Lower Broad
Generally considered the Nashville area between 5th Ave & the Cumberland River. It was the live music Honky - Tonk scene that grew up around the Ryman Auditorium when the Opry moved in there in the 1940's. When the Opry moved out in 1970's, Lower Broad slid into decline and by the 1980's it had decayed into a real blighted area. Revival started in the 1990's with the Ryman's restoration and today although it's far different than what it was, Lower Broad is vibrant and alive again.
THE RYMAN ON 5th AVE. IS THE MOTHER CHURCH OF COUNTRY MUSIC
The Opry played there from 1942-1972. Built as a church in 1892 by riverboat Captain Tom Ryman, it hosted historic singers like Caruso in the early 1900's. Hank Williams electrified the audiences there in the late 40's. Elvis auditioned for it in 1954 (he didn't make it) and cried all the way back to Memphis. It was ALMOST torn down in the 1970s to make a parking lot!!! It was fully restored and updated in the mid 1990's . I performed on it's stage in 1996 with Lyle Lovett, Hal Ketcham, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and many more and can truly say "For A Musician There Is Nothing Else Like It"
TODAY ONCE AGAIN ALL KINDS OF MUSIC IS PERFORMED THERE
TOOTSIES IS THE MOST FAMOUS OF THE HISTORIC HONKEY TONKS
In the 50's 60's & 70's It Was The Songwriters Main Hangout: Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Bobby Bare, Mel Tillis, Roger Miller & Many many more. It's backdoor is across the alley from the Ryman and the Opry performers used to come over for a nip between sets.
NEW KID ON THE BLOCK
The Nashville Arena, Hockey Games, Big Concerts, etc
Looking West Up Broadway and
at the top of that hill on the right is....
HUME FOGG HIGH SCHOOL
Nashville's oldest High School started in 1857 . This building goes back to 1912 and is where Erik went for all four years.
Some of its more famous alumni are Dinah Shore and Bettie Page (no relation to Ann)