“Music City” is at the top of the charts in the business community. Fifteen years ago, Nashville looked beyond its city limits to develop an economic partnership with its neighbors. While many communities lip-sync the benefits of regional cooperation, Nashville tapped the talents of the entire area to form the 2010 Partnership. It’s a collaboration that has produced hit after hit since Nashville–Davidson County and nine surrounding counties banded together to create the region’s leading economic-development program for recruiting new businesses to Nashville, including relocating firms and local expansions. The collaboration functions as a branch of the Nashville Chamber of Commerce, led by co-chairs Bill Purcell, mayor of Nashville, and Jack Bovender, CEO of HCA, the Hospital Corporation of America.

In the past three years, the 2010 Partnership has coaxed eight $100 million companies into relocating their headquarters to the Nashville region. In November, Nissan announced it would move its North American headquarters — and 1,300 jobs — to the area. According to a report in the Nashville newspaper the Tennessean, the move is fueling real-estate fervor and may have a statewide economic impact of up to $525 million a year.

Nashville itself also has been in the spotlight, garnering coveted “Number 1” rankings in several well-regarded national publications. Expansion Management ranked Nashville as the “Number 1 City in America to Relocate or Expand Your Business.” Business Facilities named Nashville the “Number 1 Corporate Headquarters City of the 21st Century.”

As a result, people are beginning to recognize Nashville as one of the best places in the country to live, work and play. Kiplinger’s chose it as one of seven “Cool Cities” — especially for young professionals. Entrepreneur ranked Nashville as the eighth “Hottest City” in the country. Inc. rates it as the 47th best city in which to work, based on job growth. And the Travel Industry Association of America’s 2004 Business and Convention Travelers Report names Nashville the eighth best city for convention, conference and seminar travelers.

The capital of Tennessee, Nashville and its environs are home to just over 1.5 million people. In one of the most diverse economies in the South, major industries here include automobile production, finance, health-care management, higher education, insurance, music production, printing and publishing, technology manufacturing and tourism.

While Nashville has had to work at building a reputation as a premier business location, its identity as a haven for musicians is known worldwide. Known as “Music City U.S.A.,” Nashville is home to songwriters and musicians who make it one of the leading recording cities in the nation. Drive down Music Row and see where the deals are made. Stop at RCA Studio B, where stars like Elvis Presley and the Everly Brothers made history. Dine at the famous Bluebird Cafe, where songwriters and musicians perform nightly.

The contemporary Christian music industry’s swelling popularity was jump-started in 1977, when native Nashvillian Amy Grant became that genre’s first breakout artist. In 1991, her recording “Baby, Baby” reached the top spot on the Billboard chart, launching her career as a mainstream pop star. Today, the Christian music industry employs more Nashvillians than even the country music industry.

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a must-see. And it’s soon to be joined by the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum; the Gospel Music Hall of Fame; the African-American Museum of Music, Art and Culture; and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 2006, classical music will have a luxurious new home in Music City: the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, which has been designed to ensure the listener feels completely immersed in sound. The hall will be one of the world’s premier performance venues, as well as home of the Grammy-nominated Na shville Symphony, which has sold more CDs than almost any other American orchestra. Perhaps that’s why one of best-selling classical labels in the world, Naxos of America, recently selected Nashville for its North American headquarters.

LODGING

THE HERMITAGE HOTEL

Built in 1910, Nashville’s first million-dollar hotel is the only remaining commercial beaux arts structure in the state, and is a special place for Nashville residents. Entertainment royalty and six U.S. presidents have recorded their presence in the guestbook at Tennessee’s only AAA five-diamond hotel. A recent $17 million restoration project, meticulous in detail, focused on the hotel’s grand public spaces while adding new elements such as DVD players in every room. Located on Sixth Avenue in the heart of downtown Nashville, the Hermitage Hotel is within walking distance of the Nashville Convention Center, the financial district and historic Second Avenue. $$$-$$$$
THE HERMITAGE HOTEL
231 Sixth Ave. N.
tel 615 244 3121 or 888 888 9414
http://www.thehermitagehotel.com

RENAISSANCE NASHVILLE HOTEL

The official hotel of the Nashville Predators (a National Hockey League team), the Renaissance Nashville Hotel is directly connected to the Nashville Convention Center and is within walking distance of the Gaylord Entertainment Center. Live music is performed nightly at B.B. King’s Blues Club & Restaurant — occasionally by B.B. himself. The 25-story hotel has deluxe guestrooms with high-speed Internet, coffeemakers and spacious desks. $$-$$$
RENAISSANCE NASHVILLE HOTEL
611 Commerce St.
tel 615 255 8400, fax 615 255 8202
http://www.marriott.com

LOEWS VANDERBILT HOTEL

Situated in Nashville’s trendy West End corridor, Loews Vanderbilt boasts a fun atmosphere and luxury accommodations convenient to the city’s diverse attractions. Vanderbilt University’s historic campus is directly across the street, while shops and restaurants are within walking distance. Guestrooms offer sweeping river and city views. In-room amenities include complimentary coffee and coffeemaker, fax machine, high-speed Internet access and dual-line phones with voicemail. $$$-$$$$
LOEWS VANDERBILT HOTEL
2100 West End Ave.
tel 615 320 1700, fax 615 320 5019
http://www.loewshotels.com

DINING

STOCK-YARD RESTAURANT

Some of the finest steaks in the country are served in this 1924 building, which formerly housed the Nashville Union Stock Yards offices. The halls are lined with Italian pink marble and cherry wood. The wine list is extensive. Complimentary shuttle service is available if you are staying in a nearby hotel. $$-$$$
STOCK-YARD RESTAURANT
901 Second Ave. N.
tel 615 255 6464
http://www.stock-yardrestaurant.com

