Lainey Wilson: Tough As Nails Opens At County Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville celebrated the opening of its newest exhibition: Lainey Wilson: Tough as Nails this week.
The in-depth exhibit traces Wilson’s journey from her humble Louisiana roots to becoming one of country music’s most celebrated voices. It’s included with regular museum admission and offers fans a front-row seat to her inspiring rise.
Lainey’s early life and rise to Nashville
Wilson grew up in the tiny farming town of Baskin, Louisiana — population 211. She spent her childhood riding horses, swimming in Big Creek, and writing songs by the age of 10. Her first performance? Her Kindergarten graduation.
Like many country dreamers, she set her sights on Nashville, moving there in 2011 with nothing but big dreams and the support of family friend, Jerry Cupit, who became her mentor and producer. His passing in 2014 nearly ended her story before it began, but Wilson stayed the course — a decision that would pay off years later.
By 2017, she had landed a publishing deal. In 2018, a record deal. And by 2020, after a decade of hard work and a pandemic pivot to building an online fanbase, she scored her first #1 country radio hit with “Things a Man Oughta Know.”
Since then, Wilson has barely slowed down. She’s become a fixture on country radio, collaborated with major artists, and racked up awards, including a historic sweep at the 2023 CMA Awards where she took home five trophies — including Entertainer of the Year, the first woman to win the title since Taylor Swift in 2011.
What to Expect at the Exhibit
The Tough as Nails exhibit features stage wear, handwritten lyrics, and personal artifacts that highlight Wilson’s journey. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at her songwriting process, her stylistic evolution, and the grit it took to get where she is today.
All photos credit: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
To celebrate the opening, the Museum hosted a Songwriter Session on Saturday, featuring Wilson’s recent collaborators Aaron Raitiere and Jon Decious in the Ford Theater. Wilson made a surprise appearance.
Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Throughout the year, additional events and family-friendly programming — like arts and crafts — will accompany the exhibit.
Plan Your Visit
The exhibit opened July 18 and runs until June 2026. Advance ticket reservations are encouraged and can be made through the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum website.
