Country Music Hall of Famer Bobby Bare’s 90th birthday celebration was a night to remember, filled with iconic performances. Hosted by Bobby Bare Jr., the sold-out event, “An American Salute to Bobby Bare,” took place at Basement East on April 7th.

The Americana Music Association presented the show, with proceeds benefitting MusiCares®. This star-studded lineup included: Shawn Camp, Elizabeth Cook, Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris & Buddy Miller, Jamey Johnson, Kendell Marvel, Chuck Mead, Jacob Tolliver, The Cowpokes, Rodney Crowell, Jim Lauderdale, Mary Gauthier, Aaron Lee Tasjan and Lucinda Williams.

Though Bobby was not in attendance, his presence was deeply felt throughout the sold-out room. The diverse crowd of fans was a testament to how his music resonates across generations, continuing to break boundaries and connect with people of all ages. Listeners were singing along all night, right up until the final song, when the entire room joined in to sing “Happy Birthday” to the legend himself!

In addition to the incredible performances by these legendary artists, the audience was reminded of the special proclamation from Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, who declared April 7th as ‘Bobby Bare Day’ in honor of the country legend! This official recognition not only celebrated Bobby’s monumental contributions to country music but also solidified his lasting impact on the city’s rich musical heritage.

Set List:

    “Last Truck Driving Man” – The Cowpokes
    “Motel Time Again” – The Cowpokes
    “Margie’s At The Lincoln Park Inn” – Chuck Mead
    “All American Boy” – Chuck Mead
    “Shame On Me” – Bobby Bare Jr.
    “Daddy What If?” – Bobby Bare Jr.
    “God Bless America Again” – Elizabeth Cook and Bobby Bare Jr.
    ” “NO MEMORIES HANGING ROUND” – Rodney Crowell and Elizabeth Cook
    “Droppin’ out of sight” – Rodney Crowell
    “Ride me down easy” – Shawn Camp
    “New cut road” – Shawn Camp
    “Drunk and Crazy” – Kendell Marvel
    “TEQUILA SHELIA”– Jacob Tolliver
    “Millers cave” – Jim Lauderdale
    “4 strong winds” – Jim Lauderdale
    “I drink” – Mary Gauthier
    “For the song” – Aaron Lee Tasjan
    “the winner” – Aaron Lee Tasjan
    “Cover your eyes” – Jamey Johnson
    “This guitar is for sale” – Jamey Johnson
    “Rosalie’s good eats Cafe” – Jamey Johnson
    “How I got to Memphis” – Buddy Miller
    “Streets of Baltimore” – Emmylou Harris
    “Green green grass of home” – Emmylou Harris
    “Detriot City” – Lucinda Williams
    “500 miles” – Steve Earle
    “Marie Laveau” – Steve Earle
    “Drop kick me jesus” – Steve Earle

With the electric crowd at Basement East kicking off this week of celebration, the energy was undeniable from the very first note. As fans and artists continue to honor Bobby Bare’s monumental influence on country music, stay tuned for more events throughout the week, featuring even more unforgettable performances and tributes.

Thursday, April 10:
Grand Ole Opry House
Opry Country Classics
Tickets Here: opry.com/show/2025-04-10-opry-country-classics-at-the-opry-house-at-7-pm

Saturday, April 12:
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Writers Round: The Songs of Bobby Bare
Featuring Buddy Cannon, Todd Snider, and Bobby Bare Jr.
Tickets Here: countrymusichalloffame.org/calendar/writers-round-the-songs-of-bobby-bare

About Bobby Bare
Born in Ohio, Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry member Bobby Bare is one of the most legendary country artists of our time with genre-shaping songs like “Detroit City,” “500 Miles,” “Marie Laveau” and many more. From country legends like Little Jimmy Dickens and Hank Williams to big band acts like Phil Harris and the Dominoes, Bare’s style was molded and led him to nearly five dozen Top 40 hits from 1962 to 1983. The original “Outlaw” of country music, Bare has been honored with many awards and accolades, multiple GRAMMY nominations and wins and an induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013. In 2017, Rolling Stone named him in the top 50 of the “100 Greatest Country Artists of All Time.” An architect of the Outlaw Movement, he gained control over his own production and created Country’s first concept album, A Bird Named Yesterday, in 1967. Throughout his career, Bare championed the works of legendary songwriters like Tom T. Hall, Kris Kristofferson, and Shel Silverstein, whose collaboration with him resulted in the landmark album Bobby Bare Sings Lullabys, Legends and Lies. 2018 marked his 60th anniversary in the music business and the release of his studio album, Things Change, and two new music videos. A pinnacle moment in his life occurred in 2018 as he was welcomed back home as a member of the Grand Ole Opry by Garth Brooks. Over six decades, Bare released 38 albums and influenced countless artists, including Waylon Jennings and Billy Joe Shaver. His ability to find and interpret great songs, combined with his compassion and wit, made him one of country music’s most beloved artists. Bobby Bare’s legacy endures as a testament to the power of storytelling in music. For more information, visit bobbybare.com.