The Scene Nashville: Robert's Western World

In this episode of The Scene, Gibson TV host Mark Agnesi takes us down to the strip in Nashville to a spot that’s launched a few careers, sold some Luccheses, and serves up a mean fried bologna sandwich, the incomparable Robert’s Western World.
As its name more than hints to, Robert’s Western World was at one time a western apparel retailer selling cowboy boots, hats, and shirts, but somewhere along the line, it morphed into Nashville’s top-rated honky-tonk, eight years running.
Mark sits down with the current owner, Jesse Lee Jones, aka Brazil Billy, a recording artist in his own right and a Brazilian ex-pat whose love of country music and Americana led him to Nashville and Robert’s.
As honky-tonks go, Robert’s Western World isn’t a bar with a theme; it’s a theme come to life. Jesse describes his first impression of the place simply as “It was so wrong, that is was right,” which could not only be the title of a legit country-western tune, it’s a spot-on description of this eclectic Nashville landmark. Novelty aside, Robert’s Western World has also served as a launching pad of sorts for artists like Don Kelly, Guthrie Trapp, Daniel Donato, and Brent Mason.
On any given day, seven days a week, you can come into Robert’s Western World, order yourself some fried pickle spears, a cold PBR, and catch a glimpse of Nashville’s future superstars.
For more information about Robert’s Western World, visit www.robertswesternworld.com.
The Scene is a Gibson TV Original Series hosted by Mark Agnesi, who traverses the country to discover and recognize the music landmarks that help shape the music scenes of cities across America.
#Gibson #nashvilletn #robertswesternworld
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[@leftwrite]

Robert’s Western World is an absolute destination any time I visit NashVegas. The vibe is undeniable.

[@jaxplanner7282]

We need more like Jesse Lee, his love and passion for the traditional, and his respect for those that came before is SO refreshing! Thank you, Jesse Lee for keeping the music and tradition alive!

[@christyrpak4378]

I had the privilege of having a guitar lesson with both Brent Mason and Guthrie Trapp. In addition to being unbelievable guitar masterminds, both guys were totally down to earth and pure class all the way around.

[@adam-yk6yd]

When I went to Nashville this year I saw Chris Casello in Robert’s and he delivered one of the best performances I have ever seen of anyone playing an electric guitar. Fantastic place with incredible music - don’t miss Roberts if you are in Nashville

[@RandalSmith]

I’ve had the honor of backing Jesse Lee on several occasions. He is the real deal, and is an amazing singer. He did the best version of “Ave Maria” I’ve ever heard. We need more people like him.

[@michelmoe]

Here I was watching and thinking, well his accent sounds familiar. Here I was watching from Sao Paulo, Brazil, urging to put on my cowboy boots and go see this place :) someday soon, I hope!

[@badbrad]

Gibson TV opening segment featuring a Telecaster in the soundtrack.

[@duffmatty63]

One of your best episodes yet, Mark. You asked thoughtful questions and then simply listened... what an amazing story. Probably because it is authentic. Thanks for this great series.

[@ronmiller1162]

thank you Gibson and Mark for bringing us some down home history from music city

[@thmmke6926]

what a beautiful presentation, jessee nd mark, great job all heart,

[@chrisdunnettmusic]

I've been here over 13 years and Robert's is still my favorite down on Broadway. Sadly, I like many locals never go down to Broadway any more because of how insane it's gotten over the last several years.

[@smalltownscarecrow]

I feel the same way. It has changed and in my opinion not for the better.

[@chrisdunnettmusic]

@@smalltownscarecrow Yup

[@QBBSAXET]

I know what you are talking about when talking about insane downtown. But where do locals go? Thanks!

[@chrisdunnettmusic]

@@QBBSAXET East Nashville

[@timothygarland8380]

Every City in the United States would love to have what you so negatively describe lower Broadway. Eight billion dollar industry lower Broadway is part of. Expected revenue to climb over ten billion!!! Insane? You're making it sound negative.

[@giulioluzzardi7632]

Grazie Mark, I hope to visit this fantastic place soon..

[@mitchellhorner1510]

Finally! Another one! Love these

[@nickjackson6375]

Got to Johnny Hiland here when I was 14. It was jaw dropping awesome.

