Nashville is the story of the country and gospel music scene in the heartland of Nashville, Tennessee. A presidential bid by a maverick independent during our country's bi-centennial forms the backdrop and a companion to this story. The movie features a large and colorful ensemble cast who do their own singing and often improvise their lines. The bulk of the movie consists of this melange of eccentric characters and their interwoven stories. Chief among them are Barbara Jean (Ronee Blakely) who is trying to stage a comeback after a health setback, with the dubious assistance of so-called friend Haven Hamilton (Henry Gibson), and despite the efforts of rival Connie White (Karen Black).