Exit 207: My Unexpected Journey into Nashville’s Soulful Past

Soul, Sound & Serendipity

On a Whim: Exit 207 and a Soulful Stop at the Jefferson Street Sound Museum

Sometimes the best adventures are the ones you don’t plan. Traveling back home to Ohio (from Alabama), the route takes you through Nashville, Tennessee. The initial plan was to drive straight back home, no stops…but my gut steered me differently. I stopped at the TN welcome center to stretch my legs from driving, perused the brochures for future adventures and took immediate notice of the one for Jefferson Street Sound Museum.  From there, I took a spontaneous detour off of “Exit 207” that led me straight to the heart of music history that I knew nothing about! 😲

Now, for those who are also unfamiliar, Exit 207 is more than just an exit off I-40 in Nashville. It’s a symbolic gateway to a culturally rich and musically historic district—Jefferson Street. Back in the day, this area was buzzing with soul, rhythm, and blues, with clubs and venues hosting national icons and rising stars alike. Taking Exit 207 is like stepping into a time capsule of Black music excellence, and at the center of that legacy sits the Jefferson Street Sound Museum.

Located at 2004 Jefferson Street, this small but mighty museum is open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM, with a modest $10 admission fee that’s worth every penny.

The museum is lovingly owned and curated by Lorenzo Washington, a warm, passionate, and incredibly knowledgeable man who lives and breathes the history of Jefferson Street’s musical golden age. He welcomed me as if I were family and kindly asked how I heard about it. I told him of the welcome center. He was pleased to know the placed brochures were working in reaching visitors. He guided the tour, sharing story after story about the legendary artists who once lit up this neighborhood—from local trailblazers to national legends like Jimi Hendrix, Ray Charles, and Little Richard, all of whom played in venues along Jefferson during its heyday.

Though quaint in size, the museum is jam-packed with memorabilia, photographs, instruments, vinyl records, and personal artifacts that tell the story of a time when this street was the epicenter of Nashville’s Black music scene. The walls seem to hum with soul and history, and Lorenzo brings it all to life with heartfelt anecdotes and deep insights.

After the guided tour, we were treated to a short film about Exit 207, diving into the history of Jefferson Street—past and present—and how the museum came to be. It was both educational and moving, reinforcing the importance of preserving these cultural landmarks and stories for generations to come.

There’s also a small gift shop there, and while it’s not overflowing with items, you’ll undoubtedly find something meaningful to take home—whether it’s a T-shirt, a CD, or a book about the area’s history, also a signed book about the man himself, Mr. Lorenzo Washington.

One unique and very cool feature? You can take a brief quiz after the tour to test your knowledge and earn a certificate naming you an official Jefferson Street Sound Museum Ambassador. Naturally, that spoke directly to me—and yes, I passed the test and left proudly holding my certificate! It felt like more than just a keepsake—it felt like an honor.

Before this visit, I had never even heard of the Jefferson Street Sound Museum. Now, I can’t wait to go back. There’s something sacred about the place. Don’t let the size of the musuem fool you….I thought I’d only be there for just a short while, but I was there for 2 hours! It’s not just about music—it’s about community, culture, and the legacy of those who paved the way through art, rhythm, and resistance.

So if you ever find yourself in Nashville and see a sign for Exit 207, take it. Trust me—you’ll be glad you did.