[@wayneblanchard97]

Thank you. When Mr. Lee spoke about the opportunity that arose, I was reminded that we all encounter pivotal points in our life. Some of us accept, some reject...and others simply don't notice. He, thankfully, accepted. And he is obviously the right person to be in charge if this gem of a venue. Good for him! And again, thank you for this and the other fine clips produced by Gibson TV.

[@stevehughes1510]

Thanks you guys, another venue for me to visit when I make it to Nashville. Great to see the aerial view of the strip. Cheers.

[@duanewelsh5611]

A lot of great guitar players came through here. What a cool place. Keep on keeping on Jesse!

[@paulofreire7520]

Great story, great place. All the best for Robert’s Western World. Keep rocking! 👍🏻

[@jimwoodard64]

I love this! We had a place like this in Upstate NY when I was a kid. My dad would take me there and we'd hear the live bands of the day while dad ate pickled eggs and cheap beer! It was a honkytonk right up until it closed a year or so ago. Now, it's across the street with new energy and a new owner. Good times still to be had.

[@mudkat7611]

I was just in Nashville and RWW last week-- Thoroughly enjoyed every second of time in Robert's!

[@michelbouchard2154]

Man, I love stories like this.

[@joethebumbler]

Was there last week and loved it! Absolutely the best music.

[@philcory5043]

"So wrong it's right" Looks fabulous. Thanks Dudes 😎

[@monteklein1112]

Every Time I visit Nashville, "Big E" owner of a fine local tour outfit, personally takes me to Robert's for Bologna sandwiches, beverages, and great music! My vote for favorite Broadway place too!

[@blakehillard1533]

Best and only place to go on Broadway. Kelly’s heroes, Cowpokes and so many talented bands. Recession special all day!

[@DRChevalier]

I look forward to episodes of the Scene. Very well done.

[@youKnowWho3311]

Some of the best slingers to ever haunt the row. Legendary spot. Brent, Guthrie, JD, Johnny, Red....... "Get you some of that for 12 dollars" ~Don Kelly

[@rockinredneck57]

Now there's "the kid", just turned 21, been playing here since he was 16, Luke McQueary. He's gonna give them all a run for their money. 😅

[@tomstiel7576]

he is good,,,,but he has a long way to go@@rockinredneck57

[@jamescamack2262]

Best bar in Nashville hands down.

[@rickycompton2610]

Great to see Gibson and Mark doing these videos they are so cool what a killer Old school honky tonk can’t wait to go to Nashville this will definitely be on my list of places to go.

[@niguel4438]

Can’t wait to get back to Nashville and visit Roberts.

[@rowdyhoo]

That place is definitely on my 'Bucket List!'

[@MrKaufmana1]

This is great, warmed my heart. Glad you talked about BR5-49, but Don Kelly is the king.

[@bernardhossmoto]

Thanks for posting! In June 2012 I was in Nashville (and Memphis) on a Gibson factory tour with Thomann Germany. I discovered JD Simo at Robert's when he was playing with The Don Kelley Band. I even got IDed at the age of 43, which was new to me as an Austrian, but the girl at the door was really sweet. Please do Tootsie's next!

[@chrisdunnettmusic]

I used to see JD Simo down there quite a bit when I first moved here. Don't get too flattered by the ID lol...it's a law here you can't drink with an expired license so they check everyone ;)

[@davidjessee7701]

I have a black paisley t style guitar from Thoman Music.. Harley Benton... I love it

[@ksgtrpkr]

Very Cool!

[@mikeg.9238]

Can't wait to move down there , within the next 2yrs!👍

[@danielpearce6462]

Follow your heart. Words to live by.

[@matthewsouthworth3848]

How is it even possible that a guitar-based show doesn’t mention this was the home of Sho-Bud pedal steel guitars?! That’s major Nashville-and guitar-history…still, good to see the place!

[@JB-pc7mg]

Foi um prazer visitar seu bar !

[@billtice5057]

Very cool!

[@ThreeHeadedThreep]

Why no mention of Luke McQueary?

[@gregd.3278]

I agree, that’s a great vid... thanks

[@incognitoguitars9999]

Awesome

[@GrovesGuitars]

Jesselee got that Stevie Ray boot shuffle down big time!

