Ernest Tubb Record Shop Returns After Renovation, Expansion

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Photo: Andrea Behrends/Ernest Tubb Record Shop

Nashville’s legendary Ernest Tubb Record Shop made its historic return to Lower Broadway last week with a grand opening celebration on Nov. 13.

A treasured country landmark where icons including Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley once performed, the shop has been restored to preserve its original charm and also expanded with new additions, including a four-story bar, rooftop honky-tonk and an exclusive lounge, The Forty Seven.

Photo: Andrea Behrends/Ernest Tubb Record Shop

The original Ernest Tubb Record Shop was established in 1947, and was not only a bustling spot for vinyl, 8-tracks and songbooks but also came alive at night with impromptu performances during Tubb’s famed Midnight Jamboree. After playing the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman, artists would head over for late-night sets broadcast live on WSM radio across the Midwest and Southeast.

Preserving the spot’s rich history was key, and in late 2023, the Kenney Brothers, co-founders of Tusk Brothers and creators of Never Never and Reunion Bar & Hotel, teamed up with musician Ilya Toshinskiy for the project. Working closely with Ernest Tubb’s grandson Dale Tubb, they worked tirelessly for two years to honor the shop’s legacy while giving it a fresh, modern revival. Carefully curated memorabilia from Dale Tubb and original architectural details from the building are paired with new and state-of-the-art sound and lighting.

The main level will feature a Broadway-style honky tonk featuring an atmosphere that honors the past, complete with Ernest Tubb memorabilia from the private Ernest Tubb Collection. With two full stages featuring live bands every night, the spirit of Tubb’s Midnite Jamboree will live on loud and proud.

Photo: Andrea Behrends/Ernest Tubb Record Shop

On the second floor guests will step into a carefully restored version of the original Ernest Tubb Record Shop, complete with rows of vinyl displayed on wooden shelves. The space will also host live acoustic performances in an intimate setting that echoes the shop’s legendary roots. The third floor private event venue is tailored for intimate industry showcases, album release parties, and label events.

An open-air rooftop bar will feature views of Lower Broadway where guests can soak in the Nashville skyline, and the basement features the Forty Seven, an exclusive lounge with velvet seating, wood-paneled walls and vintage accents. The lounge offers a stylish space for guests while paying homage to 1947 – the year the Ernest Tubb Record Shop was founded.

“We’re beyond honored to bring back Ernest Tubb’s legacy to Broadway,” says Jamie Kenney, co-founder of Tusk Brothers. “This space was more than a record store: it was a gathering place, a stage, and a symbol of what makes country music special. We’ve worked closely with Dale Tubb to make sure every inch of the space honors that tradition while creating something new and exciting for today’s Nashville.”

Lorie Hollabaugh
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