Tootsie's Orchid Lounge facts for kids
Tootsie's Orchid Lounge is a famous music spot in Nashville, Tennessee. It's a type of place called a honky-tonk, known for live country music. You can find it right behind the Ryman Auditorium, which is another famous music venue.
Every night, Tootsie's has three stages where talented local musicians play. They perform songs by popular country artists like Jason Aldean and Taylor Swift. They also play their own original music. Many famous country music stars started their careers or spent time at Tootsie's. Some of these include Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline, Mel Tillis, Kris Kristofferson, and Waylon Jennings.
It's said that Willie Nelson got his first songwriting job after singing at Tootsie's. Terri Clark, a country singer from Canada, began performing there in 1987. She later became a big star with hit songs like "Better Things to Do."
The lounge was first called Mom's. In 1960, a woman named Tootsie Bess (her full name was Hattie Louise Bess) bought the place. One day, a painter surprised her by painting the outside of the lounge purple. Tootsie loved it, so she changed the name to Tootsie's Orchid Lounge. Even today, the building is still painted that same purple color!
Tootsie was known for being very kind. She often helped struggling musicians and songwriters by giving them five-dollar or ten-dollar bills. She also kept a box behind the counter filled with notes (IOUs) from people she had given free food and drinks to. It's said that at the end of each year, some of the famous performers from the Grand Ole Opry would pay off all those IOUs for Tootsie. This way, she wouldn't lose money.
Tootsie Bess was loved by many. When she passed away in 1978, famous musicians like Tom T. Hall, Roy Acuff, and Faron Young attended her funeral. She was buried in a beautiful orchid-colored dress, with an orchid flower placed with her. This was because the orchid was her favorite flower.
In 2010, Tootsie's Orchid Lounge celebrated its 50th anniversary. Many stars performed at the Ryman Auditorium for the celebration. These included Kris Kristofferson, Terri Clark, and Mel Tillis.
A Look Inside Tootsie's
Inside Tootsie's, the walls are covered with pictures and items that tell the story of country music. You can see photos of many country music artists, both famous ones and those who were just starting out. It's like a museum of music history! Some of the pictures include legends like Hank Williams Sr., Patsy Cline, and Willie Nelson. These images show the many people who came to Nashville chasing their musical dreams.
Tootsie's on Film
A documentary film called Tootsie's Orchid Lounge: Where the Music Began was released in 1995. It was updated and re-released in 2005. In the film, Willie Nelson shares stories about Tootsie's early days. It also includes interviews with other music legends like Jimmy Dean. The documentary shows how Tootsie's was a special place where big names in country music would meet friends, relax, and share songs. You can also see old videos of artists like Patsy Cline and Roger Miller. The film features performances by stars such as Dolly Parton, Trisha Yearwood, and Billy Ray Cyrus.
