A vibrant arts scene and strong embrace of culture drew the Americana Music Association to relocate its headquarters from Nashville to Franklin last year, the nonprofit’s director said at a chamber luncheon Tuesday.

Singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell also performed in celebration of the release of his new album, and U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander presented two county economic development officials with a copy of the original lead sheet upon which “The Tennessee Waltz” was written.

For its monthly luncheon, the county’s chamber of commerce, Williamson, Inc., decided to be a bit unpredictable.

Alexander, who also happens to be a classically trained pianist, recounted how he came to possess the sheet music “that kind of disappeared” for what is now a state song. He later donated it to the University of Tennessee, but gave a copy Tuesday to the county chamber.

“The best city to live in, best place for startups, lowest unemployment, high graduation rate – Williamson County has so much going for it, but a big part of it is this special quality of music that infects our area,” Alexander said.

That special quality is what drew the Americana Music Association to sign a six-year lease at The Factory at Franklin last year, said Jed Hilly, the organization’s executive director. He told those at the luncheon that projects such as the restoration of the Franklin Theatre was “emblematic of what you guys feel is important to life.”

The idea of the AMA was conceived in Austin, Texas, to shine a light on artists “the music industry had just sort of left behind,” Hilly recalled. The organization was birthed in Nashville in 1999, but moved to Franklin last year.

“Culture, it is proven, is an economic driver,” he said. “When you have a strong culture and a strong arts sensibility, your community will thrive. And it just seemed to me that you guys totally got that.”

The association will host the Cross County Lines festival May 31 with headliners Patty Griffin and John Hiatt at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm. It will be a vision coming to fruition for Hilly.

“The rolling hills of Harlinsdale Farm have been something I have had my eye on for a little while,” he said.

Tuesday was the release day for Crowell’s new album “Tarpaper Sky.” The Williamson County resident of three years said the discovery of downtown Franklin renewed his holiday spirit for the first time in years.

“Franklin restored my faith in Christmas,” he said. “Christmas saved by a small town – now that’s Americana for you.”