Panel Discussion: All Aboard the Night Train! Nashville’s Groundbreaking R&B Television Series

Filmed at WLAC-TV in Nashville, Night Train was the nation’s first syndicated R&B television series to feature an all-Black cast when it beamed into living rooms beginning in October 1964, six years before Chicago’s better-known Soul Train. WVOL radio executive Noble Blackwell produced and hosted Night Train, giving viewers a chance to witness many of Nashville’s best musicians backing both the city’s finest singers and out-of-town stars. Footage of Jimi Hendrix on Night Train is the earliest known to exist of the music legend. Panelists will include performers Jimmy Church and Frank Howard, who appeared regularly on Night Train, along with Katie Blackwell, wife of the late Noble Blackwell, and Tracye Blackwell, Noble and Katie’s daughter. The discussion will be illustrated with video clips. The Museum’s Michael Gray will moderate. Presented in support of the exhibition Night Train to Nashville: Music City Rhythm & Blues Revisited. Program made possible in part by travel partner American Airlines. Ford Theater. Included with Museum admission. Program ticket required. Free to Museum members.