Lorenzo Washington Recognized by Global Honors Program for Preserving Nashville's Musical Legacy

Jefferson Street Sound Museum founder featured at Honorable Life dinner 

Lorenzo Washington, founder and curator of the Jefferson Street Sound Museum, was the guest of honor at the fourth annual Honorable Life Dinner hosted by Belmont's Global Honors Program. 

Washington, a passionate advocate for preserving Nashville's rich musical heritage, received the program's Honorable Life Award for his dedication to keeping the story of Jefferson Street alive for future generations. 

"I'm humbled to receive this recognition," Washington said. "Preserving our community's stories and inspiring the next generation of artists is my life's calling." 

The evening's program included a screening of "Exit 207: The Soul of Nashville," a documentary about Jefferson Street (and features Washington) that Belmont Global Honors students helped produce with students from the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. This collaboration between Washington and Belmont students exemplifies his dedication to educating younger generations. 

Quinn Saleik, a senior data science major and Global Honors student, reflected on the impact of Washington's story after the dinner: "It's really interesting to see and hear the stories of people and locals to Nashville, how Nashville has changed, how that change has affected marginalized communities, how it's affected specific communities directly. I think hearing Lorenzo's story was impactful. You get a lot of rich history at events geared towards giving people a voice to speak in these areas that you wouldn’t see by just driving around the city.” 

"Working with the students has been encouraging to me," Washington said. "I didn't get an education like that, and to see these kids come in full of enthusiasm about something I am doing over there at the museum is just really touching and enlightening." 

Dr. Jen Duck, executive director of Story Studio & assistant professor of journalism who spearheaded the documentary, delivered a moving introduction for Washington. Reflecting on the personal impact of the project, Duck said to Washington before presenting him the Honorable Life bell: "This was my biggest honor ever in life, to tell your story and to have the impact it's had. You are larger than life."  

A Vision for Preserving Nashville's Soul  

The journey to this moment began decades ago when Washington, driven by his love for music, founded "Soul Shack Records and Boutique" in the early 1970s. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to partner with Moses Dillard and Jesse Boyce from Dillard & Boyce Productions in 1976, resulting in a chart-topping single, "Come on Dance," by the Saturday Night Band. 

But it was Washington's vision for the Jefferson Street Sound Museum that truly set him apart. Karen Coffee, vice president of the museum and Washington’s fiancé, shared insights into the museum's inception. 

"When you see the documentary, you'll understand that starting the museum was something God called Lorenzo to do," Coffee explained. "The musicians hoped he would create a place where they could bring their books, records, jewelry and clothes. It was a belief that one person could make a difference." 

The museum, housed in 4,000 square feet of space, boasts an impressive collection of artifacts. Coffee described the unique atmosphere: "When you walk into the museum, it's very authentic. Most traditional museums have pictures spaced three to four feet apart. The Jefferson Street Sound Museum engulfs you; it's a very immersive experience." 

Washington's commitment to authenticity is evident in every aspect of the museum. "Pictures haven't been hung by a formula," Coffee said. "They've been hung by grace and compassion." 

Dr. Bonnie Smith Whitehouse, executive director of Global Honors at Belmont, emphasized the significance of Washington's contributions. "Lorenzo exemplifies what it means to live an honorable life through his tireless advocacy for our city's vibrant musical history. His story embodies the very questions we pose in our 'An Honorable Life' seminar: What does it mean to live a good life? To be good? To do good?" 

Reflecting on the documentary and Washington's work, Dr. Mary Ellen Pethel, assistant professor of Interdisciplinary Studies & Global Education (ISGE) in the Global Honors program, introduced the screening of “Exit 207” and said, "This documentary isn't the whole story, but it is the first chapter in the story of the work that lies ahead, the opening scene in production with many acts. We honor Lorenzo's life, but we also honor his role in this ongoing story." 

The annual Honorable Life Dinner, now in its fourth year, has previously honored notable community leaders including Betty Wiseman, Belmont's women's basketball pioneer, and Dr. Mary Frances Berry, a renowned civil rights activist and historian. 

Mary Husmann, a junior accounting and Global Honors major serving as Global Honors student council president, said, "This is actually the third time I've come to the honorable life dinner, and each time, it's been really unique and really special.” 

For Washington, the recognition goes beyond personal accolades. It's about the legacy he's preserving and the impact he hopes to have on future generations. "I hope that what people can learn from my story is that one individual can make a difference," he said. "Whatever you are called to do, you can make a difference." 

In addition to Global Honors students, the event was attended by students from the Fisk-Belmont Social Justice Collaborative. This partnership, launched in February 2023, brings together students from Belmont and Fisk universities to promote social justice through exposure to civil rights and social justice movements across Middle Tennessee.  

What's Next

• The documentary "Exit 207: The Soul of Nashville" is set to air on Nashville PBS Oct. 17 at 8:30 p.m. 
• Visit jeffersonstreetsound.com to schedule a tour. 
• View the photo gallery from the Honorable Life dinner.