Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium today welcomed a new addition to its collection of unique music artifacts – Johnny Cash’s legendary tour bus, “JC Unit One.” The bus is now on public display outside of the Ryman, allowing guests to step inside and experience a piece of country music history during the venue’s tour hours. Access to “JC Unit One” is included with the purchase of a regular Ryman tour admission ticket.
JC Unit One, which Cash used for the 1991 Highwayman Tour that transported Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson, traveled to Nashville from its home at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. The bus’s journey to the Ryman is part of the venue’s partnership with the Rock Hall to showcase the Ryman’s significant rock and roll history.
"We are excited to continue our partnership with the Rock Hall and honored to have 'JC Unit One' at the Ryman,” said Gary Levy, Ryman Auditorium General Manager. “Johnny Cash is a music icon with significant ties to this building. It was here that he graced the Grand Ole Opry stage for the first time, where he crossed paths with June Carter Cash and where the iconic 'Johnny Cash Show' found its home.”
In 2022, the Ryman was designated as an official Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Landmark and launched Rock Hall at the Ryman, a new exhibit in partnership with the Rock Hall. “While the Ryman is known as the Mother Church of Country Music, the partnership and exhibit honors the 100+ Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees, including Johnny Cash, who have performed on the Ryman’s hallowed stage throughout its 131-year history,” said Rock & Roll Hall of Fame President and CEO, Greg Harris.
Credit: Catherine Powell
About Ryman Auditorium:
A National Historic Landmark, Ryman Auditorium was built by Captain Thomas G. Ryman in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle. A 13-time winner of the prestigious Pollstar Theatre of the Year award, the historic venue is well-known as the Mother Church of Country Music and is the most famous former home of the Grand Ole Opry (1943-1974). The Ryman’s thriving concert schedule hosts more than 200 shows per year, and the venue is open for daytime tours year-round. The Ryman has also been featured in numerous film and television projects including Coal Miner’s Daughter, The Johnny Cash Show, American Idol, Nashville and more. Ryman Auditorium is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (NYSE: RHP), a Nashville-based REIT that also owns and operates the Grand Ole Opry, WSM Radio and Ole Red. For more information, visit ryman.com.
About the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame:
Born from the collision of rhythm & blues, country, and gospel, rock & roll is a spirit that is inclusive and ever-changing. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrates the sound of youth culture and honors the artists whose music connects us all. We share stories of the people, events, and songs that shape our world through digital content, innovative exhibits, live music, engaging programs, and our annual Induction Ceremony. We intentionally foster a diverse, equitable, educational nonprofit Museum that encourages and embraces creativity and innovation. As a community leader, we value, empower, and respect all people. Join the millions who love rock & roll as much as you do. Visit us in Cleveland, Ohio or at rockhall.com and follow us on Facebook (@rockandrollhalloffame), Instagram (@rockhall), Twitter (@rockhall), TikTok (@RockHallFame), and YouTube (youtube.com/rockhall). Visit us in Cleveland, Ohio or at rockhall.com and follow us on Facebook (@rockandrollhalloffame), Instagram (@rockhall), Twitter (@rockhall), TikTok (@RockHallFame), and YouTube (youtube.com/rockhall).