This Former Tennessee Church Was Turned Into A Record And Book Lover’s Paradise
What do you get when an old church trades pews for vinyl, books, and shelves packed with music history?
In Tennessee, one former house of worship now draws people searching for new releases, used records, rare finds, and books tied to music and pop culture.
The building gives the whole experience extra character, with high ceilings and a layout that feels far removed from a standard retail shop.
It is easy to come in looking for one album and end up flipping through stacks for much longer than planned. Books add another layer, especially for readers who like biographies, music history, and offbeat titles.
The mix works because both sides of the store reward curiosity. For Tennessee music fans and book lovers, this is the kind of place where browsing can quickly become the main event.
From Pews To Record Bins
Few record stores can claim a past with a steeple-worthy backstory. Grimey’s New & Preloved Music can. Its current home once served as the Point of Mercy Church in East Nashville.
The shop moved into this building in 2018. Before that, it spent years in the Berry Hill area, where it built a loyal following. The move gave the store far more room to grow.
Here is the fun part. Instead of hiding the building’s roots, the new owners leaned into them. The old sanctuary became the main browsing floor, full of crates instead of rows of seats.
High ceilings give the space an open, airy feel. Traces of stained glass still let colored light fall across the aisles. It feels calm and focused, even on a busy Saturday.
You can find the store at 1060 E Trinity Ln, Nashville, TN 37216. The spot sits a short drive from downtown, making it an easy side trip for music fans.
Parking is shared with nearby shops, so a little patience helps.
History lovers will enjoy spotting the details that survived the change. Look up as much as you look down.
The building tells its own quiet story while the records tell theirs. It is a rare case of an old space finding a second life that still gathers people together.
A Sanctuary Stacked With Sound
Bring comfy shoes, because the crates go on for a while. The main floor is packed with vinyl, and it covers far more ground than most shops.
You will find brand new releases next to preloved records with a few years of stories behind them. The mix keeps things exciting.
One bin might hold a fresh indie album, while the next holds a classic from decades ago.
Genres stretch wide. Rock, indie, jazz, soul, hip-hop, blues, and country all get their space. That range means a parent, a teen, and a grandparent can all leave happy.
The shop is known for being well organized. Sections are clearly marked, so you can hunt with purpose. Or you can wander and let the covers catch your eye.
Prices are a pleasant surprise for many music fans. Used records and bargain discs make it easy to try something new without spending much. That is a smart way to grow a collection.
Timing also matters in this hobby. Used collections arrive often, so the stock keeps changing. A shelf that felt quiet last month may hold a treasure next week.
A good tip is to set a budget before you start flipping. Once you get going, the stacks can be very persuasive.
Downstairs Where The Books Live
Plenty of shoppers leave without ever finding the stairs, and that is a real shame. The lower level at Grimey’s is its own little world.
This is where readers get their turn. The basement holds new and preloved books, with a strong focus on music and pop culture. Biographies, band histories, and art books fill the shelves.
Music magazines sit nearby, which is perfect for anyone who likes to read about the albums they love. Flipping through an old issue can feel like opening a time capsule.
The fun does not stop with print. Cassettes, videos, and more records also live down here. Blues, jazz, and metal fans often find deeper cuts on this floor.
The book side of the store has been known as Howlin’ Books. It adds a quieter rhythm to the space. Upstairs feels lively, while downstairs invites you to slow down and read a page or two.
Author events and readings have also found a home here over the years. That turns the basement into a spot for stories as well as sales.
Here is a simple plan. Start upstairs with records, then finish below with books. It is a great way to end the trip on a relaxed note.
Murals That Stop Traffic
Before you even open the door, the walls start talking. The outside of the building is covered in bold, colorful murals.
Many of them show album covers from recent releases. That means the artwork changes over time. It is almost like a giant, outdoor music chart painted by hand.
Sometimes you might catch an artist at work, brush in hand, creating the next piece. Watching a mural come to life is a treat all by itself.
Inside, more art waits. Fans of John Prine will spot murals honoring the beloved songwriter. His music holds a special place in Nashville, and the tribute feels warm and personal.
