Fourth of July Weekend along the Tennessee Music Highway, 2014

Today marks the anniversary of the birth of rock and roll!  On  July 5, 1954, Elvis Presley strolled into the Sun Studio  in  downtown Memphis, Tennessee to record a song as a present for his mother Gladys. The then 19 year old, Crown Electric truck driver had no idea of the impact that decision would have on the world. That's All Right Mama was recorded and the rest is history. For a complete list of the activities surrounding this anniversary for the year, visit the  Graceland official web page on our web site.  If you haven't had the opportunity to visit Graceland, the Memphis home for many years of the king of rock and roll, it is well worth the time!

Also, in Memphis today and on a much sadder note, music fans said good bye to Memphis guitarist and song writer, Mahon "Teenie" Hodges. His career spanned some 50 years and he was a Memphis legend appreciated around the world. The 68 year old died from complications from emphysema at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, last week.  Mr. Hodges  co-wrote many  R&B hits such as "Take me to the River" and "Love and Happiness." He was also a major part of  the Hi Rhythm band under the direction of the famed Willie Mitchell. He put his heart into his music, beginning his bass guitar career at the tender age of 12, in his father's (Leroy, Sr.) band, the Germantown Blue Dots. Services were held at the New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, on Poplar Pike in Germantown near the area where he grew up.  Our prayers are with his eight children and his other family members and friends.

There was plenty of music along the Tennessee Music Highway  with the fireworks this weekend!  I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday! Thanks to those of you who filled us in on the many events in downtown Nashville last night. Thousands turned out in the music city to enjoy the festivities! Kid Rock was spotted at Tootsies enjoying the holiday, along with the many music fans.

Until later, enjoy your music and the rest of your weekend, which by the way was blessed with fabulous weather!