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An ordinance providing the honorary street name designation of “Johnny Cash Way” for a portion of 3rd Avenue South.
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WHEREAS, Johnny Cash is one of the most influential and celebrated figures in American music history, known worldwide as “The Man in Black;” and
WHEREAS, Johnny Cash’s career was influenced by gospel, country, blues and folk music, he went on to influence all kinds of American music through his honest lyrics and rhythm-based sound; and
WHEREAS, Nashville served as Johnny Cash’s professional home for much of his career and remains inseparable from his artistic legacy; and
WHEREAS, the Johnny Cash Museum, located on 3rd Avenue South in downtown Nashville, is the largest and most comprehensive collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and history in the world and is a significant contributor to the city’s tourism and cultural economy; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council memorialize Johnny Cash through an honorary street renaming on 3rd Avenue South, adjacent to the museum that honors his legacy and blocks away from where he made his mark on country music; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council previously designated part of 3rd Avenue South as “Johnny Cash Way” through Ordinance No. BL2026-1300, and the portion of the street with this honorary designation should be expanded to cover the entire block from Broadway to Demonbreun Street; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 13.08 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws provides for the designation of honorary street names and signs without amending the Official Street and Alley Acceptance and Maintenance Map for the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, and without requiring residents and businesses to change their address.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That 3rd Avenue South between Broadway and Demonbreun Street is hereby designated with the honorary street name of “Johnny Cash Way”.
Section 2. This honorary street designation will not require any resident or business located on 3rd Avenue South to change its street address.
Section 3. The Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure is hereby authorized and directed, upon the enactment and approval of this Ordinance, to install the appropriate signage designating this section of roadway as “Johnny Cash Way” in accordance with section 13.08.025 of the Metropolitan Code.
Section 4. That Ordinance No. BL2026-1300, adopted by the Metropolitan Council on April 7, 2026, is hereby repealed.
Section 5. This Ordinance shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.