Slim's Corner: The Case for Stonewall Jackson

Stonewall Jackson deserves some respect on his name. Amongst all the pundits, commentators, historians and Disc Jockeys alike, Stonewall Jackson is routinely skipped over in any discussion of the "Legends". There are many "Legends" to name, that much is true. Of course, the discussion is also mostly subjective. However, upon looking back on his career and achievements, mixed with his music itself, it's hard to ignore his unique place in the annals of Country Music history. 

Stonewall Jackson (no relation to the Confederate general), was born in 1932 in rural North Carolina. He grew up in south Georgia, though, and worked often on his uncle's farm. Like most rural men of his generation, he enlisted in the Navy in 1950 and served for four (4) years. Sometime in 1956, he drove his truck to Nashville and parked it out front of the famed Acuff-Rose Publishing, on 8th Avenue. Toting only his guitar and a demo tape, he asked for an audition (uninvited), and was granted one by Mr. Wesley Rose himself. The story goes, Stonewall played three (3) songs, upon which Mr. Rose immediately called George D. Hay at the Grand Ole Opry, and set him up an audition there. Stonewall was invited to perform on the Opry, and become a full-time member, without even having a recording contract. This was the first occasion any such feat had occurred (and maybe THE only time). Stonewall was eventually signed to Columbia Records in 1957, and began touring under the wing of one Ernest Tubb.

The rest is, as they say, "history". Stonewall amassed (35) Top 40 hits on the country charts over next 20+ years, including (13) Top 10 hits and (4) which reached #1. His music was often described as "hard country", which is a fitting title. Stonewall's cadence was deep, pointed and often made it sound like he was yelling or even angry. In actuality, it was vocals tailor made for a honky-tonk, soaked in booze, pain and regret. At the time of his death in 2021, he was the longest tenured member of the Grand Ole Opry. In 2002, fellow Country artists helped record a Tribute album, with names such as Garth Brooks, John Conlee,, Waylon Jennings, Joe Diffie and many more. A career worth championing, correct?

Among all of the accolades, awards and respect from fellow artists old and new, one thing seemed to allude Stonewall...the Country Music Hall of Fame. As of this writing, Stonewall Jackson does not have a plaque in the Rotunda. This could be for many reasons. One theory is, even though it was settled in 2008, Stonewall Jackson DID successfully sue the Grand Ole Opry in 2007, citing the Opry did not give enough chances to himself and other senior veteran artists. Supposedly, Stonewall was told he was "too country" and a "grey hair". The lawsuit sought $10 million, and was settled out of court. All accounts show that Stonewall won out, as he continued to perform on the Opry. 

The Hall of Fame has members such as Johnny Bond, Jimmy Dean, Brenda Lee, George Morgan, the Everly Brothers, and Bill Carlisle (just to name a few) that you could argue Stonewall Jackson had a better career and meant more to the Country music genre. Is it because Stonewall Jackson was "too country"?  We may never know, but for now, I will go back and listen to some of his great songs, some of which are held firmly as a few of my all-time favorites. Be sure to check out my special playlist of just Stonewall Jackson tunes, in case you need some education!

-Slim out