Tennessee isn’t just famous for its music history—it’s also home to some of the best record stores in the South. Whether you’re hunting for rare pressings, indie releases, or classic albums, the state’s vinyl shops offer something special for every collector.
From Nashville’s legendary spots to hidden gems in smaller cities, these stores keep the analog tradition alive with personality, passion, and thousands of records waiting to be discovered.
1. Grimey’s New & Preloved Music — Nashville
Walking into Grimey’s feels like stepping into the heart of Nashville’s music scene. The energy here is electric, with rows of records organized by genre and staff picks that actually mean something. You’ll find everything from brand-new releases to dusty treasures that have been waiting decades for the right buyer.
What makes Grimey’s stand out is the sheer variety. New vinyl sits alongside preloved gems, CDs fill dedicated sections, and cassettes have made their comeback on well-stocked shelves. The store doesn’t just sell music—it celebrates it with in-store performances, signings, and a community vibe that keeps regulars coming back weekly.
Serious collectors appreciate the knowledgeable staff who can talk shop about pressings, labels, and obscure B-sides without making you feel like a newbie. Casual browsers love the approachable layout and the thrill of stumbling onto something unexpected. The used section alone could keep you busy for hours, with prices that won’t wreck your budget.
Located in East Nashville, Grimey’s has been a Music City institution for years, and it shows. The store has that lived-in feel that only comes from genuine passion and years of serving the vinyl community. Whether you’re building a collection from scratch or hunting for a specific pressing, this place delivers.
Plan to spend some time here. Rushing through Grimey’s would be like skipping dessert—you’d miss half the good stuff. Bring a tote bag, clear your afternoon, and prepare to leave with more records than you planned to buy.
That’s just how it goes when the browsing is this good.
2. Third Man Records — Nashville
Jack White’s Third Man Records isn’t your average record shop. Sure, you can buy vinyl here, but you can also record your own, watch records get pressed, and grab releases you won’t find anywhere else. The whole place feels like a celebration of analog music culture, designed by someone who genuinely loves the format.
The store stocks Third Man label releases along with carefully curated selections from other artists and labels. Exclusive pressings, colored vinyl, and limited editions fill the bins, making every visit feel like a treasure hunt. If you’re into White Stripes, Raconteurs, or Jack White’s solo work, this is your mecca.
But the real magic happens beyond the sales floor. The record booth lets you cut your own vinyl on the spot—a novelty that never gets old. The pressing plant operates right in the building, and watching records get made adds a whole new appreciation for the format.
There’s also a performance space that hosts intimate shows and special events.
The aesthetic here leans heavily into vintage Americana with a punk rock edge. Black, blue, and yellow dominate the color scheme, and the decor feels deliberately retro without tipping into kitsch. Even if you’re not a die-hard Jack White fan, the vibe alone makes it worth a visit.
Third Man has become a legitimate Nashville attraction, drawing music fans from around the world. It’s part record store, part museum, part experience—and it delivers on all fronts. Expect to spend more time (and money) than you planned, but you’ll leave with stories and vinyl that matter.
3. Goner Records — Memphis
Goner Records has been a Memphis institution since the late ’90s, serving as both a record shop and an influential indie label. The store carries thousands of LPs spanning punk, garage rock, soul, and beyond, with a focus on underground sounds that bigger chains ignore. Walking in feels like joining a club where the password is good taste in music.
The used section here is legendary among diggers. You never know what might surface in the bins—Memphis soul rarities, obscure punk singles, weird garage compilations from the ’60s. The staff knows their inventory inside and out, and they’re happy to point you toward hidden gems based on what you’re into.
New releases get equal attention, especially from independent labels and artists flying under the mainstream radar. Goner’s own label releases often sell out fast, and the store gets early access to pressings that other shops won’t see for weeks. If you’re building a collection of modern garage punk or psych rock, this is essential shopping.
Since 2004, Goner has hosted Gonerfest, an annual music festival that draws bands and fans from across the country. The festival’s reputation has only boosted the store’s credibility, cementing its place as a cultural hub rather than just a retail space. The community around Goner is real—regulars know each other, and new faces get welcomed into the fold.
Memphis has deep musical roots, and Goner taps into that history while pushing things forward. The store doesn’t rest on the city’s legacy—it actively contributes to it. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, skipping Goner would mean missing a vital piece of Memphis music culture.
4. Shangri-La Records — Memphis
Shangri-La Records has that classic record store feel—cramped aisles, floor-to-ceiling bins, and the sense that you might uncover something incredible if you dig long enough. This Memphis shop specializes in soul, blues, garage rock, and punk, with deep connections to the city’s musical heritage. It’s the kind of place where serious collectors come to hunt.
