Famed Ernest Tubb Record Shop Has Permanently Shut Its Doors

Country legend Ernest Tubb was famous for a lot of things. He is regarded with deep respect as the Father of Honky Tonk Music and the Texas Troubadour, who first introduced the electric guitar to the Grand Ole Opry. He is indeed one of the most influential artists in the genre’s history. But what endured the test of time, even long after his death in 1984, was the Ernest Tubb Record Shop that he opened in 1947. That is, until now.

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Last Wednesday (May 4), a part of Music City’s history closed a chapter after more than seven decades in business. Nashville’s famous shop and historic record store has permanently shut its doors.

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It was early in Spring this year when the company that runs Ernest Tubb Record Shop announced the sad news. “Our goal has always been to protect, promote and preserve the great history of the record shop and building,” they wrote in a statement posted on their official Facebook and Instagram page. While that passion remains strong as it was before, the shop said that there are “changes in circumstances” that are beyond their control, and there is no better way to move forward than putting the business and the real estate on sale.

It’s More Than Just A Famous Shop

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Founded by Grand Ole Opry legend Ernest Tubb in 1947, the famous country-only store had been at its Nashville location – just across the Ryman Auditorium – since 1951. 

But it’s more than just a retail site! It is important in the genre’s history as the home to the long-running radio program “The Midnite Jamboree” that followed the Grand Ole Opry. It hosted countless in-store performances throughout the decades. In fact, it was on that show that country legend Loretta Lynn climbed the ladder of success at the beginning of the 1960s, as she performed from the tiny stage at the back of the shop.

Indeed, it’s a sad day for all country fans.