“It's our opinion that Ernest Tubb Record Shop belongs to Nashville, belongs to the Tubb family, and belongs to a nation of country music fans and visitors who came through the space for more than 75 years," Bryan Kenney said.

He's one half of the brother duo restoring the historic Broadway venue, along with input from Ernest Tubb's grandson, Dale. Building on that vision, the Kenney brothers launched the Nashville Music Collective, a program that will allow the community to "invest a small amount in the space and own a piece of the record shop."

The legacy lives on

Upon opening in 1951, the original shop operated as a record store by day and transformed into a live music venue at night. Saturday nights were reserved for Midnite Jamboree, which featured the likes of Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley.

The goal is to bring this nostalgia and spirit back into the space by fall 2025 with a modern rendition of the Midnite Jamboree + a showcase of original memorabilia.

The lower level will be home to The Victor, a members-only club with a name that pays homage to the popular 1940s radio. | Photo courtesy of Ernest Tubb Record Shop

Floor-by-floor

Ground level | Two bars will split this floor, each with its own stage and outfitted in "old Texas" decor mixed with Tubb keepsakes.
Second floor | The Record Shop will be a reinterpretation of the former with live performances.
Third floor | This floor will serve as a venue for specialty shows, such as new artist spotlights and label events.
Fourth floor | Settle in on the open-air, rooftop bar.