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Keith Urban: "Be Vocal About Preserving And Fortifying Our Beloved Music Row"
August 1, 2014 at 7:44 AM (PT)
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“NASHVILLE’s growth is exciting, but not at the risk of losing the creative epicenter that is MUSIC ROW and that truly makes NASHVILLE MUSIC CITY.”
That’s KEITH URBAN in TODAY’s (8/1) TENNESSEAN, penning an op-ed piece urging city leaders to preserve MUSIC ROW, in the midst of rapid commercial development taking place in NASHVILLE in recent years.
URBAN added his voice to members of the music community, concerned that the explosion of condominiums and retail pose a threat to the history and renowned music integrity offered by MUSIC ROW.
“The past, present and the future are all still here,” continued URBAN, “But the ROW is currently under threat from developers. NASHVILLE has exploded as a music town, and not just Country music. Musicians from all genres, all over the world are making the pilgrimage here to immerse themselves in the kind of creative center that so many other cities have lost but that NASHVILLE still maintains”
URBAN reflected on his first-ever visit to NASHVILLE in 1989 and his eventual permanent move there in 1992.
“MUSIC ROW became my center, because MUSIC ROW IS a center. Evolution is a constant part of music and life, but for me what’s always been at the heart of Country music is simplicity and community. MUSIC ROW is where the past, present and future meet, and that’s a vital part of keeping balance.”
The community’s concern about MUSIC ROW was first brought to light with a plea from musician BEN FOLDS to preserve RCA STUDIO A, following the sale of the building which houses the historic facility. FOLDS has been the studio's sole tenant for 12 years. A rally was held in JUNE, which broadened the initiative from STUDIO A to a “SAVE MUSIC ROW” campaign (NET NEWS 6/30).
Interestingly, FOLDS TODAY (8/1) announced on his FACEBOOK page that he will soon vacate STUDIO A, due to his rent being increased 124% by the building’s new owner, TIM REYNOLDS of BRAVO DEVELOPMENT.
Said FOLDS, “We will be there until end of NOVEMBER. [REYNOLDS] is on public record saying he will not demolish the building, though I’m not sure how any studio owner could make bottom line with rent that high.”

