Today marks the beginning of the exhibit that will explore the life and career of Eric Church. Featuring stage wear, guitars, song manuscripts, photos and more from his personal collection, the “Talladega” singer respectfully acknowledges that the exhibit or any of his other achievements would not have been made possible without the support of so many of his family, friends and fans.
It’s not about me, because it’s not possible for one person to make that happen,” Church adds. “I can’t say how proud I am. I can’t say how much I love each and every one of you. I’m blown away by where we are and by where we came from. It really took everybody pulling on the rope at the same time.”
Church has reaped the rewards of chart success with hits such as “Springsteen” and “Talladega,” platinum albums Chief and The Outsiders, and CMA and ACM awards, while maintaining an authenticity that resonates deeply with his audience. His country-rock hybrid incorporates influences ranging from Merle Haggard to Metallica, and reflects the determination of many of today’s top country artists to break down genre barriers. Behind his aviator shades, Church believes that, “music is universal; it speaks to people’s souls on the deepest level. It’s all just music.”
Eric Church is an independent-minded artist with an uncompromising attitude that is rare in contemporary country music,” said museum CEO Kyle Young. “His insistence on doing things his way recalls Waylon Jennings and Hank Williams Jr. We are thrilled to share his story in our latest exhibition.”
The display, which runs now through February of 2016, includes Church’s first guitar, a handwritten note from George Strait, a pair of Church’s trademark aviator sunglasses, various awards and much, much more.
I have a distinct memory, when I was 23, walking by the Country Music Hall of Fame. And I remember just having a moment,” Church recalls. “As a songwriter that had been told ‘no’ a bunch, if I had the chance, if I had a time machine, I’d go back and tell that guy what would happen over the next 10, 15 years, [and] neither one of us would believe it.”
Church christened Nashville’s new outdoor Ascend Amphitheater on July 30th and 31st, making a rare second stop in Music City this year to perform two sold-out acoustic solo sets. He set a venue record in January when 18,411 fans crammed into Bridgestone Arena to catch The Outsiders World Tour, which is nearing one million tickets sold, has set five venue attendance records, and was ranked #1 on Billboard’s Hot Tours recap in April.
The Country Music Hall of Fame is located at 222 5th Ave. S. in Nashville. More information about Eric Church: Inside the Outsider, is available on the museum’s website.
https://youtu.be/GXgi51A55c8