[@ronmatthews7213]

Didn't mention that Telemaster Redd Volkaert was also a member of Don Kelley's band for a while. Don just had a knack for finding the best players to occupy that small corner of Robert's stage. I've seen and heard just about all of them over the years.

[@MarcJBeard]

The first time I went to Nashville was in 2007.. so glad I saw the original downtown, back then it was old school .. I even busked with the hobo’s outside the closed down Gibson store.. #goodtimes 🍻

[@kennymac58]

Good job Mark!

[@bradhardisty1652]

You missed the Eric Clapton history. Shobud guitars used to be in the back. That's where he bought several old Strats, brought back to his Hotel room, interchanged parts and built Blackie.

[@charlesrocks]

Robert's is fantastic. Those Cheeseburgers are amazing.

[@beatapt5]

Played an actual paying gig there late 1994(?), a minor miracle at the time downtown (the paid part). A cool experience.

[@gieljannoe6404]

This is awesome

[@JarvisFred]

RWW is the best of Broadway for sure.

[@hammertownpavao]

Not a single one of these musicians plays Gibson Guitars - but that’s alright Gibson has slash & he’s awesome !

[@bradwebber3211]

Guthrie Trapp plays a es335 regularly

[@guitarmaniax]

Wasn’t this place a music store before it became a honky tonk? I’ve seen old pictures where the sign said Sho-Bud.

[@allenmitchell09]

I had no idea Billy gibbons played snare with brushes before!

[@HiHello-ku1fl]

I love that guy and that place. Keep it real uncle Jesse! I'd be down in Brazil with those smokin hott Brazilian girls but I get the love of that music.

[@squirrelray1]

I believe Redd Volkaert was with Don Kelly as well. Never a bad picker in that band.

[@JPM-NM]

Brent Mason, Johnny Hiland, Guthrie Trapp, JD Simo, Daniel Donato…and now Don Kelley’s last band lineup before he retired plays there as Kelley’s Heroes. Watch out for Luke McQueary. He’s the last of Don’s guitar monsters and the next one to take the guitar world by storm.

[@user-et2fj8xm5l]

What about Memphis??

[@CarmenRizzo-pn1uw]

ShoBud

[@biketopia]

Brazilbilly 👍

[@metroecco7908]

wat kind of boots he wearing like them alot!!!

[@idahofinn-1995]

If the right band is playing at Roberts throw a tip in the jar and ask for anything by BR5-49.

[@greedygringoprospecting6941]

had a new bridge put on my eb5. the babics bride to stiff.

[@patty-cf7jj]

I was just there last week. Very basic drinks or beer. I requested an old fashioned but was told they don’t have bitters. Great music though.

[@cedarbay3994]

Wayne Newton vibe

[@andy_travis]

Never mentioned Shot Jackson??? Or Sho-Bud?! That is so wrong.

[@losermcgee7611]

This bar has less to do with Gibson guitars than my bedroom and I only have 3 guitars and all of them are Ibanez.

[@jimd41]

Better than Tootsies

[@nolarocks]

Is he Portuguese? Never mind - watching the video answered my question.

[@jimmyeatsword6421]

Pick yerself up some big boy shoes while you are there...

[@teleuser]

They forgot to mention Matthew Allen Lee who is probably better than all of those they named.

[@brentsims8002]

Roberts !! Home of fried bologna and telecasters ! SMH Mark 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@WilliamJohnson95]

Awe left out all of sho bud :(( but great video otherwise

[@cancelwoke9384]

It's nice to see Gibson Guitars making such a great comeback, after Obama tried to shut them down.

[@codymccloud7718]

I worked at the Gibson factory from 2005-2019 and your comment is complete bullshit. Had nothing to do with Obama.

[@MrVanalen]

What the F has this got to do with Guitars just a bit dull💁‍♂️

[@chrisdunnettmusic]

A lot actually if watch until the end

[@jsauce311]

Bro.. go take a nap

[@chrisdunnettmusic]

@@jsauce311lol

[@MrVanalen]

@@jsauce311 I’m not your Bro bell end!

[@rockinredneck57]

Oh, I dunno. Chuck Meade, Brent Mason, Redd Volkaert, Johnny Hiland, JD Simo, Guthrie Trapp, Daniel Donato, Luke McQueary. Do any of those names ring a bell?