Heart of Texas Country Music Museum

Brady, Texas

Volunteer country music association displays its collection of instruments, memorabilia, and outfits of country music performers, reminding us all that country music museums possess their own universe of distinct relics. A rich trove is on display here, including Mary Lou Turner's elaborate-even-for-Nudie rhinestone boots, Ernie Ashworth's "Lip Suit" (Commemorating his 1963 hit, "Talk Back Trembling Lips"), Webb Pierce's guitar-shaped mailbox, Floyd Tillman's typewriter, Ferlin Husky's 1975 Cadillac limo, Barbara Mandrell's jukebox, Johnny Cash's "Desert Storm" fatigues, and a reel of broadcast videotape from the Ernest Tubb Television Show. Jim Reeves' restored 1956 tour bus is parked out back; you can go inside. Museum opened in 2000.