Nashville’s Basement East was the scene of a star-studded tribute to iconic singer-songwriter Bobby Bare on his 90th birthday. Presented by the Americana Music Association, the show-out celebration benefited MusiCares(R). While the singer was not present, the show was recorded and ended with the crowd singing “Happy Birthday” as the finale. The show was one of those unique Nashville experiences that bring together a broad talent pool. Bobby Bare, Jr. played “Shame on Me” and brought out several of the grandchildren, with his daughter reprising “Daddy, What If?”
Bare’s manager also read a proclamation that Nashville’s mayor Freddie O’Connell had declared April 7, 2025 “Bobby Bare Day” in the singer’s honor. Among the performers were The Cowpokes who opened with “Last Truck Driving Man.”
Appealing to a multi-generational audience, performers included Rodney Crowell and Elizabeth Cook, who performed “No Memories Hanging ‘Round”; Shawn Camp, “New Cut Road”; Jim Lauderdale and Aaron Lee Tasman; Mary Gauthier performed “I Drink.”
Jamey Johnson’s performance of three songs served as a reminder that he is one of the most talented and under-recognized singers in Nashville. As the night progressed, the star power grew even brighter and the songs even ore familiar: Buddy Miller sang “How I Got to Memphis” and Emmylou Harris performed “The Streets of Baltimore” and “Green, Green Grass of Home”; Lucinda Williams, though a little unsteady on her feet, showed no sign of stroke’s effect in her performance of “Detroit City.”
Steve Earle closed out the night with such favorites as “500 Miles” and “Marie Laveau,” before bringing back the cast from the night for “Dropkick Me, Jesus.” The birthday celebration served as a fitting reminder of the deep catalog of classics from the pen of Bobby Bare.
All photos by Stephen Jerkins.
