Doubters Club Drop Dead Dangerous Ed Snodderly Emily Ann Roberts Enter Self Erick Baker Gary Scruggs George Edward Crawford Greylan James Hard Knox Harry Mcclintock Harry “Haywire Mac” McClintock Hayden Coffman Jacob Whitesides Jake Gray James Agee Jami Rogers-Anderson Jasper Redd Jenna Gribbon Jerome Courtland Jethro Burns Jimmy Hinson John Cullum John Paul Keith Johnny Knoxville Joseph Patrick Moore Justin Hartley Koro Kristian Bush Liturgy Logan Brill Mary Costa Mary Ruth Ray Matt Wilson Mike Bailey Nick Raskulinecz Nikki Giovanni Nug Jug Phil Bozeman Phil Leadbetter Polly Bergen Primal Scourge Quentin Tarantino Quiescent Mantis R.B. Morris Rick Altizer Riggs Robinella Rodney Atkins Royal Bangs Scott Miller and The Commonwealth Siddharth Kara Sidious Simeon Stan Hill Stephen Hunley Stick McGhee Straight Line Stitch Superdrag The Amazing Rhythm Aces The American Plague The Black Lillies The Dirty Guv’nahs The Five Pennies The Hero's Text The Hotshot Freight Train The Judybats The Montvales The Rockwells The True Tones The V-Roys Thumbnail Tim Song Jones United Pursuit Whitechapel

Songs About Knoxville

Had Me By Halftime by

Tennessee Orange by

I'm a Vol for Life Y'all by

Rocky Top by

The Deepening Snow by

Just To Say We Did by

Natural Progression of Love by

knoxville courthouse blues by

knoxville by

tennessee fan by

Tiny Televisions by

Copperhead Road by

stars in alabama by

Tennessee Orange - Breakup Version by

I Hate Alabama by

Feelin’ Better by

Nothin' Left by

Country Folks (Remix) by

Take Me Back to Texas by

I've Been Everywhere by

Orange and White by

Shut Up Kenny by

Texas Longhorn (SEC version) by

Sappy Country Song by

just to say we did by

Nearby Places

10 Years A Different Breed of Killer Ashley Monroe Astral Decay Atticus Bark Big Giant Circles Billy Pilgrim Black Atticus Blind House Brad Renfro Brady Bowman Brandon Biondo Brent Smith Briston Maroney Brodequin Brooke Logan Brownie McGhee Cabin Chill Cannon Carl Butler Carlton Anderson Cleavant Derricks Col. Bruce Hampton Con Hunley Cooter Punch Death Etiquette Defyance Disciple Doubters Club Drop Dead Dangerous Ed Snodderly Emily Ann Roberts Enter Self Erick Baker Gary Scruggs George Edward Crawford Greylan James Hard Knox Harry Mcclintock Harry “Haywire Mac” McClintock Hayden Coffman Jacob Whitesides Jake Gray James Agee Jami Rogers-Anderson Jasper Redd Jenna Gribbon Jerome Courtland Jethro Burns Jimmy Hinson John Cullum John Paul Keith Johnny Knoxville Joseph Patrick Moore Justin Hartley Koro Kristian Bush Liturgy Logan Brill Mary Costa Mary Ruth Ray Matt Wilson Mike Bailey Nick Raskulinecz Nikki Giovanni Nug Jug Phil Bozeman Phil Leadbetter Polly Bergen Primal Scourge Quentin Tarantino Quiescent Mantis R.B. Morris Rick Altizer Riggs Robinella Rodney Atkins Royal Bangs Scott Miller and The Commonwealth Siddharth Kara Sidious Simeon Stan Hill Stephen Hunley Stick McGhee Straight Line Stitch Superdrag The Amazing Rhythm Aces The American Plague The Black Lillies The Dirty Guv'Nahs The Dirty Guv’nahs The Five Pennies The Hero's Text The Hotshot Freight Train The Judybats The Montvales The Rockwells The True Tones The V-Roys Thumbnail Tim Song Jones United Pursuit Whitechapel Abingdon, VA Asheville, NC Ashville, NC Black Mountain, NC Blacksburg, VA Blue Ridge, GA Bluefield, WV Boone, NC Boone County, WV Bristol, TN