NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A new museum in the works
for Nashville hopes to expand the public's idea of what makes the town Music
City.
The National Museum of African American Music
will focus on the way African Americans have influenced almost every genre
of American music — from rock 'n' roll, to country, to rhythm and blues and
gospel.
Supporters say the museum is a perfect fit for
Nashville.
It would be the only museum in the country
showcasing the contributions of African Americans to music, and board
chairman Henry Hicks said they hope to affiliate with the Smithsonian.
The museum is expected to cost $47.5 million to
build. Hicks said the fundraising effort is making good progress. They hope to
open sometime in 2013, but the timeline is still flexible.
Copyright
2011 The Associated Press.
