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Songwriter group buys Bluebird Café
Nashville Business Journal -
by Cynthia Yeldell Nashville Business Journal

Todd Stringer, Nashville Business Journal

Bluebird Café owner Amy Kurland was looking for a buyer who would ensure its legacy would be honored.

The legendary Bluebird Café is being sold to Nashville Songwriters Association International for an undisclosed sum.

Owner Amy Kurland says after 25 years of running the performance music venue at 4104 Hillsboro Road she is looking to retire.

She approached the songwriters association with a deal that will allow them to lease the building from her and buy the business.

The deal was structured so the association would gain revenue from the café from the first day the deal is finalized.

"I wasn't looking for a purchaser who could pay the most," Kurland says. "I was looking for a deal that could make sure the Bluebird could survive and thrive."

Kurland says she chose the organization because she knew it would operate the Bluebird without any changes.

"If I have a mission statement for the Bluebird it is: We help songwriters," Kurland says. "I felt if they were to continue to run it they could continue to do that."

The Bluebird Café opened in 1982. Kurland had plans for a restaurant and at the time she was dating a songwriter.

His friends suggested she add a stage and the rest is history.

Many singers and songwriters got their start there and the café has been featured on television and film.

Among the highlights:

Kathy Mattea landed a record deal in 1983 after playing at the Bluebird.
Garth Brooks was signed by Capital Records after he played there in 1987.
The Bluebird put its show on the road in the 1990s taking its songwriters to festivals, clubs and other venues such as The Bottom Line in New York City.
River Phoenix's last film, "A Thing Called Love," was filmed at the Bluebird in 1992.
Bluebird songwriters have written for artists such as Faith Hill, Patty Loveless, Randy Travis and Garth Brooks.
Bart Herbison, executive director of Nashville Songwriters Association International, says his organization won't make any changes. The 26 Bluebird employees will remain with the company.

The association is a not-for-profit organization.

"We were flabbergasted when Amy approached us a few months ago that she would entrust us with the legacy," Herbison says. "Amy has created a home for songwriters there and we will continue to honor and guard that legacy."

cyeldell@bizjournals.com 615-846-4250