The passing of Elmer Denzel Irwin, the proprietor of Nashville’s iconic dive bar Santa’s Pub, has left a void within the music neighborhood. Kacey Musgraves, an eight-time GRAMMY winner and frequent customer to the bar, was among the many first to share the information, writing, “This man was such a large a part of mine and my mates’ lives for years. I’ve so many unforgettable and hilariously legendary recollections with him in it. Relaxation in peace to the actual Santa.” Her heartfelt message was accompanied by a gallery of images, showcasing the influence Irwin had on these round him.
Natalie Osborne, sister of Brothers Osborne’s John and TJ, additionally shared a tribute to Irwin, saying, “Santa has flown residence to the North Pole.. my how nice it was to share life with him. I’ll cherish each story he ever instructed and can cherish our personal particular tales perpetually. He introduced a lot magic to us in Nashville in addition to folks from all around the world that got here to see ‘one of the best dive bar in America’ Santas Pub and bought to fulfill the person himself.” TJ Osborne echoed this sentiment, noting that Irwin was certainly the “actual Santa.”
Different artists, together with Elle King and Logan Crosby, shared their condolences, with King writing, “My coronary heart breaks however my gratitude is full for having the possibility to know and love him and to be beloved by him,” and Crosby expressing his shock, saying, “Oh my God no.” Irwin’s nickname “Santa” was given to him by his grandson, and he was a real Nashville native, having been raised within the metropolis he would later grow to be an icon in.
Earlier than opening Santa’s Pub, Irwin spent 45 years as a industrial painter and in addition served as a Pentecostal preacher and Military veteran. In a 2015 interview, he attributed the bar’s success to its welcoming ambiance, saying, “We deal with everyone like they’re anyone.” This strategy clearly labored, because the bar turned a staple of the Nashville music scene, internet hosting karaoke nights and attracting a protracted listing of stars, together with Child Rock, Jon Pardi, Kelsea Ballerini, and Ed Sheeran.
Whereas particulars surrounding Irwin’s loss of life are nonetheless unknown, it is clear that he left an enduring influence on the music neighborhood and those that knew him. Because the information of his passing continues to unfold, our ideas are along with his family and friends throughout this tough time.
