Belmont University and Minnie Pearl

Belmont University stands as a proud institution with deep roots in the history of country music. Renowned for its strong commitment to the arts and music education, Belmont also holds a unique connection to Nashville’s broadcasting legacy. When the university was known as Ward-Belmont, it became home to Nashville’s first radio station: WDAA.

Founded by student John DeWitt with help from his music teacher, Gaetano Deluca, WDAA aired school news and recorded music played on a professor’s Victrola. The station marked the beginning of Nashville’s long and influential radio tradition.

John “Jack” DeWitt went on to become chief engineer—and eventually president—of WSM, the station that launched the Grand Ole Opry. Under his leadership, WSM expanded its broadcast reach, helping cement Nashville as the epicenter of country music. A historical marker on Belmont’s campus, between Freeman Hall and Fidelity Hall on Wedgewood Avenue, commemorates this achievement.

Belmont’s story is also closely linked to the comedian Minnie Pearl, born Sarah Ophelia Colley . A graduate of Ward-Belmont in 1932, she joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1940. She was known for her signature “How-dee! I’m just so proud to be here!” greeting and straw hat with a $1.98 price tag. Her humor was self-deprecating, in her later years she’d often say: “At my age, it's a pleasure to be anywhere!” Fun fact: When she was a student at Ward-Belmont, Cannon lived on the second floor of Fidelity Hall!

Minnie Pearl was also close friends with Hank Williams, Sr. In 1951, Minnie was on an airplane with Williams and Little Jimmy Dickens en route to a show. Mid-flight, Hank started writing and singing. The song became on of his biggest hits, and it goes like this:

(Verse One)

I got a hot rod Ford and a two dollar bill

And I know a spot right over the hill

There's soda pop and the dancing's free

So if you wanna have fun, come along with me

(Chorus One)

Say hey, good lookin' - what ya got cookin'?

How's about cookin' somethin' up with me?

Now back to our story. Whether performing on the Opry stage, appearing on Hee Haw, or touring the country, Minnie Pearl captivated audiences for more than five decades. For more on her life, check out Howdy! The Minnie Pearl Story by Mary Ellen Pethel and Don Cusic. 

Today, Belmont continues to play a major role in the music and entertainment industries. In 2023, the university celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business, named in honor of record producer, songwriter, and preservationist Mike Curb. Through Curb Records and his work to preserve the history of Music Row, Mike has made lasting contributions. This tour, which he generously sponsored, continues that legacy.

Head back down Acklen Ave. and turn RIGHT onto Magnolia Blvd. Cross over Wedgewood Ave. and stay straight about one mile as 16th Ave S becomes Music Square East. Welcome to Music Row! Just past Chet Atkins Place, you’ll see two large guitars and a historical marker for Bradley Studios on your right in front of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business, 34 Music Square East. Park in front or turn RIGHT to find street parking along Music Circle East. Walk back to the front of the building to listen to the next stop.