Nashville Palace Closes

Billy Johnson · From: Nashville, Tn, USA

The Nashville Palace has closed as of last night. They are having a private function tonight and that will be the end of an era.
My Mom sang there for many years as Granny Johnson. Many of Nashville's best players and singers have performed there.

[This message was edited by Billy Johnson on 07 March 2005 at 08:59 AM.]

Jack Stoner · From: Kansas City, MO

Since the demise of Opryland in favor of "shopryland" that area, the last time I was there (2 years ago) looked almost like a ghost town.

Sort of "gone away" like the Demonbrun St area did after they moved the Opry to Opryland and ultimately the HOF to their new location.

But, they all go. Little Roy Wiggins music store, where I used to work, has been a bar for many years (and only one story after the Tornados came through a couple of years ago). Tootsie's and the E.T. Record shop are still there, as is Roberts but most everything else, that was there in the early 70's is gone. I worked the Wagon Wheel and Deeman's Den a couple of times in the early 70's but I know the "wheel" closed and I'm not sure about Deeman's.

Unfortunately Gaylord Corp did away with most of the venues that drew tourists to Nashville and with the tourists gone, the business' that were primarily tourist oriented dried up.

One thing that scares me, I was in Roberts about 4 years ago and the guy that owns the Merchants was in there and remembered me from the early 70's. That has me worried...

Kevin Hatton · From: Buffalo, N.Y.

When they pulled Mike Sweeney off steel guitar I refused to go there anymore as I'm sure many other people did. I think they lost money on that idiot decision alone. I have been down there a half dozen times since then and just refused to go in the place. The place seemed mis-managed when I used to go in there anyhow. I'll spend my money down on Broadway supporting the steel guitar players. No steel, and I'm not spending any money, period.

Mike Sweeney · From: Nashville,TN,USA

The writing was on the wall when I was let go on Nov. 26, 2002. The way they went about my deal was what made me upset not the fact I was out of a gig because I hit the ground running and never looked back. I did play there two weeks ago for a benifit for a famed songwriter where I got to play behind Connie Smith, Leona Williams, David and Alan Frizell, Jimmy Fortune and a host of others. So my last time playing the Palace even though it was a benifit was alot of fun.
When Granny Johnson passed away the Palace was never the same. That lady knew more songs than anybody I ever worked with here in Nashville.
I'm surprised the place lasted as long as it did to be honest. The Palace had a great run[30+ years] and the only thing you can count on about a run is it will eventually end.
In Nashville there is always Broadway and the Station Inn on Monday nights to hear a steel guitar. So don't fret, the steel is alive in Nashville.

Mike

Kevin Hatton · From: Buffalo, N.Y.

When I'm down on Broadway and I see an electronic keyboard and no steel guitar or fiddle in the band I make a point to ask to see the manager and tell him I came from N.Y. to hear some REAL country music, not some rock band with a keyboard. Then I walk out and tell him I'm not staying if there is NO steel guitar or fiddle on stage. Believe me, money talks. Voice your objections if you are down in Nashville. It DOES make a difference.

Dave Mudgett · From: Central Pennsylvania and Gallatin, Tennessee

I agree with all your comments, but it sure is tough to see a place like the Palace go. I've been going there since I met my wife (from Gallatin) in 1974, lotta cool music over the years. I also agree, we do have to be persistent, and let clubowners know we want 'real country music', not some warmed over 70s or 80s rock band (and I've got nothing against good rock & roll).

Frank Parish · From: Nashville,Tn. USA

I'm hearing The Palace will reopen but under a different name in the very near future. I heard that on Monday after the "last night" from some folks that were there and well connected to what's going on. It's some kind of legal thing not to keep the name but it'll have new owners and probably after a little remodeling be back up and going. That place is a prime location here and it's not going to sit for very long.

Chip Fossa · From: Monson, MA, USA (deceased)

That is a shame about the Palace. Hate seeing places go that way.

On a sunnier note, when I lived in Leadville, CO for a few years [circa:1976]
I formed a band with some guys and we called ourselves "Kokomo" [named after a long lost town buried under a mining tailing pond that filled an entire valley].

One of our steady gigs was at the Ram Bar right on Main St, Leadville.
But before I arrived on the scene, the Ram used to be an old time shoe repair store.
And years after I left Leadville I stayed in touch with friends still there, and they tell me now that the Ram is some kind of church.
The Ram, in my day, was just the greatest place to play. It was sad to hear of it's demise. So you never know.

All I can say now, retrospectively, is that the Ram went from: making soles, to corrupting souls, to mending souls.

I'm not making this up - true story.

cf

Geoff Brown · From: Nashvegas

Strange to be reading this. I was driving by the Palace last night and couldn't help but notice that it was all dark. I said, "hmmm...wonder what's up with that". I'd never seen that corner when it wasn't all lit up at night. I guess now I know, and I'm sorry to hear it.

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