An iconic record shop in Nashville will be closing in Spring.
The famous "Ernest Tubb Record Shop" in Nashville will, unfortunately, be closing its doors after over 70 years.
The company that runs the store released a statement about the record shop closing. The statement read:
“It’s with great sadness that we share the news that the Ernest Tubb Record Shop — building and business — will be sold,”
The statement continued by saying:
“Our goal has always been to protect, promote and preserve the great history of the record shop and building. 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.”
The record shop was founded by Grand Ole Opry legend Ernest Tubb in 1947 and has always remained in the same location since its opening. The shop has specialized in selling country records and has also hosted a number of exclusive in-store performances.
After Tubb's passing in 1984, the store was purchased by employee David McCormick.
McCormick commented on the store closing. He said:
“We are heartbroken that the store, which has existed in its current location in the heart of lower Broadway since 1951, will close this Spring,” ... “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 building where the record shop sits was sold in 2020 for a whopping $4.75 million. A drastic increase since McCormick bought it in 1992, he paid $128,000.
The store will be closing in the Spring of 2022.