These walls make the store easy to recognize from the road. They also make great photo backdrops.
Snap a picture with your favorite album, and you have a souvenir that costs nothing.
The murals send a clear message. This shop celebrates music as art, from the sound in the grooves to the images on the sleeve. Cover art matters here.
So take a slow lap around the building first. Check which albums made the wall this season. You might discover a new favorite before you step inside and head for the bins.
Free Shows In A Former Chapel
Picture a concert where the ticket price is exactly zero dollars. That happens often at Grimey’s New & Preloved Music.
The store hosts free, all-ages in-store performances. Artists stop by to play songs, celebrate new albums, and sign copies for fans. The old sanctuary makes a natural stage.
Churches were built for sound to carry, and that still helps today. The store also uses a full PA system with sound techs, so the music comes through clear and strong.
These shows feel close and personal. You are standing a few feet from the performer, not squinting from the back of an arena.
Families can bring kids, since everyone is welcome.
Many events tie into album release days. Some come with signings or meet and greets. It is a chance to shake hands with a musician whose songs you know by heart.
Want to catch one? Check the store’s website and social media for the event calendar. Shows can fill the room quickly, so arriving early is a smart move.
Even if you cannot make a performance, the space still hums with that energy. Somewhere in the crates, the same albums played on that little stage are waiting for a new home.
Staff Who Know Their Grooves
Behind every great record shop stands a crew of walking music encyclopedias. The team here fits that description well.
The staff know the stock and are happy to help. Ask about an album, and they can look up whether it is in the store. If it is not, they can often order it for you.
Do not skip the staff recommendations. These picks are a great shortcut to something fresh. They are chosen by people who spend all day with music, so the taste runs deep.
Near the counter, watch for the album that is currently spinning. The store displays the cover of what is playing. Hear something you like, and you know exactly what to grab.
That little detail turns the whole shop into a discovery machine. The in-store playlist leans eclectic. One hour might bring soul, the next might bring punk.
Here is a friendly tip. Tell the staff what you already love, then ask for one suggestion outside your comfort zone. It is one of the easiest ways to stretch your ears.
Great conversations about music often start at this counter. Sometimes those chats lead to a record you never knew you needed.
Record Store Day Done Right
Once a year, collectors set alarms like it is a holiday morning. That day is Record Store Day, and this shop treats it like a big celebration.
The event supports independent record stores across the country. Special releases come out only on that day, often in small numbers. Colored vinyl, reissues, and rare pressings draw big crowds.
Grimey’s has long been one of the busiest stops in Tennessee for the event. Lines can form early, and the energy is contagious. Strangers swap tips about what they hope to find.
A little planning goes a long way. Look over the official release list ahead of time. Make a short wish list, and rank your top picks in case some sell out.
Bring patience along with your tote bag. Big days mean full aisles. Staying friendly and flexible makes the morning more fun for everyone.
The shop’s close ties to artists add another layer. Musicians in the Nashville area often take part in signed record preorders. That means a copy with a real autograph could end up on your shelf.
Even if you are not a hardcore collector, the day is worth experiencing once. It shows how much a local music shop can bring a community together.
A True Nashville Institution
Music City has no shortage of places tied to songs, yet this shop has earned a special spot. It has grown into one of the best-known independent record stores in the nation.
The journey from Berry Hill to East Trinity Lane helped it reach more people. The bigger space made room for more records, more books, and more events. Still, the shop kept its welcoming spirit.
Grimey’s champions local talent in a big way. Independent Nashville musicians get real support here. That matters in a city full of songwriters chasing their first break.
Well-known artists have also called it a favorite hangout. Kacey Musgraves is one name often linked to the shop.
It is common to see music industry folks flipping through the same bins as everyone else.
Shoppers come from all over the country to pick up a record as a keepsake. Buying music in Nashville makes a meaningful souvenir. Every spin later will bring back the memory of the trip.
The hours are friendly too. The store opens at 11 am most days and at noon on Sunday. That leaves plenty of time to browse at an easy pace.
In a state famous for music, this former church proves physical media still has a strong heartbeat.