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In the News: Packed house enjoys McDowell concert, star unveiling
Posted on April 25, 2016
Originally published in the Franklin Free Press.
It took some creativity to come up with just the right memento to thank country music icon for his 25 years of service to the City of Russellville.
And Franklin County Arts & Humanities Council member Chase Sparks came up with the perfect idea.
Before he took the stage for the 25th time in Russellville Saturday night, McDowell was surprised with his own celebrity star right in front of the city’s historic Roxy Theater. McDowell’s first show in Russellville was 1990. Through the years, he’s formed friendships with so many in Russellville. McDowell’s fund-raising concerts have benefited the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and the Roxy Theater to the tune of more than $200,000 the past quarter century. When it comes to supporting the City of Russellville, McDowell continues Bringing It To You Personally.
“This is one of the coolest things I’ve ever gotten and I appreciate it so much,” McDowell told Russellville Mayor David Grissom of his star. Made by Atkins Marble & Granite in Russellville, the marble square commemorates McDowell’s 25 years of concerts in Russellville and his support to the community.
“We wanted to do something for Ronnie and his 25 year anniversary in Russellville,” Grissom said. “The Arts & Humanities Council came up with something extra special for what he’s done for us in this community.”
Through the years, McDowell has amassed a key to the City of Russellville, had a street named in his honor, received his own City of Russellville Police Department badge and has been presented numerous proclamations, certificates and resolutions. Grissom said the star, placed directly in front of the Roxy, is a fitting tribute to Russellville’s adopted country singer.
“If Hollywood can have a Walk of Stars, Russellville can too,” Grissom said. “Chase (Sparks) and Wanda ran the idea by the council and everyone agreed so it was a team effort.”
Grissom spoke about the economic impact of McDowell’s shows reaching far beyond much-needed financial assistance to the Roxy.
“People come from all over the United States for this show. It’s not just a local thing,” Grissom said. “They stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants and shop in our stores.
“We just wanted him to know how much we appreciate his contributions to the city,” Grissom added.
Belgreen native Jacob Green opened the Saturday night show, performing a 45-minute set featuring songs from Josh Turner, Johnny Cash, Alan Jackson, Brooks and Dunn and other country legends.
McDowell took the stage at 8 p.m., and opened with Personally before crooning classics by Elvis Presley, Conway Twitty and Sonny James.
His two-hour set featured most of his 1980s number one hits, along with an audience participation segment with songs by Roy Orbison, Fats Domino, Louis Armstrong and others.
As only McDowell can do, he sang his audience to its feet with his stirring finale, Elvis’ American Trilogy.
McDowell reflected on the relationship he’s formed with Russellville dating back to his first visit in 1990.
“I’ve made some amazing friendships through the years. Some of those friends are gone,” McDowell said. “I miss my friend (Mayor) John Blackwell and (RPD Chief) Donnie McGuire. But I’m blessed to have formed many new friends here and of course, the show would not come together without the tireless work of Wanda,” he added.