Spence Manor Motor Hotel and Webb Pierce Guitar Swimming Pool

The Spence Manor Motor Hotel, constructed in 1974, is a rare example of Brutalist architecture in Nashville. The Spence Manor facility was an upscale luxury hotel that catered specifically to the music industry professionals, singers, and recording artists who sought privacy and luxurious accommodations. Famous guests included Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers, Neil Young, Roy Orbison, and even the Beatles who stayed at the six-story building. Elvis rented the entire top floors for nearly three years to use as a home base while recording at RCA Studio B. Spence Manor was called the city’s first “five-diamond hotel,” by those in the music business, a sarcastic play on the typical “five-star” designation. One of the hotel’s printed rules forbade guests from “passing out drunk in the hallways.”

In 1979, the hotel acquired the adjacent Webb Pierce Swimming Pool, a unique 81-foot long guitar-shaped swimming pool constructed by Webb Pierce in 1977. Pierce was a country music vocalist, songwriter and guitarist of the 1950s. He was the flashiest of all the Honky Tonk heroes according to longtime pool manager Garth Shaw, and wore elaborate rhinestone beaded jackets and costumes. Pierce’s most popular hit was “In the Jailhouse Now,” released in 1955. He built this pool as a tourist attraction and sold tickets to visitors who wished to enter, swim, take pictures, and listen to live music. The hotel was converted into private condominiums in 1986, which still maintains ownership of the Webb Pierce guitar shaped pool. The pool is only visible through a fence and is not accessible to the public. 

Congratulations! You have completed the Music Row tour on Nashville Sites. Music Row has a rich and diverse history, and we hope you’ve enjoyed learning about this neighborhood. The area has profoundly influenced American music, shaping not only country music, but many other genres as well. Music Row has seen and heard it all—from Dolly Parton to B.B. King and every singer and musician in between.

If you love Music Row, then join local and national preservation efforts to protect it from excessive redevelopment. Since 2013, over fifty buildings have been demolished. In 2015, the National Trust for Historical Preservation named Music Row a National Treasure. Four years later, the National Trust remained so concerned about the area’s future that Music Row was placed on America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list. If you’re interested in one of our other walking or driving tours, please visit NashvilleSites.org. Signing off this is Michael Janas. Have a great day.