Country music legend John Anderson to be honored this month in Smithville, TN. On Saturday, November 19th at 10:00am Smithville City, Chamber of Commerce, and DeKalb County officials will hold a dedication of the previously named Walnut Alley. The new name of this historic walkway in downtown Smithville will be ‘John Anderson Alley.’
John Anderson has been immersed in music his entire life. At age 15, while playing in a Rock band, he heard some of the Country greats (Haggard and Jones) and decided that Country was his passion. Anderson moved to Nashville when he was 17 to pursue a career in music, which paid off in 1977 when he signed with his first music label, Warner Brothers Records. Since his first single in 1977, ‘I’ve Got a Feelin’ (Somebody's Been Stealin')’, John has had over 40 singles hit the Billboard Country music charts! He’s been nominated several times for the CMA awards- Male Vocalist of the Year, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year. He’s also won the CMA Horizon Award and Single of the Year for his song ‘Swingin’’. In 1993, the Academy of Country Music awarded him the Career Achievement Award.
After attending a special event featuring John at the Grand Old Opry, Smithville resident and business owner Tony Luna had the idea to name the alley after the Country icon. John, his wife, and children have lived in Smithville for over 30 years and at one time owned a downtown building attached to the alley. “I couldn’t believe our community didn’t already have something commemorating John’s local connections,” says Luna. “I remembered seeing John as a kid around our family’s marina and he was always so friendly and down to Earth. So, I took the idea to our City Mayor, Josh Miller.” Miller says, “We felt it was good recognition for John and to show him that we appreciate what he does for Smithville.” He presented the idea to the City Counsil for their approval to change the name of the alley. After hearing that the Counsil would approve the name change, Tony Luna, and his wife Sommer, immediately had a mural commissioned for the alleyway. Mayor Miller says, “I was amazed at the mural they had done, it’s a beautiful tribute to John.”
All City and County officials would love to invite and encourage you to attend the dedication on November 19th at 10:00am. John Anderson and his family will be in attendance as well as many community leaders. Please come show your support and respect for this giant in the Country Music industry. John will be saying a few words and plans to do a free concert for Downtown Smithville in the Summer of 2023. This is just a small way for the community to show their love and appreciation!