F. SCOTT’S RESTAURANT AND JAZZ BAR

Jazz is performed nightly at F. Scott’s, a sophisticated establishment with a comfortable neighborhood feeling. Each quarter, the chef changes the contemporary American menu. Desserts are decadent — try the spiced pumpkin cheesecake with pecan-caramel sauce. $$-$$$
F. SCOTT’S RESTAURANT AND JAZZ BAR
2210 Crestmoor Road
tel 615 269 5861
http://www.fscotts.com

SUNSET GRILL

A local favorite, Sunset Grill is frequented by everyone from Music Row executives to music-world celebrities. There’s a relatively formal dining room and a more relaxed patio. $$$
SUNSET GRILL
2001 Belcourt Ave.
615 386 3663
http://www.sunsetgrill.com

At Home with Nashville songwriter Victoria Shaw

Nashville is home to more than 80 record labels, 130 music publishers and 180 recording studios, so it’s no surprise the city is magnet for talented songwriters. Willie Nelson got his start in Nashville writing songs for, among others, Patsy Cline. Dolly Parton signed here as a writer before she got her first major record deal.

An estimated 12,000 songwriters live in the Nashville area — like two-time Emmy winner Victoria Shaw, whose songs have been recor ded by artists as diverse as Ricky Martin, Christina Aguilera, Olivia Newton-John, Garth Brooks, Boyzone, Faith Hill, LeAnn Rimes, Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood, Billy Ray Cyrus and Michael McDonald.

Global Traveler: You’re originally from New York City. Why did you choose to come to Nashville and how long have you been here?
Victoria Shaw: The more I wrote music, the more country it sounded. I knew some country music, but after I started writing I really got into what was on country radio, and that led to trips to Nashville. I was gigging in bars in New York City, so I used to drive down to Nashville every few months. I finally flipped my home base in 1992 when I got a record deal and I’d written some hits for other artists. It didn’t make sense not to be in the heart of Mu

GT: What makes the songwriting community in Nashville different from those in cities like New York or Los Angeles?
VS: I always say it’s the friendly competition. Face it, we are all here for the same thing — to be the best — but there’s still a real sense of friendship and community here. It doesn’t have that underlying feeling of people not really wishing the best for you. I’ve made the greatest friends of my life here. The writers and artists who live here are among the most generous and giving people in the world. There’s a lot of heart here.

GT: You have written songs for country artists as well as pop artists. Do you write differently for each genre?
VS: Yes and no. Of course, there are different criteria for different genres. In rock/pop, for instance, you can take more liberties and write a bit more abstract at times. In country, it tends to be more conversational and instantly understandable. But I think there’s just a big chunk of me that I bring to all my songs. It’s just a style that I can’t really describe.

GT: In Nashville, co-writing songs seems to be the norm. How does the process usually work?
VS: Most writing sessions start around 10:30 a.m. and end by 5 p.m. I think the big difference between writing sessions here, as opposed to New York or L.A., is that we have a kind of 9-to-5 mentality — well, 10 to 5. It’s a very family-oriented town. I find most writers keep their nights for their family (including myself), as opposed to starting late in the afternoon and going till the wee hours. There is nothing wrong with that, but it wouldn’t work for me. But, hey, at the end of the day, it’s all about the song. So, however it gets written is fine.

GT: Do you get to know the celebrities who sing your songs?
VS: Sometimes. Garth (Brooks) is a good friend, but when I met him, he wasn’t famous at all. On the other hand, I’ve never met Ricky Martin or Christina Aguilera, but I sure appreciate the checks I received because of them!

GT: Is there one performer you would love to have sing one of your songs? Perhaps someone you have always admired?
VS: People think I’m joking when I say Tom Jones, but I’m dead serious. He is a vocalist I’ve admired since I was a kid. And it would be an absolute thrill to hear him sing one of my songs. He’s still “the bomb” all over the world, so maybe there is still time. The United States is the only place that just doesn’t get how cool this man is. So,Tom, if you’re listening out there, call me.

GT: Where would you send a visitor to experience the Nashville songwriting scene?
VS: They would have to head straight for the world-famous Bluebird Cafe. This is where the “Unplugged” series got its start. And on any given day, you can go there and hear hit songwriters singing their incredible songs. This is also the club where people like Garth and Faith (Hill) got discovered. So you never know who might be there. It’s a must on any music lover’s list.

GT: What’s your favorite place to dine in Nashville?
VS: You’re asking a woman with a 4- and a 6-year-old? I’m used to drive-through windows more than nice restaurants, but on the rare “date night” with my husband, I have to admit that I act like the city girl I am, and head straight for the Palm. I’m a sucker for a great lobster. Some other favorites are Samurai, which looks like a hole in the wall, but has these really fun, delicious sushi rolls. I also like the Sunset Grill (you’ll see a lot of music people there late at night), and the coconut-sushi dessert there is amazing.

GT: What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend here?
VS: Depends on the time of year. In the fall and spring, there are a lot of great outdoor art fairs and festivals. In the winter, I love to wander around the Opry Hotel. It’s so big and beautiful. I’ll go there with my family and watch the dancing-waters show or just explore all the great atriums. I actually got married in that hotel 13 years ago, so I love showing it off.

GT: What’s the biggest misconception about Nashville?
VS: That we are all wearing overalls, smoking corncob pipes and sitting on hay bales, going “Yee-haw!”

INFO TO GO

USA Today named Nashville International Airport (BNA) one of the “10 Greatest Places to Hang Out During a Layover.” The airport is located eight miles southeast of downtown Nashville. There’s a taxi stand outside the passenger terminal. Bus and hotel shuttle stops are located on the ground-transportation level. An express shuttle (airport to downtown Nashville) picks up passengers outside the baggage claim.