Starstruck Studio, RFD, and iHeartMedia

Look to your left and you’ll see Reba McEntire’s building that houses her offices and studios. On this site there used to be three homes, built in the early 1900s, that were converted into offices. One of them was where Kris Kristofferson was living when he wrote “Sunday Morning Coming Down.”

Next door was the Tuneville building. That house was converted into a recording studio affectionately referred to as the “Back ‘Ere” studio. Buzz Cason, a Nashville-born singer, songwriter, and producer said the name came from a band mate who would say, “It’s party time boys. . . See you [Back ‘Ere]“—referring to the studio. In the 1960s, this property was largely owned by Cedarwood Publishing Company—one of the nation’s largest music publishers during Music Row’s heyday.

The current building, housing Starstruck Entertainment, was completed in 1996. Starstruck was first formed in 1988, and not only manages Reba’s music and media production, but also features recording studios. Starstruck expanded to include other artists such as Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson, and Hunter Hayes.

For the second part of this stop walk across Chet Atkins Place and continue along Music Square West. Continue the narration as you walk.

Check the pictures above to see what was once on this corner. What was known as Music Row’s first “skyscraper” was recently torn down—another fatality to add to the long list of buildings that have been razed for redevelopment. This building was known as the UA Tower, or United Artists Tower. It was built by two members of the Jordanaires, the famous group that backed numerous singers on numerous hits. Elvis wouldn’t record without ‘em.

Across the street you’ll see a building with a big “49” on it. That’s where the RFD Channel has offices and studios. RFD stands for Rural Free Delivery and the channel features programming devoted to rural issues, concerns, and interests. “Larry’s Country Diner” starring Larry Black is broadcast on that network. Funny twist…the building isn’t just for country folks; the offices for the Hippie Radio Station are also located here.

Speaking of radio, do you ever listen to iHeart radio? They own a whole bunch of stations, over 900 of them, so chances are you have. Next door to the RFD Channel building you’ll see the iHeartMedia headquarters—it’s the building with radio station call letters on the front. 

The company began in 1972 when Clear Channel Communications purchased its first radio station. The company’s name, “Clear Channel,” came from a 1941 law passed during World War II. The law created “clear channels,” which meant certain frequencies could only have one long distance radio transmitter at a time. That was so radio communication could be streamlined if the government needed to get a nationwide message out to citizens during the war. In 2014, Clear Channel Communications changed its name to iHeart Media Incorporated.

At the corner of Music Square West and Grand Avenue, cross the street and take a LEFT. The road actually changes names at this intersection, so you’ll go left and be on Music Square South. (If you go right you’ll be on Grand Avenue.) Nashville loves to confuse people by giving roads multiple names. Your next stop is on the right, Bobby’s Idle Hour, located at 9 Music Square South.