Rising Above

Lorenzo Washington grew up on the Northeast side of Nashville, inheriting the many struggles of life without a father figure, and lived through segregation and poverty to become the provider for his family at an early age. His aspiration was always to become a successful entrepreneur, and as he widened his circle of influence, his personal history was tightly tied to the growing, vibrant music community of Jefferson Street in the 1950s-1970s.

Through all the ups and downs of his career, from a highly successful run as a producer on the famous Music Row, multiple business ventures, run-ins with the law, and involvement in the high-powered world of professional boxing, Mr. Washington has become the nationally known curator of the Jefferson Street Sound Museum. Preserving the rich history, musical traditions, and well-known landmarks of Historical Jefferson Street has become his life's calling, and his efforts continue to excite musical enthusiasts all over the U.S. and internationally.