Honky-tonk - Tootsies Orchid Lounge 2004

[x-ray]

This week I found a long lost binder of treasured images I’d made twenty years ago. Everything was archived in Raw format so I’ve been looking through them and converting a handful of files that excited me.

These were shot with a newly acquired 1Ds Canon and wonderful set of primes (2003 or 04). I believe these were shot with either my 35mm f1.4 or 85mm f1.2. Both were great lenses and don’t think I would have had a very good hit rate without these fast lenses.

Honky-Tonks are dark so high ISO and maximum apertures are the norm and the conditions here were no exception. I’d love to go back now and do this again with a new Nikon Z or Canon.

This is the old original Tootsies Orchid Lounge where many of the old time country stars hung out and drank. I hope these convey the mood of this great place.

Unfortunately the images didn’t come up in the order I was hoping and not sure how to arrange them.

If you have honky-tonk photos please post them.

 

[RandyB]

If you go back now you might be surprised at how crowded it is. The popularity of the Lower Broadway district is crazy. In just the past few years crime has started to increase due largely to massive crowds. It is a unique experience not just at Tootsie's but also the other honky-tonks. Back in the early 70's I worked a few blocks from Tootsie's, never went in, nor did I ever go to the Grand Ole Opry, there really was no need to go to the GOO, the local TV stations had several country music shows showcasing many of the stars when they were in town. Plus, many of the stars would come in the the camera store I worked at. Like an idiot, I never took any photos, it was just so common to see these artist out and about just like regular people which they were. Those were the good old days.

 

[x-ray]

If you go back now you might be surprised at how crowded it is. The popularity of the Lower Broadway district is crazy. In just the past few years crime has started to increase due largely to massive crowds. It is a unique experience not just at Tootsie's but also the other honky-tonks. Back in the early 70's I worked a few blocks from Tootsie's, never went in, nor did I ever go to the Grand Ole Opry, there really was no need to go to the GOO, the local TV stations had several country music shows showcasing many of the stars when they were in town. Plus, many of the stars would come in the the camera store I worked at. Like an idiot, I never took any photos, it was just so common to see these artist out and about just like regular people which they were. Those were the good old days.

My son and his wife live in Nashville and my wife and I are in a gallery in the art district. I grew up in and around Knoxville and now live 8 miles south of Knox.

I used to drive over and deal with Doc McGinnis out on Gallatin Rd and occasionally trade with Dury’s too. Docs was the place though if you were looking for Leica gear. Amazing place and Doc was a great guy.

Every time I was in Nashville I had to go to the old Gerst House for a beer and sauerbraten. The Gerst House stood where the stadium is now and it never changed until it moved. The new location just didn’t have the romance though and is now closed.

My wife and I drive over to the Frist Center occasionally but it’s just a day trip with a short visit with my son. We don’t go into the heavy tourist area anymore and are out of town by dark.

 

[RandyB]

Doc was a very generous man, I traded with him many times, I even worked for him for a short while till my wife and I pulled up stakes and moved back to the small family farm. Whenever I/we vacationed in the Smokies I always made time to go to Thompson's. Also Bill Billings in Rockwood. Those were the days of some great photo shops.

 

[x-ray]

Doc was a very generous man, I traded with him many times, I even worked for him for a short while till my wife and I pulled up stakes and moved back to the small family farm. Whenever I/we vacationed in the Smokies I always made time to go to Thompson's. Also Bill Billings in Rockwood. Those were the days of some great photo shops.

I worked for Thompsons for a very short time. Back then it was called the Snap Shop and they had 4 or 5 locations with the main one on Gay Street.

Bill was a great guy! He operated out of that hole in downtown Rockwood and had some great deals on used equipment. I bought a lot of equipment from both Bill and Thompsons.

I looked to see if Bill was still living a couple of years ago and to my surprise he was. Artie his wife had died but Bill was living in a retirement home and think he was 96. It really amazed me he was still with us considering he smoked constantly.

Ball Photo used to be here on Gay St just a couple doors down from Thompson and Myers Camera was on Broadway. In the 60’s into the 70’s there were 3 more camera shops on Gay St or just off Gay.

