By Patty McCall
The fun started at 7:30 am from Todd Herendeen Theatre, Panama City Beach to Hank Williams Museum, Montgomery, Alabama. Learning there was so much history in a few years’ time. Hank passed of heart failure at the young age of 29. Seeing the original car Hank died in the back seat on January 1, 1953 was heartbreaking. He was traveling from Knoxville to Canton, Ohio for a New Year’s Eve concert.
Displayed were several of his personal fringe jackets and boots. You could see how slim he was at 6ft tall, 130 lbs.
On Day 2, our group went downtown Nashville to tour the Johnny Cash museum. The Cash Family Piano was the most interesting. The piano is a Wing Grand Upright, built in the 1880s. The piano originally was purchased by Johnny’s paternal Grandparents, Rev Williams Henry Cash and Rebecca Sarah Overton Cash. Johnny eventually became the owner in 1967. In the museum you could listen to music from the 1950s to the 2000s. 53 gold and platinum records.
Then to shop down Broadway.
Dinner was amazing at Sinatra’s restaurant with lots of great photos of Mr. Sinatra. I really love the black and white ones.
We then headed over to the famous and legendary Ryman Auditorium to watch the legendary Tom Jones. Tom’s voice was still crystal clear at 84 years old. He told a few stories and sang some new songs with the good oldies.
Day 3 we ventured out to the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. Most of us have never seen so many healthy beautiful plants of all kinds. Our favorite thing was the waterfalls.
Back to the hotel to change for the incredible show of Todd Herendeen and Follow That Dream Band! People from Canada, Mexico, France, Spain and Germany were part of the excitement for the extraordinary performance. Sold out at the Nashville Nightlife Dinner Theater. Owners Ken & Diana Janson are the owners who were part of Tammy Wynette’s band. An amazing upcoming Zach Janson opened the show. The Theater was once owned by Willie Nelson.
Day 4 back on the Tour Bus to Jerry Lee Lewis Ranch, Nesbitt, Mississippi. The day started with a tour of the house given by Jerry Lee Lewis III. Jerry shared some personal stories about his Dad. The experience makes you realize what an incredible artist Jerry was with all his gold records and awards displayed throughout the house. Todd and Angel Herendeen purchased the ranch, and it is now opened daily for tours. Only 18 miles from Graceland. They added a event center where Todd performed for the evening.
A little Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison and Elvis music were the many voices of Todd. Judith Lewis, Letetia Tish Henley, Kirk and Tom Dutton were some in attendance.
Day 5 we hung out at the ranch and attended Tish’s Birthday Bash. Letetia Tish Henley Kirk was Elvis Presley’s Private nurse that traveled by his side. The party was at Marlows, Elvis’ favorite restaurant in Memphis. Home of the famous Peanut Butter and Banana sandwich.
Surrounded by memorabilia and a gift shop full of everything Elvis.
Jerry Lee Lewis Event center gathering:
