Spartanburg Music Trail

Points of Interest

Clock Tower

The brick tower at the lower end of Morgan Square contains the clock that once adorned the Spartanburg Opera House, which stood near this site from 1881 to 1907. The Opera House, lit by gaslights in its early days, hosted touring musical reviews, minstrel shows, comedies and plays. The Victorian-style structure housed the city’s post office on the ground floor and a 700-seat theatre on the second floor. The Masonic Temple and Hub City Bookshop now stand on the site of the Opera House.


Grave Of Singin’ Billy Walker

Singin’ Billy Walker, father of shape-note music, is buried in the historic Magnolia Cemetery near the Magnolia Street Train Depot. The marker reads: In Memory of Wm. Walker, A.S.H. Died September 24th 1875, in the 64th year of his age. He was a devoted Husband & kind Father, a consistent Baptist 47 years. Taught music 45 yrs. The author of 4 Books of sacred music. He rests from his labors. He died in the triumphs of faith. Sing praises unto the Lord.


Carolina Theatre, Where Elvis Played

A 21-year-old Elvis Presley performed in the Montgomery Building’s Carolina Theatre on February 9, 1956. Though the show sold out, many in the audience were there to see the Louvin Brothers and the Carter Sisters. The theatre has not been in operation since the mid-1970s, but the building has a new lease on life.


Discover more interesting places, like the graves of the Marshall Tucker band, late-night music venues and more, in the Underground Guide to Spartanburg