Knoxville in Knox County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Uncle Dave Macon

Sterchi Brothers Furniture

— Cradle of Country Music Tour —

Uncle Dave Macon Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 10, 2019

1. Uncle Dave Macon Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Sterchi Brothers Furniture established its headquarters here in the 1920s and had a profound influence on the development and early popularity of country music. As agents for Aeolian - Vocalian Record Co., the Sterchis (with talent scout Gus Nennsteil) discovered early talents like George Reneau and Mac & Bob. The company also subsidized many Nashville musicians, including pioneer Opry star Uncle Dave Macon, whose early recording sessions in New York were sponsored by Sterchi Brothers .

Erected by Cradle of Country Music Tour. (Marker Number 10.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce.

Location. 35° 58.101′ N, 83° 55.204′ W. Marker is in Knoxville, Tennessee, in Knox County. Marker is on South Gay Street north of West Vine Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located along the sidewalk, adjacent to the northwest corner of the subject building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 120 South Gay Street, Knoxville TN 37902, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking

Uncle Dave Macon Marker (<i>wide view</i>)<br>(<i>Sterchi Building in background</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 10, 2019

2. Uncle Dave Macon Marker (wide view)
(Sterchi Building in background)

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distance of this marker. The Midday Merry-Go-Round (a few steps from this marker); Hubris Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Archie Campbell / Chet Atkins (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Battery Wiltsie (about 600 feet away); Father Abram J. Ryan (about 700 feet away); Vinnies Italian Restaurant (about 700 feet away); Charlie Oaks (about 800 feet away); St. James Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Knoxville.

Also see . . . The Sterchi Building was home to its original namesake, Sterchi Brothers Furniture. Sterchi played an important role in the pre-Nashville development of country music. The business sold phonographs, which before 1920 were used mainly by music aficionados and opera, gospel, and marching-band fans. Sterchi had the idea to expand that market for phonographs to working-class people by recording folk music. (Submitted on June 6, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on September 22, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 186 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 6, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.