Roy Acuff Historical Marker

ID 31

ROY CLAXTQN ACUFF, NATIVE SON, GRAND OLE OPRY STAR FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS, ACTOR, INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL ENTERTAINER, GOODWILL AMBASSADOR AND HUMANITARIAN, WAS BORN IN MAYNARDVILLE NEAR THIS SITE ON SEPTEMBER 15, 1903. HE RECORDED MORE THAN 100 COUNTRY AND GOSPEL SONGS, INCLUDING "GREAT SPECKLED BIRD," "WABASH CANNON BALL," "PRECIOUS JEWEL," "DOWN IN UNION COUNTY" AND "NIGHT TRAIN TO MEMPHIS."

The marker, sponsored by the Union County Historical Society, was insballed on October 4, 1991, and dedicated at the society's meeting on October 20, 1991. This is Union County's third highway marker and Tennessee's first marker honoring a living person. The first marker was installed at the intersecton of Highway 33 and Ailor Cap Road designating the location of the John Raccoon Miller Station established early in the settlement of East Tennessee on June 25, 1985. The second was installed at the intersection of Hickory Valley Road (Hwy 171) and Butcher Hollow Road honoring Samuel Smith, ex-slave, on May 15, 1990.

Linda T. Wynn, Assistant Director for State programs with the Tennessee Historical Commisson, attended the Smith and Acuff dedications. The UCHS extends its appreciation to Senator Randy McNally of Oak Ridge, the TN Historical Commission, and the State Highway Department for their assistance in obtaining and installing these historical markers.

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 113

WHEREAS, Roy Claxton Acuff is one of the most popular and enduring performers the state of the Grand Ole Opry has ever known; and

WHEREAS, his status as an entertainer is legendary, and his talents and his loyal following have earned him the title "King of Country Music"; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Acuff has been a source of pride and inspiration as a staple performer on the Grand Ole Opry for over fifty years; and

WHEREAS, his timeless renditions of such standards as "Great Speckled Bird", "Wabash Cannonball" and "Night Train to Memphis" bespeak his singular talent as an interpreter of both country and gospel music; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Acuff was appropriately honored when he was selected for inclusion in the Country Music Hall of Fame; he was truly a pioneering spirit in the formation of modern country music and the Grand Ole Opry; and

WHEREAS, a man whose talent is only exceeded by his modesty, Mr. Acuff was the recipient of the Grainmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987; and

WHEREAS, Roy Acuff is a native of Maynardville, Tennessee, and his homeplace is located on State Highway 33 northwest of the Union County Courthouse; and

WHEREAS, a man of Mr. Acuff's talent and importance should be honored and. recognized by his home state; now, therefor,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING, That the Tennessee Historical Commission is hereby requested to erect a historical marker designating the site of the Roy Acuff homeplace located on State. Highway 33. northwest of the Union County Courthouse.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be delivered to the executive director of the Tennessee Historical Commission.

Filed for Introduction on February 27, 1991 by Seanator Randy McNally of Oak Ridge.

For more information on this article or any article or publication of the Union County Historical Society please write them at:

Union County Historical Society
P.O. Box 95
Maynardville, TN 37807

Or
E-mail the Union County Historical Society.

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