Citizens Savings Bank & Trust, Jefferson Street Sound Museum

This stop features two historic sites—one that’s over 115 years old and another celebrating Jefferson Street’s musical heyday. First we have Citizens Savings Bank and Trust Company, which is the nation’s oldest, continuously operating African American-owned financial institution. Located at 2013 Jefferson Street, this bank was the brainchild of my great-great grandfather—Dr. Richard Henry Boyd, J.C. Napier, and other visionary Black leaders. They desired to open a private Black-owned bank because most of the white banks would not accept African American customers. They each pledged $100, and in 1904, the One-Cent Savings Bank and Trust Company, now known as Citizens Bank, opened on Fourth Ave. North. 

Dr. Boyd served as the bank’s first president. His mission was to “encourage frugality and systematic savings. . . to secure the safekeeping and proper investment. . . and to set in motion business enterprises.” In 1920, the bank’s directors changed the name to Citizens Savings Bank and Trust Company. In 1929, Citizen’s Bank was recognized by the Journal of Negro History for its service and in 1958 they earned an award from the National Bankers Association. This Citizen’s Bank branch opened on Jefferson Street in 1979 and has been serving customers ever since. 

Members of my family have served as the bank’s president/CEO, or Board member since 1904. I’ve also followed in my family’s footsteps and I serve as a member of the Board of Directors. Dr. Richard Henry Boyd was also the founder of the National Baptist Publishing Board, now known as R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation, in 1896. 

Now look across the street at the Jefferson Street Sound Museum. It may look modest from the outside, but inside you’ll find a treasure trove of musical history. The museum was founded by Lorenzo Washington, who has committed his life to preserving the history of what he calls the “Original Music Row.” Did you know that famous musicians like B.B. King, Little Richard, Otis Redding, Marion James, and Marvin Gaye all performed at venues along Jefferson Street? In fact, a favorite story from locals is that Ray Charles was once seen “driving” down the block! Ray Charles was blind and wasn’t actually driving. His passenger was in control of the wheel—but it certainly got people talking!

When you walk into the museum, you’ll see walls covered from floor to ceiling with pictures and memorabilia from musicians who played in Nashville. Lorenzo Washington has enough stories to delight any music aficionado and can tell you about the amazing shows at music venues such as Club Del Morocco, New Era, and Maceo's. This once vibrant music scene did not survive the effects of I-40 on the neighborhood. Jefferson Street Sound Museum ensures that these stories aren’t forgotten and the building’s production studio and rehearsal space supports the next generation of Jefferson Street musicians. You can read more in Lorenzo’s book entitled Rising Above. Visit their website to plan your visit or just walk across the street. We can promise you, it’s well worth your time.

Turn LEFT onto 21st Avenue and then LEFT at the light back onto Jefferson Street. Drive 0.5 miles, passing under the interstate to Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church at 2708 Jefferson Street. Park at the church to listen to the next stop.