Departing Dallas, the road slowly pulled north and east. The landscape changed almost without notice as we passed through Oklahoma and into Arkansas, long highways cutting through quiet towns and winter fields. Road trips in the US have a way of stretching time. Hours pass easily when the scenery keeps shifting and the destination feels less important than the drive itself.
Memphis was the first stop. Arriving in the city, it was impossible not to feel the weight of music history everywhere. An evening wander down Beale Street revealed neon signs, blues drifting out of doorways, and crowds moving between bars and clubs. It was busy, loud, and unapologetically alive. Even just walking the street felt like stepping into a living archive of American music.
The following day was spent at Graceland. Touring the grounds was far more immersive than I had expected, and easily one of the most spectacular places I have ever visited. Beyond the famous facade, the experience unfolded room by room, offering a glimpse into a life that was both extravagant and deeply personal. The Jungle Room stood out immediately, strange and unmistakable, while other spaces felt surprisingly modest. The collection of vehicles, costumes, gold records, and personal items added layer upon layer to the story. Seeing it all together made Elvis feel less like an untouchable icon and more like a person shaped by his time, success, and contradictions.
Leaving Memphis, the drive continued east towards Nashville. The transition felt natural. If Memphis carries the soul of blues and early rock and roll, Nashville hums with songwriting and craft. The city felt busier and more polished, but still deeply rooted in music at every level.
One of the first stops was Third Man Records, Jack White’s record label and recording studio. Inside, everything from the vinyl pressing setup to the design choices reflected a deep respect for music as something physical and intentional. It was a place built for people who care about sound, process, and history.
Nearby, we spent time at the Johnny Cash Museum. The exhibition was thoughtfully laid out, tracing his life through photographs, handwritten lyrics, instruments, and personal artefacts. Listening to Get Rhythm across different formats, from cassette to CD to 45, offered a simple but powerful insight into how sound changes with medium. Cash’s story carries a gravity that lingers long after you leave, shaped by faith, struggle, and an unmistakable voice.
The Country Music Hall of Fame rounded out the Nashville visit. Walking through its exhibits felt like moving through decades of American culture. The stories behind the songs, the evolution of the genre, and the sheer number of artists represented made it clear how deeply country music is woven into the fabric of the country.
After five days in Tennessee, it was time to drive back to Dallas and begin the journey back to Vancouver. December was drawing to a close, work was waiting, and the Canadian chapter of my travels was ready to continue.
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