So much musical talent hails from Kentucky, especially communities along U.S. Route 23 — one of the richest vocal gold mines in the country.

Known since 1994 as the Country Music Highway, this 144-mile National Scenic Byway winds through the Appalachian hills and hollows, running north and south along the eastern part of the Bluegrass State and covering seven counties.

“It’s the music of the hills, the music that made me who I am today,” says country-bluegrass vocalist Patty Loveless, who will be inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame in April. “I was raised on [the music], through my family, my mother and my father, my brothers and sisters. It was my first inspiration.” To read more, click here to subscribe. >>