Music legends Craig Morgan, Howard Armstrong, G.B. Grayson, Jo Walker-Meador and Little David Wilkins were honored by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) with six new markers on the “Tennessee Music Pathways.”
The locations spanned across the state, bringing together local and state leaders, industry executives and family and friends to celebrate the singers’ great contributions to Tennessee’s music history.
Dickson County honored Morgan on October 18 with the presentation of his “Tennessee Music Pathways” marker, bordering the Clement Museum Hotel. The longtime Dickson resident not only attended the unveiling, but also held a book signing for “God, Family, Country,” the star’s new memoir.
“I’ve been blessed. Yet my journey has not been without hardships and great tragedy. It’s not right to talk about success without acknowledging those as well,” Morgan shared via Instagram of his new book. “Detailing the struggle to understand how life and loss run together — I hope that speaking plainly, without varnish, will inspire others to persevere on their own journeys.”
Morgan has proven to be a force to be reckoned with, as the multi-faceted entertainer has dominated as a music legend, TV personality and celebrated Army veteran. Known for megahits “This Ole Boy,” “Almost Home,” “Redneck Yacht Club,” “That’s What I Love About Sunday,” “Little Bit of Life” and “Wake Up Lovin’ You,” Morgan has over 25 charted Billboard songs under his belt. A proud member of the iconic Grand Ole Opry since 2008, Morgan has made more than 250 appearances on the highly respected stage.
Morgan embarked on his God, Family Country 2022 Tour with special guest Ray Fulcher on October 19 in Green Bay, WI. The 11-date run will wrap up on November 11 in Nashville, TN.
Howard Armstrong — an embodiment of African American string tradition, multilinguist, painter and folk tale teller — was honored on October 18 in downtown LaFollete. Ralphe Armstrong, Howard’s son, and Mayor Jack Lunch were present for the unveiling.
G.B. Grayson received his marker on October 18, bestowed by TDTD and Johnson County Center of the Arts in downtown Mountain City. Kody Norris and Kenny Price gave special performances in honor of the newest addition to downtown Mountain City’s “Musical Heritage Mural Mile” walking tour. The self-guided mural tour highlights the authentic Appalachian music history with legends such as Clarence “Tom” Ashley, Blind Fiddler, Fred Price, Clint Howard and now G.B. Grayson.
Tennessee Tourism joined the City of Orlinda and Robertson County, Tennessee to honor country music industry trailblazer Jo Walker-Meador on October 21. The new marker applauds Jo Walker-Meador for her great work from 1962 until 1991 as the executive director of the Country Music Association (CMA). Under her direction, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the CMA Awards and Fan Fair (now known as CMA Fest) were born.
Little David Wilkins was honored on Tuesday, October 25 with his new marker in Parsons. Throughout his career as a singer, songwriter and entertainer, Wilkins earned 17 country hits. He wrote for iconic performers from all genres including Percy Sledge, Conway Twitty and the Serendipity Singers, making his marker well-deserved.
