NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum® will feature celebrated Nashville bassist Alison Prestwood in an upcoming program for its in-depth interview series, Nashville Cats. The series began in 2006 by honoring Don Helms and Country Music Hall of Fame members Harold Bradley and Charlie McCoy. Since its inception nearly 20 years ago, Nashville Cats has showcased stories and songs from 55 musicians and session singers who have played important roles in support of artists in either the recording studio or on concert tours. The program featuring Prestwood will take place on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 2:30 p.m. in the museum’s Ford Theater.
Prestwood first fell in love with the bass when she saw the Beatles on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in 1964. She bought her first bass at age 13, and after attending the University of Alabama — where she played in the school’s jazz ensemble — she spent 12 years performing in Atlanta’s live music scene. Upon moving to Nashville in the 1990s, Prestwood found touring work with Rodney Crowell, Country Music Hall of Fame member Patty Loveless, Olivia Newton-John and others. She also became an in-demand studio bassist and can be heard on several of Blake Shelton’s early hits, including his chart-topping debut, “Austin,” and his version of “Ol’ Red.” Prestwood has also recorded with Trace Adkins, Frankie Ballard, Faith Hill, LoCash, Tim McGraw, Little Richard, Jessica Simpson, Country Music Hall of Fame members Brooks & Dunn and more. In recent years, she has served as Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Peter Frampton’s touring bassist.
The interview will be moderated by museum writer-editor Jon Freeman and will be illustrated with rare photos, film and recordings. After the program, Prestwood will sign commemorative Hatch Show Print posters.
Nashville Cats is included with museum admission and free to museum members. Seating is limited, and a program ticket is required for admittance. Visit the museum’s website for more information on the series, including videos of past programs and a full list of honorees.
The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum collects, preserves and interprets country music and its history for the education and entertainment of diverse audiences. In exhibitions, publications, digital media and educational programs, the museum explores the cultural importance and enduring beauty of the art form. Among the most-visited history museums in the United States, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum was awarded the country’s highest honor in the arts, the National Medal of Arts, in 2024. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the museum is operated by the Country Music Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization chartered by the state of Tennessee in 1964. The Country Music Foundation operates Historic RCA Studio B®, Hatch Show Print® poster shop, Haley Gallery, CMA Theater, CMF Records, the Frist Library and Archive and CMF Press. Museum programs are supported in part by Metro Arts and Tennessee Arts Commission.
More information about the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum is available at countrymusichalloffame.org or by calling (615) 416-2001.
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