We recently took a much-needed road trip. We’ve taken a few over the last couple of years but they’ve been of a local nature, nothing major like our previous trips to DC, Baltimore and Atlanta. And though this one had to do with some personal business, it could not have been a better city in which to transact our business: Nashville, Tennessee. Since arriving here in the United States from the Philippines, my wife Lynndee has had a desire to visit Nashville seeing that she fell in love with country music by watching CMT – Country Music Television – on our cable system.
Our first full day there was filled with taking care of business, but day two was filled with being tourists. And an event-filled day it was! But I’ll not try to tell the entire tale here; I know Lynndee wants to share her insights on her experiences so I’ll not steal her thunder. I did, however, have a mission on that day: to visit the famous Music Row. Though it’s an area southwest of Downtown Nashville, the main hub of it is Broadway. And out of all the establishments on this famous street, there was one in particular I was in search of: the Ernest Tubb Record Shop.
The only reason I had any idea of this place goes back to the days when I’d be on the road with my Dad, delivering newspapers in the middle of the morning and, as always, Dad would have the radio tuned to 650 AM, WSM, Nashville, the home of the Grand Ole Opry. That was my introduction to country music and all the great stars of that era. And though Ernest Tubb, known as the Texas Troubadour, was never one of my favorites, I still remember all the advertisements for his record store, a few blocks away from the Grand Ole Opry, and his own show, the Midnight Jamboree radio program, aired on Saturday nights from the record shop after the completion of that evening’s Opry. And the only song I can remember by Ernest Tubb is his first big hit, Walking the Floor Over You.
Ironically, though still called a record shop, on our visit there we saw not one record. It truly is a new age for the only music available for sale was on CDs and DVDs; welcome to the new world, Harry. I still have about 300 of the 33RPM LP record albums and as many of the 45 RPM vinyl singles, and a record player that still works. Still, it was interesting to visit such a historic site.
That was just the beginning of our day of adventure, which included seeing Tootsies Orchid Lounge and the Ryman Auditorium, the home of the original Grand Ole Opry. But more on all that, later.
Nashville is such a great city, and everywhere you turn, there’s music. I’ve never had the opportunity to see this record shop. Next time we’re in town, I’ll have to check it out.
What a fun record shop to visit!! I love finding new places like this to visit when we travel makes the trip even more fun.
This looks like so much fun. I am dying to visit Nashville. I have a cousin who lives just outside of Nashville so it seems like the perfect excuse for me to go. I have heard so many wonderful and amazing things about this city.
This sounds like such a neat place to visit!! Great post!!
The Ernest Tubb Record Shop looks very interesting. A friend and I were talking the other day about how records are now coming back. Any type of history has always been an interest of mine and I past it on to my boys also. The Ryman Auditorium would indeed be a sight to see as well. Thanks for sharing your day.
Nashville is an amazing city with SO much to see and do. It looks like you and your boys enjoyed your stay.
That looks like such a fun place to visit! We’ve been through Nashville, but never stayed there. I’d love to go back and spend more time there!
Nashville is such a great city for music, and record shops are my favorite. I’ll definitely have to stop by the next time I’m in the area.
Nashville has it all! I love that city! I need to check this place out next time I am popping through!
I have always wanted to go to Nashville. It would be amazing to check out this record shop.
looks like a one of a kind shop. I’d love to go there and learn a little more about the history, I love walking in historical places, it’s got that vintage old feel to it : )
I have driven through Nashville several times on my way back and forth between Arkansas and Maryland, but have never explored it. Seems like an awesome place.
The Ernest Tubb Record Shop sounds like a great place to visit when in Nashville. It’s a little disappointing that they don’t have any records in there nowadays. Maybe I can convince my husband to donate some of his to them lol.
Sounds like a really fun day you all had. I love that statue , so cool.
My husband would absolutely love this. He’s a huge music fan.
My husband would love to browse around there! So many places we want to go!!!
Nashville is such a fun city, full of delicious food and wonderful music. I’m so glad you got to explore and visit places meaningful to you!
I saw this when I was in Nashville but I didn’t go in! Now i wish i did! Cant wait to go back now! lol
Oooo what a fun and neat shop!!! This is the type of store my hubby is all about going to! He loves shops like this.
The next time I go to Nashville, I’ll check this place out. It’s a shame they don’t still sell records though. I’ve got some and need to buy a turntable one day.
Nashville sounds like a great city! I loved looking at your pictures!
i love tennessee! so much culture. we were just in chattanooga for the weekend.