Celebrated Nashville bassist Alison Prestwood is honoured as part of the Museum’s Nashville Cats series, which spotlights musicians who have made significant contributions to country music. This program, hosted by the Museum’s Jon Freeman, was recorded on September 22, 2025.

Prestwood opens the conversation by recalling her childhood years in Alabama; learning music theory from her mother, an accomplished piano teacher; her early love of guitar; and how her admiration of Paul McCartney inspired her fortuitous switch to bass. After retracing her path to Nashville via Atlanta, Prestwood reminisces about her time on the road with several acclaimed artists, including Rodney Crowell, Peter Frampton, Country Music Hall of Fame member Patty Loveless, and Olivia Newton-John. She also tells the story of turning down a touring opportunity with Waylon Jennings to realize her lifelong dream of becoming a studio musician. Additional topics of conversation include Prestwood’s stint practicing law, recording with jazz fusion guitarist George Benson in New Orleans, and Prestwood’s podcast with fellow bassists Harmoni Kelley and Rachel Loy, “Hey, Good For You!”

Prestwood bought her first bass at age thirteen, and after attending the University of Alabama—where she played in the school’s jazz ensemble—she spent twelve years performing in Atlanta’s live music scene. After moving to Nashville in the 1990s, Prestwood found touring and session work, and became an in-demand studio bassist. She can be heard on several of Blake Shelton’s early hits—including his chart-topping debut, “Austin,” and his version of “Ol’ Red”—and has also recorded with Trace Adkins, Frankie Ballard, Brooks & Dunn, Faith Hill, LoCash, Tim McGraw, Little Richard, Jessica Simpson, and more.

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