The World Famous Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge will celebrate its 58th Birthday in downtown Nashville Wednesday, October 10th beginning at noon. As part of the celebration, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge will feature entertainment on the outdoor Broadway stage throughout the day with a FREE, star-studded evening concert featuring performances from Randy Houser, international superstar Kid Rock and Jake Owen.
The annual Broadway street-party will also feature performances from country music’s finest, including Terri Clark, Darryl Worley, Montgomery Gentry, John Stone, Anthony Orio, Scott Collier and more.
“Tootsie’s Birthday Bash has become one of the most highly-anticipated annual events on lower Broadway. Each year it gets bigger and better,” said Tootsie’s owner Steve Smith in a release. “Many artists started at Tootsie’s, and having them come back year after year is a great honor to the legacy and memory of Tootsie Bess! Everyone should come out and experience that magic on our 58th birthday.”
Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge has operated across the alley from the Ryman almost continuously since 1960. Its proprietor from 1960 to 1978, Hattie Louise “Tootsie” Bess, bought the lounge called “Mom’s” and named it for herself. Why the purple color? A painter mistakenly painted the exterior orchid purple. The color was never changed and became Tootsie’s signature color. Over the years, famous customers served were Kris Kristofferson, Faron Young, and Willie Nelson when they were still up-and-coming artists, and Tootsie was well-known for her generosity toward struggling musicians. Inside there’s a photo and memorabilia-lined walls are called “Tootsie’s Wall of Fame.” Tootsie’s is located at 422 Broadway in downtown Nashville.
