Country Music Highway (in KY)

Country Music Highway (in KY): Where Legends Are Born

Before Nashville became the country music capital, Kentucky was busy producing some of the biggest names in the genre.

The Country Music Highway, a stretch of U.S. Route 23 through Eastern Kentucky, pays tribute to the incredible talent that calls this region home.

Officially designated in 1994, the highway isn't just a road—it’s a journey through the birthplace of country royalty.

The winding path cuts through the Appalachian foothills, where stories of hard work, heartache, and hometown pride echo in every holler.

This isn't just any scenic drive—it's where legends like Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gayle, Dwight Yoakam, The Judds, Billy Ray Cyrus, Ricky Skaggs, Keith Whitley, Tom T. Hall, and Patty Loveless got their start.

The highway stretches from Greenup County in the north down to Letcher County in the south, winding through small towns like Ashland, Paintsville, and Prestonsburg—places that have inspired lyrics and melodies for generations.

Along the way, you'll find the Country Music Highway Museum in Paintsville, a must-visit stop that celebrates the lives and careers of these Kentucky-born stars.

What makes this stretch of road so special? It’s not just the names on the signs—it’s the stories behind them.

• Loretta Lynn's journey from Butcher Hollow to stardom.

• Billy Ray Cyrus growing up in Flatwoods before “Achy Breaky Heart” made him a household name.

• Chris Stapleton’s rise from Staffordsville to modern-day country icon.

• Ricky Skaggs blending bluegrass and country from Cordell.

• Keith Whitley’s soulful voice echoing from Sandy Hook.

• Ralph Stanley bringing mountain music to the world from McClure.

The highway isn't just about the past. Today’s artists like Tyler Childers from Lawrence County and Sundy Best from Prestonsburg are carrying on the legacy, proving that the hills of Eastern Kentucky are still shaping the sound of country music.

Even today, the region continues to inspire musicians and storytellers.

The annual Country Music Highway Tribute Show brings locals and tourists together to celebrate the living legacy of the highway.

So next time you hear “Coal Miner’s Daughter” or “Tennessee Whiskey”, remember—it all started here in the Bluegrass.

The Country Music Highway isn't just a route—it's a testament to the power of small towns and big dreams.