Stop Seven: Live Music in front of Knoxville's First Store

The corner of Gay and Main Street was the focal point of 18th century Knoxville. Samuel and Nathaniel Cowan were two of the five inhabitants of Knoxville when it was laid out. (Rule Page 222) Listed for sale at the Cowan’s store in the Knoxville Gazette are bibles, spelling books, hymn books, knives, medicine, dress goods. Since there was little money on the frontier, ads in the Knoxville Gazette would specify the kinds of goods that would be taken for merchandise that came from Baltimore or Philadelphia. Animal skins, beeswax, flax, bacon, butter, grains, and “new feathers” were all acceptable. In 1798, probably in front of the Cowan Brother’s store, a traveler named Thomas Weir documented African slaves playing the banjo (an African instrument) for a mixed race audience of African slaves, white settlers and Cherokees. Weir’s written description is believed to be the first evidence of an audience listening to live music in Knoxville. “Old time” music was the beginnings of what we now know as bluegrass today. It evolved from a blend of traditional English, Scottish and Irish ballads and dance tunes with African instruments and traditional spirituals and blues. Today, Knoxville continues its rich heritage of live music throughout venues downtown. If you want to hear “old time” music live, head to the Jig and Reel in the Old City on Tuesday evenings!

Standard Tour Mission:

Have someone take a photo or video of your team playing the banjo, the tambourine, or any other invisible insturment!

Virtual Tour Trivia Questions:

Out of what materials did African slaves make the first banjos?

Commercial development started here on Gay Street. What city inspired the name Gay Street?