Oliver Anthony Makes Nashville Debut At Tootsie’s Birthday Bash
The air was electric at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge on the night of its 63rd birthday celebration. Country music fans from the local community, along with tourists and musicians, converged on the historic honky-tonk to commemorate the legacy of this iconic Nashville institution. The party took place on a perfect fall night in Nashville. Thousands of people descended to historic downtown Broadway to be part of this unforgettable event. The whole area was packed with people as far as you could see standing shoulder to shoulder and enjoying every moment.
Tootsie's is a honky-tonk bar located in Nashville, Tennessee behind the Ryman Auditorium. In past years, the Ryman Auditorium was home to the stage and radio show The Grand Ole Opry. Tootsie's is known for its three stages that host live local talent each night, covering modern-day country music artists such as Jason Aldean, Taylor Swift, and other performers, as well as original work. Some of its early famous first customers were Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline, Mel Tillis, Kris Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings, Roger Miller, and numerous other country musicians.
Photos By: Nashville Is His Bride
Originally named Mom's, Hattie Louise "Tootsie" Bess bought the future honky-tonk in 1960. The name came later when, to her surprise, a painter made the exterior of the lounge purple. Subsequently, the name was changed to Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, and, to date, the exterior of the building still is painted the same color.
The birthday party kicked off with The War Hippies, and Donnie Reis began the set with his signature violin version of the Star-Spangled Banner as thousands of fans sang along in support. they were followed by Montgomery Gentry’s Eddie Montgomery. The audience was wild and cheering throughout their entire performance.
Colt Ford then took the stage and brought out Kidd G for his final song. Tootsie's introduced their special surprise guest as none other than Wheeler Walker Jr. Who strutted out to take the Nashville stage. The crowd went wild as he performed some of his classic hits.
Lee Brice pumped the crowd up with some of his top hits including Rumor, Soul, and wrapping up with Parking Lot Party. The energy was so high that you could feel the crowd's excitement.
Next was Randy Houser opening his set and getting the crowd warmed up with Going Out with My Boots On. He then brought out, who he called a "brother," Jamey Johnson. Johnson performed some of his most iconic songs like Mowin’ Down the Roses and Jennings and Jones. After a few songs together, they then brought out the recent internet sensation Oliver Anthony.
As he joined the group he accompanied them by starting to sing the legendary song In Color by Jamey Johnson. The crowd sang so loud that it sent goosebumps down my spine. The crowd was primed and ready for Anthony. The two legends stepped to the side and gave Anthony the stage to make his debut in Nashville to the largest crowd he had ever played. As he nervously told the crowd this was his first time in Nashville, he prepared to read a passage from the bible to the crowd. He then stated,
“It’s crazy for such a big city this town has an old town feel, when you walk down the street everyone knows your name”.
He began reading Matthew 10:26-33
“Jesus said have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.”
He then opened with his song Cobwebs and Cocaine. The crowd roared in support of Anthony. The time came that he jokingly told the crowd he “kinda had to sing that one song”. He then began to sing Rich Men North of Richmond for the first time with a full band and the crowd went crazy. They sang every word as if they were singing for their own struggles in life.
After Oliver Anthony exited the stage Randy Houser and Jamey Johnson closed out the unforgettable night making it truly a Nashville night to remember.
