Robert's Through the Years
The hostory of the most famous honky tonk in the world
1950s-1980s
The Early Days
From the late 1950s to the early 1980s — the heyday of country music — our building served as the home of Sho-Bud Steel Guitar Company. Shot Jackson and Buddy Emmons, two of the greatest steel guitar players in history, manufactured and sold some of the best steel guitars and other musical instruments ever made. They manufactured Dobro-style guitars and made other unique instruments including custom steel guitars for popular bands such as The Monkees, Yes and Poco. It is well worth mentioning that in 1969 Willie Nelson purchased the now famous Trigger guitar from this building.
1990s
Rhinestone Western Wear
Then, in the early 90s, Robert Wayne Moore opened Rhinestone Western Wear, a western boot and apparel store. Having been in the honky tonk business for many years, Robert soon decided that selling western apparel alone just wasn’t enough; soon, a jukebox, beer and cigarettes were incorporated into the store. Shortly thereafter, live solo entertainers and a grill replaced the jukebox. It was an instant hillbilly success!
By 1992, this concept grew in popularity, influencing Robert Moore to change the name from Rhinestone Western Wear to Robert’s 3 Doors Down (Robert had once owned Tootsie’s, which is located three doors from here). Subsequently, it became
Robert’s Western Wear Bar & Night Club. Due to international recognition, it eventually became named what it is today, Robert’s Western World.
Photo Credits: The Tennessean
JesseLee Jones
Takes the Helm
On August 5,1999, Robert Moore decided it was time to pass the torch and chose JesseLee Jones to take over. At that time JesseLee and his band “Brazilbilly” had been playing as the house band since 1995. Longest running house band in downtown
Nashville!
JesseLee picked right up where Robert Moore passed it of and continued the storied tradition of keeping alive the 'music that made Music City'.
2000s-2010s
We Aint Changin'
JesseLee and wife, Emily Ann, together, run Robert’s and have no plans on anything changing! They both love the tradition, the music, the people, and what Robert’s stands for!
Although Broadway is ever changing, with many new bright lights and “honky tonks”, we remain the same! The last of the TRUE Honky Tonk’s. We protect the music that made “Music City”. We are proud to still have our famous boot wall, fried bologna sandwiches (Recession Special), the best burgers on the block, live music, cold beer, and a family owned and operated establishment!”
2011 to present
