TDTD Unveils Three New Markers on Tennessee Music Pathways

The Tennessee Music Pathways continues to expand with the unveiling of three new markers on the Pathways: DeFord Bailey, Rita Coolidge and Dolly Parton.

Along with the Smith County Chamber of Commerce, TDTD celebrated Bailey’s music legacy on Sept. 14 with the installation of a new marker on the lawn of the Historic Smith County Courthouse. Bailey, a gifted harmonic player, was the only African American star of the Grand Ole Opry for several decades. His playing bridged rural black and white music with unsurpassed artistry.

On Sept. 28, Macon County and TDTD honored Rita Coolidge in downtown Lafayette with the unveiling of the new marker. Coolidge’s musical career spans five decades and dozens of recordings a solo artist and in collaboration with some of the 20^th century greatest musicians and she is deemed one of the most influential female singers and songwriters of her generation.

The latest installation includes Sevierville’s beloved hometown superstar, Dolly Parton. The Tennessee icon was honored on Sept. 29 with the unveiling of a marker at the Sevier County Courthouse. Distinguished as a singer, songwriter, actor, businesswoman and philanthropist, Parton is the most honored female country performer of all time and among the best-selling country artists of the post-World War II era.