NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Officials with the Fountains of Musica Foundation renamed the Nashville landmark and unveiled plans for major upgrades.
The public got its first look at the renderings for the newly-named Boudleaux and Felice Bryant Fountains of Musica during Thursday's press conference.
The fountain was created by sculptor Alan LeQuire’s work in 2003.
Foundation Chairman, Desmond Child announced the new name, “The Boudleaux and Felice Bryant Fountains of Musica,” which honors Nashville’s first professional songwriters.
“This is a momentous day for Nashville and the music community as we honor Nashville’s first professional songwriters with a work of art, ‘The Boudleaux and Felice Bryant Fountains of Musica,’ which will no doubt become the iconic symbol of our city. With hit songs cut and performed live by everyone from Little Jimmy Dickens, The Everly Brothers, Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, the Beatles and Roy Orbison to Eddie Vedder, Norah Jones, Brothers Osborne and Phish. The couple also penned the beloved anthem ‘Rocky Top.’ It is a perfect union with ‘Musica.’ which honors the diversity of Nashville’s musical genres and its people,” Child said.
Del Bryant, son of Boudleaux and Felice Bryant and former Broadcast Music, Inc. President/CEO, also spoke at the press conference. He reflected on the fountains honoring his parents.
“Carolyn, Thaddeus and I feel very blessed that my folks will represent all songwriters that have made Nashville the creative wellspring it is today. It is our honor to help bring to life a beautiful installation at the top of Music Row which we hope will be as inspirational as Music Row itself,” Bryant said.
“Musica” is considered to be the largest bronze figure group in the United States.
Video renderings show the statue will remain the centerpiece of the roundabout. However, a fountain will fill the inner ring of the Buddy Killen Circle instead of grass.
A second fountain, flush with the ground, will be in the adjacent Owen Bradley Park. It will be a fountain, floating over the surface with soft mist and jewels of water appearing and disappearing designed to be viewed and not interactive. Nearby will be a seating area for viewers. It will also be able to turn on and off for accommodating community activities
The third feature will be cascading waters in the median of Division Street, near 17thAvenue South, announcing the magic ahead when “Musica” is approached from the west.
During the news conference, businessman Ron Samuels and entrepreneur Darren Metz, each pledging to raise $1 million. The cascading waters fountain in the median of Division will be named the Fountain of Entrepreneurial Creativity.
Of the money being raised from the private sector, LeQuire said the goal for the community campaign is $2 million by December 2019 allowing the project to stay on schedule, flipping the switch for the fountains in November 2020.
LeQuire said due to its location on city property, this is public private partnership is important to complete the fountains as originally planned in 2003.
“As previously stated by city officials, we will be closely coordinating construction to minimize any inconvenience to Nashvillians while making necessary improvements to the Roundabout,” said LeQuire. “The timing of completing ‘Musica’ and these improvements is perfect."
For more information on history and the donation process visit the Fountains of Musica Foundation website.