 

[RandyB]

Maybe I'll see you in the Smokies sometime. Whenever I go I try to go Monday thru mid Friday to avoid the crowds but sometimes that doesn't work.

 

[Bob Michaels]

This is the old original Tootsies Orchid Lounge where many of the old time country stars hung out and drank. I hope these convey the mood of this great place.

Great documentation of an era that is close to extinct today. Was there six months ago and no where near the same.

Little time left to experience this part of our historical culture so move quick. BTW, Mississippi Delta is a good place. But if you miss this part, take your eye away from the viewfinder and look around. You will find other cultural aspects around you that have limited life left, so experience them.

 

[Bob Michaels]

Po Monkey's juke joint outside Merigold Mississippi 2012 - This group of ladies, wear colors identifying themselves as "Nasty Women's Social Club" from Greenwood Mississippi. Willie Seaberry a/k/a "Po Monkey" died in 2016 and his juke closed.

 

[x-ray]

Maybe I'll see you in the Smokies sometime. Whenever I go I try to go Monday thru mid Friday to avoid the crowds but sometimes that doesn't work.

Just drop me a line if you’re coming this way. I live 10 minutes from where I-40 and I-75 split. I’m a few minutes south of Hwy 321 that you take to the Smokey’s. We’re so close to the mountains my wife and I often take our lunch up and enjoy it next to a stream. I’d love to get together.

 

[x-ray]

Po Monkey's juke joint outside Merigold Mississippi 2012 - This group of ladies, wear colors identifying themselves as "Nasty Women's Social Club" from Greenwood Mississippi. Willie Seaberry a/k/a "Po Monkey" died in 2016 and his juke closed.

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Bob your work inspires me, it’s excellent!

I’ve been in MS a number of times but always traveling through or on a job. Now that I’m retired I need to explore that region more.

Another area I’ve been talking about exploring is around Bessemer Al. We take the train from Birmingham to New Orleans and pass through some interesting areas around Bessemer. I think the next time we go I’m going to take a hand held GPS and mark the spots that look interesting. That way I can go back and find them.

One thing that’s always an issue is I’m an outsider and don’t know whether I’d be welcomed. The same is true for outsiders coming in this area. People unfortunately are very suspicious today. I attribute a lot of my Appalachian success to knowing locals that are respected in the community. Just walking into a community can lead to a cold reception sometimes. I’m not shy though and love people and figure that’s half way to making great images. Why not!

 

[Bob Michaels]

Bob your work inspires me, it’s excellent!

My technique is that the subject must be more interesting to me than photography. If not, I end up with perfectly focused, well exposed, technically good but boring photos.

I’ve been in MS a number of times but always traveling through or on a job. Now that I’m retired I need to explore that region more.

Consider a trip down the Mississippi river bookended by Memphis and New Orleans. Can do in one week but better done in two.

One thing that’s always an issue is I’m an outsider and don’t know whether I’d be welcomed.

Oh, come on. I bet you have been rejected enough in your varied life that you know it is simply a part of accomplishing anything. So you know how to work through it.

 

[x-ray]

Consider a trip down the Mississippi river bookended by Memphis and New Orleans. Can do in one week but better done in two.


Oh, come on. I bet you have been rejected enough in your varied life that you know it is simply a part of accomplishing anything. So you know how to work through it.

That’s a great idea! I’d never thought about a cruise. I’m going to start researching it and if you have any suggestions either post or PM.

Two weeks ago I ran across a “redneck” pool hall and intend to see how I’m received there. Things I have in my favor around he is I grew up here and have a strong tinge of red on my neck too. Long hair and white beard. I move slow from arthritis and have the accent. Sometimes even use a cane. No I don’t see any issues around East Tn, Ga and NC. Old guys are pretty much looked on as harmless most times.

I’m going to look into the cruise. NO is a perfect place to end it since my wife’s sister lives there. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Bob Michaels]

That’s a great idea! I’d never thought about a cruise. I’m going to start researching it and if you have any suggestions either post or PM.

