This reflection takes its cue from a poignant line within a country melody crafted by Thom Schuyler, our esteemed friend and the writer behind “16th Avenue,” a defining hit for Lacy J. Dalton in the early 1980s. The image accompanying this piece captures a moment with some of the key figures who shaped the sounds of Nashville. It’s crucial to acknowledge the equally significant contributions of women songwriters who were also charting their own course and achieving considerable success during this vibrant period, including Marijohn Wilkins, who was present during this particular recording session.
This photograph, taken at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge in 1995, radiates a sense of joy and camaraderie. It’s particularly heartwarming to see Harlan Howard in the company of friends who shared long-standing bonds, predating their ascent to fame and success. Harlan and Bobby Bare’s friendship took root in California before Harlan made his pivotal move to Nashville in 1960. His connection with Willie Nelson blossomed in the early sixties when they were both affiliated with Pamper Music as songwriters. Billy Walker, affectionately known as “The Tall Texan,” had already established his presence in Nashville in 1959, arriving just months before Harlan.
The setting for this snapshot was the filming of Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge: Where the Music Began, a documentary hosted by Willie Nelson. This film delves into the almost mythical origins of Nashville’s transformation into the globally recognized “Music City.” It shines a light on the profound impact of Hattie Louise “Tootsie” Bess on the musicians, songwriters, and recording artists who were instrumental in shaping Music Row during its formative years. Tootsie’s served as a sanctuary, a haven for aspiring songwriters striving to prove their worth. The back room upstairs became a legendary space for songwriters to exchange songs and ideas, giving rise to the tradition of guitar pulls. These songwriters were not just colleagues but also friendly rivals, eager to gauge the potential of their latest compositions and assess the emerging talent in town. If fortune smiled upon them, they might even have the opportunity to perform their newest song for a recording artist taking a break from their Opry performance. Harlan Howard famously quipped, “lots of business gets done in a bar” when you’re a Nashville songwriter, underscoring how integral bars were to the songwriting profession in the early 1960s, essentially functioning as informal offices.
The subsequent chapters of their careers are well-documented. Bobby Bare, Harlan Howard, and Willie Nelson have all been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, solidifying their legendary status. An often-overlooked detail is that Billy Walker was initially scheduled to be on the ill-fated flight that tragically claimed the lives of Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas, and Hawkshaw Hawkins. In a twist of fate, Billy Walker ceded his seat to Hawkshaw. He eventually made his way back to Nashville using Hawkshaw’s commercial airline ticket. Years later, in 2006, Billy Walker, along with his second wife, Bettie, and two members of his band, tragically perished in a car accident while returning to Nashville from a performance in Alabama.
Life on tour is undeniably demanding and not suited for everyone. While performing on stage may exude glamour, the reality of traveling to and from performances is far from it. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all touring musicians, performers, and their dedicated road crews—the true road warriors. To all the artists who “make the noise,” your dedication to sharing your gifts enriches our lives immeasurably. Thank you.
Melanie Smith-Howard 3.9.20
