Richard Hyatt: Honoring our musicians

A group of local music makers is using social media to gauge interest in a Chattahoochee Valley Music Hall of Fame and what better place to house it than the old jail on 10th Street.

Darby and Tarlton recorded their classic in 1927 at a radio station in Atlanta. Over the past 88 years, artists ranging from Doc Watson to Lead Belly to the University of Tennessee Marching Band have covered it.

My favorite rendition is by Leon Russell, who invents chords and notes you've never heard before in a rousing 2013 performance that is found on YouTube. That one song would earn the local pickers a spot in the hall of fame for it made the stockade the most famous building in town.

After Darby and Tarlton what other performers should be honored?

Ma Rainey was the Mother of the Blues. Her home is a few blocks from the stockade and has been turned into a museum that honors this early recording star.

Chet Atkins was a mainstay of local radio when he was a teenager. His skills as musician are legendary and he also produced some of Elvis Presley's early recordings at RCA Victor.

Curley Money appeared on local bandstands right up to his death but he was better known outside of town as a pioneer rockabilly star.

Blind Tom Wiggins was a savant who made music all around the world.

Jake Hess was a gospel singer who performed at the funerals of Hank Williams and Elvis Presley. He was a member of the Statesmen Quartet and the Imperials.

Jo Jo Benson teamed with Peggy Scott and they turned out a series of R&B hits.

Bebo Norman wrote and performed contemporary Christian music with a message of faith and hope.

Lucky Ward was a mystical guitarist who played on recording sessions for many important artists.

Precious Bryant lived the blues and sang the blues.

Freddie Hart was a Marine who wrote and sang "Easy Loving," song of the year in 1971 and 1972.

Harold Jenkins changed his name to Conway Twitty and became a legend after spending his formative years in Smith Station.

These artists and others like them grew beyond the local stages, but musicians who stayed at home are no less important. If a hall of fame is created, it should include categories that will pay homage to them as well. There should also be places for promoters, radio personalities and supporters of the industry.

Though listed on the registry of historic sites, the Columbus Stockade still houses prisoners. With proper backing the old lockup might be available as a museum.

Way down in Columbus, Ga., of course.

-- Richard Hyatt is an independent correspondent. Reach him at hyatt31906@knology.net.

This story was originally published May 19, 2015 at 11:02 PM with the headline "Richard Hyatt: Honoring our musicians."