I just read that the Ernest Tubb store in Nashville is closing. Opened in 1947 in one area of Nashville, but the location at 417 Broadway, Nashville has had its doors opened since 1951.
Apparently a legal matter between past and present owners has made it necessary to close, with speculation of opening yet another restaurant, in the already crowded street.
I guess to me, losing the last of what seems to be the only surviving reminder of a time when real country music was made, is just plane sad and will be a huge loss for all us older generation. I can see Jim Reeves himself walking thru these doors on his way home from a performance in Nashville. He would be hard pressed to recognize anything familiar, save for the Ernest Tubb store. .the street and the city itself has changed beyond recognition.
There is a webcam live feed you can access on Broadway, if you wish to see how it looks today. Just type in "Nashville Webcam"...that takes you to a page called..."Live stream Cam...Broadway" The interesting feature is that the feed just happens to show the front of the Ernest Tubb store (big guitar and all) on the far left of the screen.. You can actually watch people entering and coming out in real time. Catch it while you can and see how Jim would have seen this store so many years ago.
Thanks everyone and enjoy the webcam..!!
Re: End of an Era
Posted by Doris Gath on March 27, 2022, 10:01 am, in reply to "End of an Era"
On Elmer and my first trip to Nashville, about 1956, Jim had gotten us passes to go backstage at the Ryman which was exciting. He told us that Ernest Tubb was out of town so he (Jim) was going to be going over and hosting the hour show at the Record Shop! So we lucked out and got to see Jim there after he appeared on the Grand Ole Opry!
Re: End of an Era
Posted by Roy Zinck on March 29, 2022, 8:46 am, in reply to "Re: End of an Era"
Thank you Doris for your story of being in the Ernest Tubb store in Nashville when Jim Reeves was hosting there. An experience us folks here on the Forum could only dream of.
From what I have read, the Saturday night 'jam sessions' were called "Midnight Jamboree". A modest portable stage was set up each week with standing room only for the overflow patrons to enjoy. most nights the crown spilled out onto the street it was that popular.
Again, thank you Doris for sharing your story with us.
Re: End of an Era
Posted by Doris Gath on March 29, 2022, 10:00 am, in reply to "Re: End of an Era"
You are so right, Roy. It was a very popular place after the Opry. SRO. We were SO lucky to have Jim host it the night we were there. A whole hour of just him and his band! Unforgettable.