Few figures have left as profound an impact as Owen Bradley on music. He was a visionary producer and a key architect of the Nashville Sound, Bradley played a pivotal role in transforming country music from its rustic roots to a polished, sophisticated sound that resonated with a broader audience. more

I quit doing New Year Resolutions after I incorrectly predicted in 1958, 1959, and 1960 that the old rickety, run-down, falling in, dilapidated, ramshackle bridge across the Middle Fork of the Obion River just north of Gleason would fall into the muddy water before the first December snow. more

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about Brenda Lee being #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and naturally, after I wrote it I got to thinking about her recording career. I Googled a few songs to see who wrote what and then noticed that Owen Bradley was her main producer once upon a time. That then led to another rabbit hole where I started reading about Bradley and the Nashville Sound. So for the next couple of weeks, and yes, that means I’m going to drag the readers down the rabbit hole on various tangents about country music. I hope you enjoy and fasten your seatbelts because it might get a little bumpy. more

My journey continues in the news business, despite the speculation that I retired. Yes, it is true, I sold the newspaper and printing business to my daughter, Brittany and her husband, Jason R. Martin. That was October 1, 2023. They operate the only home-owned media company in Carroll County. I continue as the news editor and publisher emeritus. more

Time keeps marching on. As we bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation in the air. The ticking clock symbolizes not just the passage of time but the chance for a fresh start, a canvas waiting to be painted with the vibrant hues of new adventures and new memories. more

End of the year reports were a lot simpler when I was a boy. Eisenhower reelected to another term. Yankees win the World Series. The yearly inflation rate rises 0.28 percent. Swanson introduces TV dinners. Elvis Presley has a hit record. more

The events of World War I left an indelible mark on humanity. Amidst the horrors of trench warfare on the Western Front, an unexpected and extraordinary event occurred during the Christmas season of 1914 – the Christmas Truce. This unplanned ceasefire defied the brutality of war, offering a brief respite in the form of shared humanity and camaraderie. more

I didn’t see it by accident. It was right in the front window. On the top shelf! I did a quadruple take and eased up on my tiptoes to get a better look. And stuck my nose to the glass…. more

Few holiday traditions can boast the enduring legacy impact of Tennessee’s Santa Train. Originating in 1943 as a goodwill gesture by the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, this annual event has become a beacon of festive cheer, winding its way through the landscapes of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia for over seven decades. more

So this may come as a surprise to some or maybe no one at all but Brenda Lee, age 79, has been at the #1 spot on Billboard’s chart for the second week in a row. “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” was originally cut in 1958, when she was 13 years old. more

The very best thing about December is it comes around every year. Like clockwork! And you don’t have to “Deck the halls with boughs of holly” to enjoy it. You don’t have to find a pony under the tree every year; or, as you get older, wake up to a brand new red Mercedes Benz sitting in your driveway. more

Mountain Dew, the citrus-flavored soda that has become a staple in the world of soft drinks, has a rich and intriguing history. From its humble beginnings in the 1940s to its global popularity today, Mountain Dew has undergone numerous transformations, both in terms of its flavor profile and marketing strategies. more

I always think about Chandler King on December 7. He is the only person I have ever actually known who was at Pearl Harbor on that fateful day in 1941. Of course, he never said a word about it to me. more

In the mid-20th century, the American hospitality landscape underwent a transformation, thanks to the visionary entrepreneur Kemmons Wilson. His pioneering spirit and commitment to excellence culminated in the creation of Holiday Inn, a brand that would redefine the standards of the hotel industry and helped create jobs throughout the south including McKenzie. more

Sitting in the media workroom Friday afternoon, I witnessed Alcoa win its ninth consecutive TSSAA Football Championship with twenty-two overall championships. Instantly, I hear chatter about how they should move up to 4A or even 5A. Then after McKenzie was defeated, I walked back into the media workroom feeling rather dejected. After a few minutes, I was thinking about how it would be nice not to have to play South Pittsburg ever again because they need to be playing in 2A or 3A. After all, it’s just not fair. more

I’ve told you several times how my wife stole our neighbor’s cat. And listen, don’t think exaggeration here. Don’t think we “borrow” her on occasion; or Cooney has become the “neighborhood” revolving pet; or we just feed her when our neighbors are out of town. more

While digging around for inspiration this week, I began looking for interesting tales or stories about Thanksgiving in Tennessee. Well, let’s just say that all I could find were stories about the first Thanksgiving in 1621 or diatribes tearing down the holiday for whatever reason. Then I found something interesting and decided I would share it in its entirety this week. It comes from the Knoxville History Project, a group interested in promoting the history of Knoxville. more

In the town of Savannah, Tennessee, a star was born on November 16, 1874. Mary Elizabeth Patterson would go on to become a trailblazer in the world of entertainment, leaving an indelible mark as an actress whose talent and tenacity transcended the limitations of her time. more

The thing I like best about Thanksgiving is the sameness of it. Now, you say that about most anything else in the world and it is a condemning statement. Nobody wants the same old, same old... more

As hate and death continue in the Middle East, please allow me to share the following two passages of scripture with you, my Neighbors: more