BMI

Before there was ASCAP and SESAC in Nashville, the first performance licensing organization to open an office here was BMI, which stands for Broadcast Music Incorporated. BMI was founded in Chicago in 1939, and by 1941, 660 of America’s 800 radio stations were working with the company. During a time when country music struggled to find respect in the broader music business, BMI welcomed country music artists and publishers. Check out the historical marker that tells you more about BMI, and if you want, walk down Music Circle North to see the whole building—it’s big!

Over the years, BMI has worked with huge stars from all musical genres including: Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Dolly Parton, John Lennon, Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Keith Urban, and Carrie Underwood. In 2017, BMI joined forces with ASCAP to create a single, comprehensive database of musical works to provide a master index of ownership shares in the United States, and to further protect the artists that make Nashville “Music City.”

Go back a few steps to the corner of Music Square East and Music Circle North. Use the cross walk to cross over to the other side of the street. Walk down half a block until you see a privacy fence on your left. That’s the former Spence Manor Hotel and your last stop.