TENNESSEE STATE - Tootsie's Orchid Lounge in Nashville stands out among a packed Lower Broadway, as one of its many honky tonks for several city blocks. Though not as flashy as some other bars along this sometimes-racy street, Tootsie's is still one of the city's greatest legends - gold block lettering proclaiming its world fame draws waves of tourists after touring Ryman Auditorium's back-door entrance across an alley.
Mel Tillis (countrypolitan singer-songwriter and comedian who played his stepson in Elia Kazan film Wild River as Tootsie's stepson), said that orchid wasn't even his stepmother's favorite color - rather, one worker had painted its exterior this shade of purple after tootsie's bar had already established its name by calling itself tootsie's Orchid Lounge this way!
Tootsie's Orchid Lounge in Nashville Tennessee
Tootsie's is best known as an iconic gathering spot for songwriters trying to break into the music business. According to her son, Tootsie would often give struggling songwriters small grants like five and ten dollar bills when they couldn't secure professional contracts; additionally she would cover costs such as paying for fried chicken and biscuits when their financial woes became overwhelming.
Some writers became singers at Tootsie's, such as Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Charley Pride and Waylon Jennings; others remained at Tootsie's and pitched their songs to Roger Miller, Harlan Howard and Kris Kristofferson for possible recording projects.
Tootsie's is an iconic Music City landmark and an attraction for visitors and artists from Nashville alike. Many big name performers such as Kenny Chesney, Kix Brooks, Montgomery Gentry and Kid Rock have performed at Tootsie's in recent years - they all experience its rich history first-hand!
