“The best songwriters in the world pass through this door.” This statement appears outside the doors of the Bluebird Café in Nashville. Located just southwest of downtown Nashville’s “music row,” the Bluebird gained respect as one of the best stages for aspiring talent in the country music business. The Bluebird Café has changed very little since it opened in 1982, created by owner Amy Kurland as a restaurant and local music venue. Since then, music legends such as Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Toby Keith, Faith Hill, and Vince Gill have visited and performed at the Bluebird Café. Garth Brooks first heard “The Dance,” written by Tony Arrata, at the Bluebird, which later became one of Brooks’ greatest country music hits.

The Bluebird Café has become a popular place for aspiring new artists and songwriters. Although owner Amy Kurland encourages artists to play at the many other established bars along Music Row, many prefer to return to the Bluebird, packing the small venue almost every night. The Bluebird Café often gives audiences a chance to hear music not yet on the radio and listen to stories from the songwriters famous for working with performers like Martina McBride, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, and Tim McGraw. Jim Collins often performs his version of “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy,” a hit by Kenny Chesney, for audiences at the Bluebird Café.

The Bluebird Café has appeared in a number of movies and TV shows, including The Thing Called Love, starring Sandra Bullock, and ABC’s hit series, Nashville.

Today, the Bluebird Café maintains its friendly atmosphere, welcoming local artists to perform at open mic nights. The Bluebird Café remains one of the most significant musical inspirations in Nashville.

Script written by Michelle Richoll.

Credits and Sources:

Bart Herbison, “NSAI: It All Begins With a Song,” last modified September 11, 2014, http://copyright.gov/docs/musiclicensingstudy/comments/Docket2014_3/extension_comments/Nashville_Songwriters_Association_International_NSAI.pdf.

Laura Ewald, “The First Lady of Nashville: Bluebird Café Founder Amy Kurland on the Heart of Country Music,” last modified Fall 2006, http://www.gwu.edu/~magazine/archive/2006_fall/docs/feature_nashville.html.