I just got back from a seminar in Nashville and like always, I went to have a beer a Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge on Lower Broadway. If you’ve been to that area, I’m sure you’ve seen the orchid colored building that stands out on that block because most people don’t paint buildings bright purple..Ha! But do you know the history? Yes, lot’s of country music history in this building.
Tootsies has a really good location, because directly behind it, separated by a small alley is the Ryman Auditorium. Yes, that Ryman.The Mother Church of Country Music. The original home of the Grand Ole Opry.
The huge country stars that have played the Ryman would gather at Tootsies to trade song ideas, have a beer or two and hang out and have some fun. It was just a few steps from the Ryman’s backstage door to Tootsie’s via the alley….as a matter of fact about 34 steps. In 2011 The Country Music Hall of Fame honored Tootsies with a photo exhibit entitled “Tootsies Orchid Lounge: Thirty Four Steps and Fifty Years.”
Many of the country stars you hear on KICKS have played there like Jason Aldean, Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, and more, joining the legends that walked the thirty four steps like Patsy Cline, Hank Williams and Willie Nelson.
Next time you’re in Nashville, check it out and soak up the history of country music and have an ice cold beer. Man, if those walls could talk!
Check out my photos below-
The small stage
The Upper Area Looking Down To Bar
Upstairs To Rooftop Area Added Some Years Back
The Walls Are Full Of Artist Pictures
In The Center Is The Legendary Owner....Tootsie
Pictures Of More Stars Who Hung Out At Tootsies