The inventory leans heavily toward used vinyl, with prices that range from bargain-bin deals to serious collector items. You’ll find plenty of local Memphis pressings, including soul and R&B records that reflect the city’s Stax and Hi Records legacy. The selection also includes plenty of oddball finds—obscure garage bands, weird psych records, and punk singles that never got mainstream attention.
What sets Shangri-La apart is its reputation among crate diggers. People who know records know this shop, and they make pilgrimages here specifically to see what’s in stock. The staff doesn’t hover, giving you space to browse at your own pace and make your own discoveries.
That hands-off approach works perfectly for the kind of shopper who prefers to hunt independently.
The store’s aesthetic is pure no-frills record shop—posters on the walls, bins organized by genre, and a vibe that prioritizes music over decor. There’s nothing fancy here, and that’s exactly the point. Shangri-La is about the records, not the Instagram photo op.
If you’re visiting Memphis and you care about vinyl, this stop is non-negotiable. Bring cash, wear comfortable shoes, and clear your schedule. Shangri-La rewards patience and persistence, and the best finds often come after you’ve been digging for a while.
That’s the beauty of it.
5. River City Records — Memphis
River City Records sits in downtown Memphis, making it a convenient stop for anyone exploring the city’s music landmarks. The location alone gives it an advantage—you can hit Beale Street, check out the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, and still have time to flip through records before dinner. It’s the kind of shop that fits naturally into a day spent soaking up Memphis music history.
The selection covers a wide range, from classic rock and soul to hip-hop and indie releases. New vinyl shares space with used records, and the pricing stays reasonable enough that you won’t feel guilty about picking up a few impulse buys. The store also carries CDs, posters, and music-related merchandise for fans who want more than just vinyl.
What makes River City work is its accessibility. The staff is friendly without being pushy, the layout is easy to navigate, and the atmosphere stays relaxed. You don’t need to be a hardcore collector to enjoy browsing here—casual fans and tourists feel just as welcome as regulars who know every bin by heart.
The downtown location means foot traffic from visitors who might not have planned to shop for records but wander in anyway. That mix of locals and tourists gives the store a different energy than more neighborhood-focused spots. It’s less insular, more open to whoever walks through the door.
If you’re planning a Memphis music tour, River City fits perfectly into the itinerary. It’s not trying to be the most obscure or the most curated—it’s just a solid record store in a great location with enough variety to keep things interesting. Sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
6. Wild Honey Records — Knoxville
Knoxville’s Wild Honey Records has built a reputation for quality over quantity. The shop carries new vinyl from current artists alongside vintage records that have been carefully selected for condition and collectibility. You won’t find overpriced junk here—everything in the bins has been vetted, and the pricing reflects fair market value rather than wishful thinking.
The new vinyl section covers indie rock, folk, electronic, hip-hop, and more, with staff picks that introduce customers to artists they might have missed. Wild Honey stays current with releases while also stocking reissues and remastered classics. The vintage section focuses on well-preserved records, with an emphasis on playable copies rather than wall-hangers.
Beyond records, the shop sells sleeves, cleaning supplies, posters, and other music-related goods that collectors actually need. It’s not a tchotchke shop pretending to sell vinyl—it’s a real record store that happens to carry useful accessories. That focus keeps the inventory tight and the browsing experience efficient.
The staff at Wild Honey knows their stuff without being snobby about it. They’re happy to answer questions, make recommendations, or just let you browse in peace. That balance makes the shop approachable for newcomers while still serving the needs of experienced collectors who know exactly what they’re looking for.
Knoxville doesn’t always get the same attention as Nashville or Memphis in music conversations, but Wild Honey proves the city has a thriving vinyl scene. The shop has become a gathering spot for local music fans, hosting occasional events and fostering a community around physical media. It’s the kind of place that makes you glad independent record stores still exist.
7. Basement Records — Knoxville
Basement Records lives up to its name with a sprawling inventory that covers just about every format and genre you can think of. LPs dominate, but you’ll also find 45s, CDs, cassettes, DVDs, and even VHS tapes if you’re feeling nostalgic. The sheer volume of stuff here can be overwhelming at first, but that’s part of the appeal—there’s always something new to discover.
The store is one of East Tennessee’s largest vinyl destinations, and that size translates into variety. New releases sit alongside used records in every condition and price range. The budget bins offer plenty of deals for casual buyers, while the higher-end sections cater to collectors hunting specific pressings or rare titles.
What makes Basement Records work is the organization. Despite the massive inventory, the store maintains a logical layout that makes browsing manageable. Genres are clearly marked, and the staff keeps things tidy enough that you can actually find what you’re looking for.
