For more than 40 years, the iconic Bluebird Cafe has served as a late-night beacon to the restless minds of Nashville’s songwriting scene. Opened in 1982 by Amy Kurland, the 90-seat cafe and music venue has played host to the discovery of artists like Garth Brooks, Kathy Mattea, and Taylor Swift. And much like Hank Jr., Amy is carrying on an old family tradition. Her father, Sheldon “Shelly” Kurland—born on this day (June 9) in 1928—was a much-heralded session violinist who also arranged songs for a whole host of prominent country names.
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How Shelly Kurland Helped Shape the “Nashville Sound”
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Shelly Kurland’s father, Samuel, began giving the boy violin lessons when he was just 5 years old.
His natural musical inclinations and dedicated training helped him win a contest on the popular New York City radio show Major Bowes Amateur Hour…