Located a short drive from the Hideaway Farm, this recently restored musical landmark is a proud part of the historic Tennessee Music Pathways. Originally the studio of renowned music producer Red Wortham, for discovering the Prisonaires and operating Sur-Speed Studio, the building was later purchased by Johnny Cash. Building on Red's legacy, Johnny helped to transform the space into a recording studio and music event venue in his adopted hometown of Bon Aqua. Storytellers is where Johnny and June Carter Cash created the legendary music tradition, “Saturday Night in Hickman County,” cementing its place in country music history.
From the 1800s, this building was a general store, next to the railroad tracks, supporting the area, and supplying goods for visitors from throughout the Southern states who were on their way to the cabins in the Bon Aqua Springs Resort.
In the 1960s, independent record producer Red Wortham used the building as a recording studio, and sold the building to Johnny Cash in the early 1970s.
In 1973, Johnny’s Song Catalog Manager, songwriter Loney Hutchins, Mel McDaniels, and several other young musicians were looking for spaces to play and to gain experience in performing. Hutchins asked for Johnny’s backing in renovating the abandoned, tumble-down building. Johnny gave his full support, including some financing. The young men used their own volunteer sweat-equity, and the rough building soon housed The Little Stage and began picking for the community.
WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN IN NASHVILLE, GO OUT THAT MEMPHIS HIGHWAY…
SATURDAY NIGHT IN HICKMAN COUNTY
LONEY STARTED SATURDAY NIGHT IN HICKMAN COUNTY CONCERTS, bringing out young singer/songwriters, as well as welcoming well-known artists, including Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, and various Cash and Carter family members. By advertising on Dickson’s radio, locals found out who was playing when, and the studio in Bon Aqua became a Saturday night date-night destination, as well as fun family evening outing.
Later that year, Johnny wrote and recorded Saturday Night in Hickman County. The only time he released it was on Johnny Cash and His Woman, in 1973.
One of the most significant events that took place at this location was the 20-year anniversary of Johnny Cash being in the music industry. Friends and family members gathered to celebrate Johnny’s impact on music. June Carter even washed his feet with her hair.
"You have a heart as big as you are..."
In the middle 1980s, Johnny sold the Little Stage back to Red Wortham, who converted the building into his studio Sur-Speed. He owned the building until his death, at which point, the building was once again abandoned.
Purchased in 2016 when it was on the brink of collapse, The Hideaway Farm meticulously restored the old building within a year, reclaiming its architectural charm at the heart of Bon Aqua.
Steeped in musical history, the site stands as a Tennessee Music Pathway landmark. Once home to Red Wortham’s studio, it became legendary through Johnny & June’s iconic Saturday nights in Hickman County, and now echoes with the melodies of countless stories who have added their voices to its song.
Today, the legacy of Storytellers continues, offering a unique space where history, stories and music come to life. As a sought-after event venue, Storytellers is hostto intimate weddings, oncein a lifetime concerts, compelling songwriter nights, and private gatherings, keeping its rich tradition alive.
Check out our events page to book your next event today!
