THIS IS TOOTSIES
Where the Music Began
THE WORLD FAMOUS ORCHID LOUNGE
In 1960 Hattie Louise “Tootsie” Bess bought the lounge called ‘Mom’s”.
Willie Nelson sang “Always On My Mind” for the first time at Tootsies.
Tootsie kept a cigar box of IOUs from hungry pickers and writers she fed.
Kris Kristoffersen was known to sweep floors to settle his bar tab.
Tootsie hired a painter who mistakenly painted the exterior a bright shade of purple.
A part of "Coal Miner's Daughter" was filmed at Tootsies.
Keith Urban & Steven Tyler's impromptu performance on main stage.
There's a collection of photos of songwriters and singers plastered on every floor.
Kid Rock performing at Tootsies Birthday Bash, an annual block party on Broadway.
Ryman Auditorium was home to the Grand Ole Opry before it relocated in 1974.
Brad Paisley recorded a video for his song “Bucked Off” at Tootsies.
!["It’s 17 steps to Tootsies and 34 steps back [to the Ryman].” - Willie Nelson](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6487277cfb42f33c24a72c27/6fb1d60d-3c45-4cb6-9960-8c3d5a58b2b2/DSC_1343.JPG)
"It’s 17 steps to Tootsies and 34 steps back [to the Ryman].” - Willie Nelson
"For The Good Times" by Elvis Presley was Tootsies favorite song.
Tootsie Bess even has her own star on the Nashville Walk of Fame.
The Rooftop Bar was an added addition to the original structure.
Luke Bryan sang here to kick off the Predator's Stanley Cup Final Game 6 in 2017.
Tootsies was considered the Green Room for musicians playing at The Ryman.
Tootsies served as the secondary hub and live coverage for the 2019 NFL Draft.
In 1992, Steve Smith bought Tootsies and spent 14 years reinventing it.
Bess was known to slip money to struggling musicians.
