Ernest Tubb Record Shop

Ernest Tubb was a major country star during the 1940s, and he sold a lot of records. In 1947, he insisted on recording in Nashville—having previously recorded in Texas, Cincinnati and New York. Since Ernest Tubb was so important to Decca, his record label, and since Decca wanted to keep their star happy, they recorded him in the Castle Studio. That opened the door for Decca and other labels—big and small—to record in Nashville. That led to Nashville becoming a major recording center.

Ernest Tubb decided to open a record store in 1947 because it was hard to find stores that carried country records. Back then, records were 78s made with shellac—a material which broke easily. Tubb’s shop was a mail order business—because he didn’t want to offend the record stores carrying his records. So a lot of the records he shipped were broken when they arrived. Tubb guaranteed that he would replace every broken record a fan received, and that cost him $10,000 a year.

This location was Tubb’s second store, and it opened in 1951. Here he hosted “The Midnight Jamboree,” a late night jam session that followed the Grand Ole Opry. It aired from midnight to 1 a.m. Tubb started the “Midnight Jamboree” so he could invite singers to perform and sell records. It continues today. In Ernest Tubb’s record store, you can find rare vinyls by legendary artists. If you’re looking for a favorite song by an artist whose name you can’t remember—just ask an employee. They’re experts, and they love the music as much as you do. 

Inside the store is a statue of Ernest Tubb holding a guitar with “Thanks” written in large letters on the back. That guitar belonged to Jimmie Rodgers, a hero to Tubb. After Rodgers’s death, his widow gave the guitar to Tubb, and Tubb followed in his hero’s footsteps every time he played it. Ernest Tubb and Loretta Lynn recorded two duet albums. That’s why there’s a display honoring Loretta Lynn at the back of Tubb’s store.

When we walk out the door of Ernest Tubb’s record store, turn RIGHT and walk toward the river. At the corner of Fourth Avenue South and Broadway, you’ll see Merchant’s Restaurant, the former home of Deemen’s Den.