Historically, honky tonks were rough establishments with music that served alcohol to “working class clientele.” Honky tonks were also known for their piano players, dancers and singers and often small bands played at them throughout the United States. In the early days, they also housed prostitution from time-to-time. Today, they’re mostly casual joints that play live music and serve drinks.

Within the history and quirkiness of honky tonks scattered throughout Nashville lies everything from country music greats who had embarrassing moments on stage at the beginning of their careers to skeletons in the closet, literally.