Tootsie Bess’s (1916-1978) honky tonk, once called Mom’s, was renamed Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge when Bess changed the exterior of the building to purple. Thanks to its proximity to the famous Ryman Auditorium, both performers and show-goers would visit Tootsie’s after performances. The venue helped Willie Nelson (1933-) receive his first songwriting gig, and part of Loretta Lynn's (1932-) biopic Coal Miner's Daughter was filmed in Tootsie’s. When the Grand Ole Opry moved from the Ryman to its own venue, Tootsie’s and neighboring Robert’s Western World’s business suffered. Both venues aided in the resurgence and revitalization of Broadway throughout the early twenty-first century. The interior featured a wall of fame, which displayed pictures and memorabilia of prominent and hopeful country music artists alike.
Tootsies Orchid Lounge
36.1307, -86.7784
Description
Tootsie Bess’s (1916-1978) honky tonk, once called Mom’s, was renamed Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge when Bess changed the exterior of the building to purple. Thanks to its proximity to the famous Ryman Auditorium, both performers and show-goers would visit Tootsie’s after performances. The venue helped Willie Nelson (1933-) receive his first songwriting gig, and part of Loretta Lynn's (1932-) biopic Coal Miner's Daughter was filmed in Tootsie’s. When the Grand Ole Opry moved from the Ryman to its own venue, Tootsie’s and neighboring Robert’s Western World’s business suffered. Both venues aided in the resurgence and revitalization of Broadway throughout the early twenty-first century. The interior featured a wall of fame, which displayed pictures and memorabilia of prominent and hopeful country music artists alike.