local
The street that built the blues: Chattanooga’s music legacy
By Alexandria Adams at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· June 22, 2026
· 1 min read
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Most people know Chattanooga for its stunning mountains and rivers. But tucked into the city’s history is a vibrant music scene that helped shape American blues — one that thrived along a stretch of road known simply as “The Big 9.”Ninth Street, on Chattanooga’s west sid...
Key takeaway But tucked into the city’s history is a vibrant music scene that helped shape American blues — one that thrived along a stretch of road known simply as “The Big 9.
Why this matters in The Nashville
Nashville 's own rich music heritage makes the story of Chattanooga's "Big 9" a compelling one, with parallels to the city's own experiences with urban renewal and gentrification. The erosion of historic neighborhoods and cultural hubs is a familiar narrative in Nashville, where the city's rapid growth has led to concerns about preserving its unique character. As Nashville continues to evolve, the tale of "The Big 9" serves as a cautionary reminder of the importance of balancing development with preservation of community and cultural identity. The loss of iconic music venues and hubs in Chattanooga's West Side is a stark illustration of what can happen when urban renewal policies prioritize progress over preservation. Nashville would do well to heed this lesson, as it navigates its own growth and development, to ensure that its own vibrant music scene and cultural heritage are protected for future generations.
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 22, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Most people know Chattanooga for its stunning mountains and rivers. But tucked into the city’s history is a vibrant music scene that helped shape American blues — one that thrived along a stretch of road known simply as “The Big 9.”Ninth Street, on Chattanooga’s west sid...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Alexandria Adams at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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