CAMDEN TN
       2003
MEMORIAL
On 2-28-03, I attended a memorial for Patsy Cline and the others that died in Camden.   The events took place in an elementary school in Camden, TN.  The weather was looking like rain so they canceled a candle light service at the park.

They invited me to speak along with writers, Mike Freeman and Brian Mansfield; bass player of the Mavericks, Robert Reynolds and Grand Ole Opry stars; Jan Howard and Billy Walker.

Also Kathy Copas Hughs spoke about her father and husband (Randy Hughes). She told a wonderful story of Hawkshaw and Cowboy playing with toy tops in the kitchen floor.

Robert Reynolds left the recording studio to come out to Camden.  He plans to encourage other entertainers to participate in future memorials.

I spoke out Patsy’s fan clubs and my interest her music and also her icon status.

Jan spoke about all 4 people and Billy told wonderful stories about all 4 that brought a tear to Jan Howard.  Billy’s speech was especially moving, bringing tears to Jan’s face. Charlie nor Julie were not able to attend due to prior commitments.

They announced that James Peach had turned over the crash site property to the city.  Also they proclaimed March 5, 2003 as Patsy Cline Day.

Mike and Brian signed copies of their books after the memorial.

Sat, 3-1-03, local star, Ryan Holladay performed with his family.  Ryan is the youngest person to perform on the Opry.   Naomi Morrison and her family performed a Mountain Music show singing some of Patsy’s tunes acoustically.  Naomi has starred in the play “Always Patsy Cline” in Pigeon Forge, Tn.

The high light of the evening was a show by Lisa Layne.  Lisa tried to recreate what it would have been like to attend a Patsy Cline show and she did a great job performing 20+ songs.

There where reporters from all areas of the media to cover the weekend. That’s to fan club member, Bill Cox a lot of these stories can be accessed at his website http://www.oocities.org/Nashville/Bluegrass/5555/index.html.

The Chamber of Commerce hopes to make this an annual event.  Their goal is to make this a weeklong event to attract 100, 000 people.
ITEMS FROM MY COLLECTION
ON DISPLAY
ME AT THE MIC.  OTHERS ONSTAGE:
BRAIN, ROBERT, BILLY, MIKE, JAN AND KATHY
LISA WITH A LOCAL  DJ DOING AN INTERVIEW.  CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO  GO TO LISA'S WEBSITE.
COPYRIGHT 2003/2005 "'ALWAYSWALKIN' PRODUCTIONS
ALL PHOTOS COPYRIGHTED.  CONTACT ME FOR PERMISSION TO USE THEM.