Kris Kristofferson played Tootsies 55 Years Ago
Kris was one of the many up and coming artists who played Tootsies, and he appeared at the very first Birthday Bash 55 years ago, according to a report (on brentwoodhomepage.com) that quotes the current proprietor, Steve Smith.
Tootsies Orchid Lounge is a world-famous Honky Tonk in Nashville that remains popular today. Over the years, the venue has hosted and served the likes of Kris and Willie while they were still struggling to make their names, with the likes of Hank Williams Junior, Steve Miller and Kid Rock making more recent appearances.
Hattie Louise “Tootsie” Bess
Tootsies was named after the original owner, Hattie Louise “Tootsie” Bess, who bought a lounge which, as the story goes, became known as the Orchid Lounge after mistakenly being painted orchid purple.
Whatever the real truth is, it sounds like great fun, and I wish I lived over the pond so I could have celebrated with the other Bashers – Who knows who turned up, maybe in disguise?
Tootsies Birthday Bashes include music and entertainment outdoors during the day, and I am certain this iconic venue is put to good use after the sun sets.
If ever you go, be sure to check out the wall of fame, and take a camera just in case!
Gérard Leblanc was there. Read about his Roadtrip
Image is Creative Commons – Attribution By Kathleen Conklin from Falls Church, USA
