Happy 50th Birthday, Tootsie's Orchid Lounge
If you've ever been to Nashville, you've surely visited the world famous Tootsie's Orchid Lounge on Lower Broadway. It's the epitome of a honky-tonk where country music can be heard continuously on that tiny wooden stage by the front door. It's where Kris Kristofferson's name is written on the ceiling upstairs and pictures of Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline decorate the smoke-stained walls. It's a place where Nashville memories are made -- or forgotten -- depending on how much you've had to drink. But nonetheless, Tootsie's Orchid Lounge is a staple of Nashville and this month marks its 50th anniversary.
The late Tootsie Bess bought the bar (once known as Mom's) back in March of 1960 and renamed it Tootsie's Orchid Lounge. As the story goes, the place was painted an orchid-like purple -- hence the "Orchid" name. Ever since its opening, the bar has been an attraction for country music lovers and hopefuls. But no matter what brings a person to Tootsie's, everyone leaves with a story.
I'll never forget the first time I saw it. I was on a family trip and we watched two young women walking in. I thought, "Wow, now that looks like fun. We sure don't have that back home." My mom on the other hand, said aloud, "Where is their mother?" We still joke about that today. And as soon as I got the chance to move to Nashville, you bet that's where I went.
What are some of your favorite Tootsie's memories?
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Joe says:
Me and my cousin Nick went down there back of June last year. It was my first time in Nashville and I told him we had to eat there cause of it’s history….
I hope to go back down there this year and hopefully see some country singers in there.
sunkie says:
I love Tootsie’s Lounge. This was one of the first places that I went to when I came to Nashville. I agree Whitney, it is a must see when going to Nashville.
Mark says:
Tootsie’s was my first destination upon arriving in Nashville for my first visit. It’s also where I first sang in public. I was coaxed to get up and sing by a friend so I asked the man that was on stage if I could sing. He and a fiddle player backed me up on “Bill Bailey” and while my first time in public wasn’t my best, it’s my most fond memory of my time as a singer. I’m not famous, nor do I strive to be. And that first time up at Tootsies, I felt like a real star. Oh, the gentleman that was so nice to let me sing and backed me on guitar, the incomparable Hank Thompson.
JoAnne Martin says:
I’ve been going to Tootsie’s since 1972….became very good friends with her..we had a lot in common as I owned and operated a bar in Illinois..every year after labor day .. headed to Nashville for a week.. Tootsie’s was dating a well known person from Nashville…but I will not discose the name…when she passed away…her son and Sam Wellington called me…I couldn’t go as it was in Feb Ill had a bad snow storm…Lots of memories…
Connie Smith says:
Toostie’s is a must see on Nashville’s Broadway. There is never a dull moment on Broadway. I love that the music begins early in the day and goes on all night. Just move along from one honky tonk to another and you will see great singers everywhere. Not to mention you will always see that great bass player Greg Humphreys! It is amazing how fast he can move from one bar to another to back up all the up and coming stars!