In 1978, Bobby Herald and his future wife Dianne took over the already-renowned Music Row dive and prefixed the name with Bobby's. What started as a simple neighborhood bar would become one of Nashville's most legendary venues — a place where aspiring songwriters cut their teeth and local musicians discovered their voices.
The original location at 1010 16th Avenue South fell victim to Nashville's development boom when it was demolished and replaced with condominiums. But the Herald family refused to let Bobby's Idle Hour fade into history. In 2005, they moved the bar just up the street to 1028 16th Avenue South, a 1908 building that would become the heart of Music Row's live music scene for the next fourteen years. Though Bobby passed away that same year, Dianne kept the doors open, preserving his legacy.
For decades, Bobby's remained a sanctuary for musicians and songwriters seeking authenticity in an increasingly commercialized Music Row. Scores of aspiring musicians took the stage and mixed with songwriters, industry professionals, and music scouts — anyone searching for the heart and soul of Music City. The walls became covered with photographs of performers who'd played there, creating a living archive of Nashville's musical heritage.
When the building's owner sold the property in 2018, Bobby's Idle Hour closed its doors in early 2019 as the last live music venue on Music Row. The closure was prompted by developers' plans to construct a new office building on the site. Yet the spirit of Bobby's refused to be demolished. The bar's ownership aimed to reopen nearly a block away at 9 Music Square South, ensuring that Bobby Herald's vision — a real, unpretentious gathering place for musicians — would continue to thrive.
Today, Bobby's Idle Hour stands as a testament to preservation and perseverance, remaining Music Row's authentic beating heart.