Posted by Larry Jordan on October 3, 2014, 6:18 pm
A mere 37 steps across the alley from the old Ryman Auditorium where Jim Reeves appeared on the Grand Ole Opry, is the world famous honky tonky named Tootsie's Orchid Lounge. Many of you who have visited Nashville have probably been to this well-known "watering hole," where stars ranging from Patsy Cline to Willie Nelson, and everybody you can think of in between, have gone to enjoy a refreshment between shows at the Opry.
The bar was invariably packed with people and they often left the back door open just to try to help clear out the cigarette smoke. Reeves could sometimes be found there sharing a pitcher of beer with Patsy Cline (and others, like his young lady friend Gail Talley). But Reeves and guitarist Leo Jackson also would go to the Maxwell hotel to play pool, or to a place on Broadway called Linebaugh's.
Anyway, Tootsie's Orchid Lounge (yes, the outside is painted lavender), looks pretty much today like it did back when Jim was stopping by.
Depending on what time of the day or night you read this post, you can see a LIVE CAM from Tootsie's, showing you live performances as they happen. Usually the people who take the mic at the bar are aspiring artists who haven't quite made it in the music business as yet, though occasionally a big name star will also do an impromptu set.
Click the link below to see what is on Tootsie's live cam right now...
Thanks so much for the heads-up on this. I never knew Tootsie's had a live cam. How cool is that? :-)
My wife and I are headed for the Ryman in a couple of hours to see Jerry Lee Lewis perform.
A couple of weeks ago, we were there to see Kris Kristofferson. After the show we gathered at the back of the Ryman on the alley that leads to Tootsie's to try to get Kris's autograph as he left the building. While waiting there, I thought of all those artists in days gone by who would have crossed that very alley on their way to have a drink between shows. That was hallowed ground we were standing on.