It’s not a chaotic thrift-store dig—it’s a well-run shop that happens to have thousands of items in stock.
The pricing strategy here is smart: something for every budget. You can walk out with a stack of $3 records or invest in a rare pressing that costs significantly more. That range makes the store accessible to students, casual fans, and serious collectors alike.
Nobody gets priced out, and everyone finds something worth buying.
For Knoxville locals, Basement Records is a regular stop. For visitors, it’s a must-see if you care about vinyl. Bring time and patience—rushing through a store this size would be a waste.
The best finds come to those who dig deep and stay curious.
8. Yellow Racket Records — Chattanooga
Yellow Racket Records brings indie charm to Chattanooga’s music scene. The shop has personality—quirky decor, staff picks that actually reflect individual taste, and a vibe that feels more like a friend’s cool basement than a corporate retail space. If you’re tired of sterile shopping experiences, this place will feel like home.
The vinyl selection leans toward indie rock, alternative, punk, and local artists, though you’ll find plenty of other genres mixed in. New releases share space with used records, and the pricing stays reasonable. The shop also supports local musicians by stocking their releases and hosting occasional in-store performances that turn shopping trips into mini-concerts.
What sets Yellow Racket apart is the sense that someone with actual opinions runs this place. The staff picks aren’t generic bestsellers—they’re albums that someone genuinely loves and wants to share. That curation makes browsing more interesting because you’re not just flipping through the same records every shop carries.
The store’s size is manageable, which works in its favor. You can browse the entire shop in a reasonable amount of time without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. It’s intimate enough that the staff can offer personalized recommendations, but stocked well enough that you’ll still find plenty of options.
Chattanooga’s music scene might fly under the radar compared to Nashville or Memphis, but Yellow Racket proves the city has plenty to offer. The shop has become a hub for local music fans, fostering a community around vinyl and independent music. It’s the kind of place that makes a city feel more connected and culturally vibrant.
9. Luna Record Shop — Franklin
Luna Record Shop operates inside The Factory at Franklin, a repurposed industrial complex that now houses shops, restaurants, and creative businesses. The location gives Luna a built-in audience of visitors exploring the complex, but the shop holds its own with a solid selection and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s not riding the coattails of its location—it’s a legitimate destination within it.
The inventory includes new and used vinyl across multiple genres, with an emphasis on quality over quantity. Luna also carries cassettes, CDs, audio gear, and music-inspired gifts, making it a one-stop shop for music fans. The turntables and accessories section is particularly useful for anyone building or upgrading their setup.
What makes Luna appealing is its approachability. The shop doesn’t cater exclusively to hardcore collectors or vinyl snobs—it welcomes everyone from beginners to experts. The staff is helpful without being overbearing, and the layout makes browsing easy even for people who don’t usually shop for records.
The Factory itself is worth exploring, with vintage shops, art galleries, and food options that make it easy to spend a whole afternoon there. Luna fits naturally into that mix, giving music fans a reason to linger longer. You can grab lunch, browse records, and check out local art all in one trip.
Franklin is close enough to Nashville to attract visitors but far enough to feel like its own thing. Luna benefits from that positioning, serving both locals and tourists without losing its identity. It’s not trying to be Grimey’s or Third Man—it’s doing its own thing, and doing it well.
10. Back Door Records — Johnson City
Back Door Records gives the Tri-Cities area a solid vinyl destination, proving that Tennessee’s record store culture extends well beyond the big cities. Johnson City might not have the same music tourism as Nashville or Memphis, but Back Door holds its own with a diverse inventory and a loyal local following. It’s a reminder that great record stores can thrive anywhere there’s passion and community.
The selection covers rock, country, blues, punk, soul, and more, with both new and used records filling the bins. Pricing stays fair, and the condition of used vinyl is generally good—no warped junk or unplayable scratches. The shop also carries CDs, cassettes, and music memorabilia for fans who collect beyond vinyl.
What makes Back Door special is its role in the local music community. The shop supports East Tennessee artists, stocks local releases, and creates a space where music fans can connect. In smaller cities, independent record stores often serve as cultural anchors, and Back Door fills that role beautifully.
The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, happy to chat about music or help you find something specific. The atmosphere is relaxed—no pretension, no attitude, just a genuine love of music and a desire to share it. That approach makes the shop accessible to everyone, from casual browsers to serious collectors.
Including Back Door on this list matters because it represents the statewide nature of Tennessee’s vinyl culture. It’s not all about Nashville and Memphis—smaller cities have thriving scenes too. If you’re exploring East Tennessee and you care about records, this stop is worth your time.
You’ll support a local business, find some great music, and experience a side of Tennessee that tourists often miss.