The History of Broadway

Nashville's Honky Tonk Legacy

As the Grand Ole Opry took its place at the Historic Ryman Auditorium and in music history, the nearby Honky Tonk clubs of Lower Broadway became a creative breeding ground for hopeful performers, musicians and songwriters yearning to make it in Music City. Part live music venue and part musician community, the clubs provided encouragement, a stage, and a tip jar for struggling artists.

Honky Tonk Music has strong roots here and remains a major influence on today's country artists with its raucous tales, country love stories, and sorrows to be drowned in the drinkin' and dancin' culture on Lower Broadway.

From legends like Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson to hot new artists like Dierks Bentley and Gretchen Wilson, these clubs have nurtured the talent and steeled the nerves of countless hopefuls before they became household names. Today, the Honky Tonks of Lower Broadway have become a must-see destination, maintaining a down-to-earth musician hangout attitude while welcoming visitors from around the world.

As you take in the famous sights and sounds of Nashville's Honky Tonks, don't be surprised if the person sitting next to you is a famous athlete, movie star, or politician. They've all been known to go Honky Tonkin' from time to time. And who knows? You might just get a sneak preview of the next big thing to come out of Nashville.