Actually, I never thought about a boat down the Mississippi river but it is an interesting concept. I love that wandering drive down Highway 61 and MS 1, with side trips across the river to Arkansas. Highway 61 is as noted as Route 66 but similarly has sections that have become boring 4 lane. But MS 1 is frequently an alternative. Highway 61 is both the physical and musical linkage of the Mississippi Delta down to New Orleans as well as up to Memphis and Chicago. Bob Dylan recorded an album "Highway 61 Revisited", however my favorite version is that of Johnny Winter here

 

[x-ray]

Actually, I never thought about a boat down the Mississippi river but it is an interesting concept. I love that wandering drive down Highway 61 and MS 1, with side trips across the river to Arkansas. Highway 61 is as noted as Route 66 but similarly has sections that have become boring 4 lane. But MS 1 is frequently an alternative. Highway 61 is both the physical and musical linkage of the Mississippi Delta down to New Orleans as well as up to Memphis and Chicago. Bob Dylan recorded an album "Highway 61 Revisited", however my favorite version is that of Johnny Winter here

My wife and I just did a 5000 mile trip along Route 66 during November. A road trip makes much more sense.

We usually take the train but drive down to NO about this time last year. We’ve been talking about doing it again and then driving along the coast to Saint Augustine then up to Savannah and then home. We drive down to Saint Augustine several times a year and have driven up the coast to Charleston and then back home.

I really like the idea of driving down 61 and exploring along the way. I guess we’d pick it up in Memphis? I need to look at a map.

 

[robert blu]

These are excellent photos, I can almost feel the mood and the music. Thank you x-ray and Bob Michaels for posting them.

A photography musical trip in the area would be a dream for me, unfortunately too far away from Italy...but warching the photo gives me so much emotion...

 

[x-ray]

These are excellent photos, I can almost feel the mood and the music. Thank you x-ray and Bob Michaels for posting them.

A photography musical trip in the area would be a dream for me, unfortunately too far away from Italy...but warching the photo gives me so much emotion...

Robert,

Thanks so much!

My wife and I traveled to Italy in 2009 and just fell in love with it. The people are so nice and there’s beauty everywhere.

I know how it is when you live in an area most of your life, you don’t recognize photographic opportunities around you because you see them every day and they’re too common place. I’m afraid I have the same problem where I live.

You have wonderful subjects around you. The art, music, wine making cold be great opportunities to make a really fine photo series. To spend six months or a year in Italy working on a series would be a dream for me.

 

[robert blu]

Robert,

Thanks so much!

My wife and I traveled to Italy in 2009 and just fell in love with it. The people are so nice and there’s beauty everywhere.

I know how it is when you live in an area most of your life, you don’t recognize photographic opportunities around you because you see them every day and they’re too common place. I’m afraid I have the same problem where I live.

You have wonderful subjects around you. The art, music, wine making cold be great opportunities to make a really fine photo series. To spend six months or a year in Italy working on a series would be a dream for me.

We all have our dreams🙂

 

[The Spastic Image]

I worked for Thompsons for a very short time. Back then it was called the Snap Shop and they had 4 or 5 locations with the main one on Gay Street.

Bill was a great guy! He operated out of that hole in downtown Rockwood and had some great deals on used equipment. I bought a lot of equipment from both Bill and Thompsons.

I looked to see if Bill was still living a couple of years ago and to my surprise he was. Artie his wife had died but Bill was living in a retirement home and think he was 96. It really amazed me he was still with us considering he smoked constantly.

Ball Photo used to be here on Gay St just a couple doors down from Thompson and Myers Camera was on Broadway. In the 60’s into the 70’s there were 3 more camera shops on Gay St or just off Gay.

Thompson's is still in business on University Avenue. Deal in used equipment, and the lab is still running. Gene's still there. Maybe one day, you and I can meet somewhere in Knoxville. I live nearby in Oak Ridge.

 

[x-ray]

Thompson's is still in business on University Avenue. Deal in used equipment, and the lab is still running. Gene's still there. Maybe one day, you and I can meet somewhere in Knoxville. I live nearby in Oak Ridge.

I lived in Oak Ridge from 1951 to 58.

I’m in OR quite often and live in Lenoir City now and would love to get together.

I’ll message my email and phone number.

 

[The Spastic Image]

I lived in Oak Ridge from 1951 to 58.

I’m in OR quite often and live in Lenoir City now and would love to get together.

I’ll message my email and phone number.

Thanks!