Founder of The Johnny Cash Museum, Bill Miller, with his wife Shannon, have revealed preliminary details to open a museum honouring the late, great Patsy Cline. The venture will be entirely funded and operated by the Miller family organisation and construction is scheduled to begin in June.
“Of all the artists in the history of country music, few are as recognised and as recognisable as Patsy Cline. Despite the fact that she passed decades ago, her impact and presence are every bit as big today as ever. She has transcended generations and genres and is indisputably the greatest and most influential female country music artist of all time. She’s a true icon deserving of her own museum. Her fans from around the globe will have a place to come and celebrate her life and legacy. It’s a pleasure and an honour to be working with Patsy’s children on this world-class museum project,” Bill Miller said on behalf of the future attraction.
Julie Fudge, Patsy Cline’s daughter added: “I am very happy to speak on behalf of my brothers, Randy and Chip and in honour of the legacy of my mother Patsy Cline. Since the passing of our father last fall, this is our first step together in continuing to share Mom’s music, life and story, as we feel Dad would have. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with and experience what Bill will present to old and new fans alike.”
To span several thousand square feet located directly above the Johnny Cash Museum in the heart of downtown Nashville (119 Third Ave.), the exhibits will feature interactive cutting-edge audio and touch screen video technology. The family of Patsy Cline are currently furnishing many never-before-seen pieces from their personal archive allowing the museum to host the largest collection of rare Patsy Cline artifacts in the world; including many of Patsy Cline’s personal possessions, costumes, awards, letters, furniture and photographs.
“I’m grateful for Bill Miller’s leadership in helping to preserve and showcase Nashville’s history, and I’m looking forward to visiting the new museum and learning more about the remarkable life and career of Patsy Cline,” said Mayor Megan Barry.
Patsy Cline was a crucial part of the 1960s sound – country and pop. Cline broke barriers in Nashville as the first female to successfully record and chart cross-over pop hits while mirroring the iconic level of stardom of her male peers Jim Reeves, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley before the infamous plane crash that took her life too soon.
Photo Credit: Erin Lee Allender
