The landscape of downtown Nashville is changing once again, as another legendary location shutters its doors.
Ernest Tubb Record Shop, which has been on Lower Broadway since 1951, announced that the building and business will be sold.
Our goal has always been to protect, promote and preserve the great history of the record shop and building. That desire remains as strong today as ever. However, due to changes in circumstances out of our control, it's now clear the best way forward is to sell the business and the real estate.
We are heartbroken that the store, which has existed in its current location in the heart of lower Broadway since 1951, will close this Spring. Preserving the history and tradition of country music remains at the forefront of everything we do. We remain committed to preservation work and look forward to new projects that will allow us to continue to protect and nurture the invaluable history and tradition of country music.
Photo: Getty Images
The store was opened by country singer Ernest Tubb in 1947 on Commerce Street, and has been a staple of the Nashville music community since. Not only is it a tourist hotspot and record store, but it's also hosted a number of album release parties and special performances. Back when the Grand Ole Opry was at the Ryman, many country stars would stop by Ernest Tubb afterwards for "Midnite Jamboree". Kacey Musgraves performed an album release party there in 2016 as well.
There's no word as to what will occupy the space at 417 Broadway where Ernest Tubb has called home for over seven decades.
Another location of the Ernest Tubb Record Shop was located near Opryland on Music Valley Drive, but that closed in 2016.