Vinyl Touch

Find the pride of Music City’s past and present inside these popular record stores

A peek inside Jack White’s Third Man Records

Vinyl is alive and well in Nashville. Not only does Music City press more than half of North America’s records, there is also an abundance of stores where you can browse stacks upon stacks ofthe nostalgic media. Step inside one of these one-of-a-kind shops and you’ll see for yourself: records are about more than buying music. From hip to historic to hip again, records are Nashville’s pride and joy. Decked out in black and yellow hues, the Nashville location of Jack White’s THIRD MAN RECORDS opened in 2009. Entering the shop is like peeking behind a curtain of the rockstar’s weird and wonderful mind. Beyond the novelties lounge, tour the independent label’s offices and distribution center, see the live venue with rare directto-acetate recording capabilities and even create your own 2-minute record in a 1947 Voice-o-Graph booth.

Located on Broadway, ERNEST TUBB’S RECORD STORE has been in business for more than 66 years and specializes in the hard to find. Named for former Grand Ole Opry star and a pioneer of country music, the store often welcomes singers and songwriters—whether planned performances for the Midnite Jamboree or those just stopping in to say hello.

In addition to hosting live performances in the backyard, East Nashville’s FOND OBJECT RECORDS is a self-described “psychedelic department store” that also sells vintage goods as well as occasionally hosts a petting zoo. Simply put, you never know what you’ll find.

Nearby VINYL TAP is helmed by Todd Hedrick, a fourth-generation East Nashvillian who isn’t shy to share his love for wax and drafts with locals and visitors alike. Sip a cool drink while browsing stacks— there are even cup holders for your glass—or stay awhile to catch a live show on the stage. You’re on Nashville time now.

Vinyl spins at Third Man Records.

Located on Broadway, Ernest Tubb’s Record Store stays open until midnight on weekends.

Vinyl Tap is part bar, part venue and part shop.

Store owner Jem Cohen outside Fond Object.

Even serious audiophiles don’t take themselves too seriously at Fond Object.

From hip to historic to hip again, records are Nashville’s pride and joy.

By Colleen Ann McNally

Photos by Isaac Arjonilla