Bristol VA Archives - Appalachian History

1927 Bristol Sessions –not the ‘Big Bang’ of country music? 2 of 2

Johnny Cash called the 1927 Bristol Sessions “the Big Bang of country music.” It’s a great sound bite, but wildly oversimplifies the truth.

The most serious difficulty over the TN/VA stateline issue, one which threatened bloodshed, was what’s been termed the “The Water-Works War.”

The story is told as if you’re just sitting on the front porch, passing the time as Dr. Ralph reminisces; an original and authentic voice.

Yes, Nashville has the Grand Ole Opry and the big name recording artists. But Bristol stakes its claim as the birthplace of country music.