local
Nashville artists work to keep soul music alive
By Amber Jayanth at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· June 26, 2026
· 3 min read
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Honky-tonk bars are a main attraction along Broadway, but Nashville ’s music history reaches beyond country music to another distinctive sound: soul.Jimmy Church has been performing for 69 years. He started performing at age 3 in church with his grandmother and recorded h...
Key takeaway Jimmy Church has been performing for 69 years.
Why this matters in The Nashville
Nashville's soul music heritage is deeply rooted in the city's historically Black neighborhoods, particularly on Jefferson Street. The area's rich history as a hub for blues, rock, and jazz is a testament to the community's resilience and creativity. As artists like Jimmy Church and Lucius "Spoonman" Talley continue to share their stories and music, it's clear that preserving this legacy is crucial to the city's cultural identity. The recent attention to Club Baron's future is a reminder that Nashville's music scene is not just about country music, but also about the soul and rhythm that defined a generation of musicians. As the city moves forward with development plans, it's essential to consider the impact on these historic venues and the communities that rely on them. By supporting and celebrating Nashville's soul music heritage, the city can ensure that this vital part of its history continues to thrive.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Honky-tonk bars are a main attraction along Broadway, but Nashville’s music history reaches beyond country music to another distinctive sound: soul.Jimmy Church has been performing for 69 years. He started performing at age 3 in church with his grandmother and recorded h...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Amber Jayanth at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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