Nashville’s iconic Ernest Tubb Record Shop is closing

“Due to changes in circumstances out of our control, it’s now clear the best way forward is to sell the business and the real estate.”

Nashville’s iconic Ernest Tubb Record Shop is closing its doors this spring.

Founded in 1947 by American country singer-songwriter Ernest Tubb, the shop was the first major all-country record store at the time.

Tubb moved the shop to its Broadway location in 1951, where it has remained, with its much-photographed neon guitar display, to this day.

The space also played host to The Midnight Jamboree radio show, which broadcasted out of the shop in front of a live audience, offering young country musicians the chance to share their music.

“Our goal has always been to protect, promote and preserve the great history of the record shop and building,” the shop’s current owners said of the closure.

“That desire remains as strong today as ever. However, due to changes in circumstances out of our control, it’s now clear the best way forward is to sell the business and the real estate.”

“Preserving the history and tradition of country music remains at the forefront of everything we do. We remain committed to preservation work and look forward to new projects that will allow us to continue to protect and nurture the invaluable history and tradition of country music.”

The shop will close in spring, with no official date yet given.