WSMV Channel 4 NBC's Lester Holt returns to Nashville, but not for the stage

NBC's Lester Holt returns to Nashville, but not for the stage

NBC's Lester Holt stopped by Music City, not only to report, but also to do what he loves most.

"My secret passion, well not-so-secret passion, is that I'm a bass player," he said.

Holt is an anchor and television journalist, but he focused on music the last time he came to Nashville.

Last year, he joined Luke Bryan on the stage at the Grand Ole Opry and even sat in to play at Tootsies.

This time, he's here for work.

Holt originally got his start as a radio disc jockey for a country music station back in high school. That's when he discovered his calling for news.

Holt still uses his musical talents as leverage to get interviews, however.

"It's kind of a prerequisite, I'll do a story but you got to let me play bass with you - even if it's just the sound check," he said.

The journalist has been all over the world to report the news, but he said he does it for all of the people who cross his path.

"Some of the most interesting interviews I've done are with people you've never heard of, but people who have really interesting stories and interesting lives," Holt said. "That's why those of us who do this for a living get in this business, to meet interesting people, talk to them and tell their stories."

That's why Holt came to Nashville. He interviewed another musician, Lionel Richie, for NBC's "Today Show."

That story will air next month.

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