BY PHILL BARNETT
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

LOUISA  — The Louisa Country Music Highway (CMH) Tribute Show, organized by Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR), saw legendary musician Ricky Skaggs symbolically pass the torch to 12-year-old singer-songwriter Adalyn Ramey. The event, held on July 12 and 13, featured performances by Skaggs, Noah Thompson, Larry Cordle and several other local acts, drawing attendees from across the nation.

“We were blown away at the incredible response from the community and tri-state region for the Country Music Highway Tribute Show,” said Joshua Ball, SOAR’s chief operating officer. “We had people attend from as far away as Utah, and that speaks to the power of music but also the tremendous asset we have in the Country Music Highway and the incredible musicians and artisans that call these hills home.”

Skaggs, who began his musical journey in Lawrence County, headlined the event, bringing his extensive career full circle. With over 60 years of musical experience, 15 Grammy Awards and a legacy in bluegrass, country and gospel music, his influence on American music is unparalleled. Born in Cordell, Skaggs started playing the mandolin at the age of 5 and has since performed with bluegrass legends like Bill Monroe and Flatt & Scruggs. His own Skaggs Family Records has produced Grammy-nominated classics, and his collaborations with artists across genres have brought his unique sound to audiences worldwide.

Ball recounted a moment onstage between Skaggs and Ramey. Skaggs placed a mandolin around Ramey’s shoulders and they played together, paralleling an early interaction between a young Skaggs and legendary mandolin picker Bill Monroe.

“It was a bit surreal to be standing onstage getting ready to introduce Ricky,” Ball said. “I remember reading his book and biography and learning of the few pivotal moments in his childhood that helped to propel him into the music industry and into the icon of the industry he is today. One of those moments was when he was 6 years old when he had the opportunity to meet and play with Bill Monroe. While Bill was playing, the crowd on several occasions asked Bill to put ‘Little Ricky on the stage.’ As I thought about that, I wanted to recreate that moment, as it speaks to the core of what this event is about.”

Noah Thompson, the “American Idol” season 20 winner and Louisa native, performed, embodying the spirit of country music with his rise from a construction worker to national stardom. From singing for his crew to capturing the hearts of millions on national television, Thompson’s story is one of hard work and undeniable talent. Judge Luke Bryan’s words during his winning season encapsulate his journey: “You are going to ‘Aw, shucks’ your way to the top.” Thompson’s “American Idol” dream has become a reality, and his performance was a highlight of the event.

Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Larry Cordle, also from Lawrence County, showcased his songwriting and vocal talents. Renowned for his song “Highway 40 Blues,” recorded by Ricky Skaggs, Cordle’s music has been performed by top artists like Alison Krauss, Garth Brooks and George Strait. Cordle’s impressive discography includes the IBMA Album of the Year-winning “Celebration of Life: Musicians Against Childhood Cancer” and his recent albums “Tales From East Kentucky” and “Where The Trees Know My Name.”

Skaggs, Cordle and Thompson are all from the same holler near Blaine called Brushy Creek, so Saturday evening was promoted as the Million Dollar Holler Homecoming. Cordle has previously attributed their successes to the prevalence of music and front porch pickin’ on Brushy.

The event included performances by local artists and provided free admission. Attendees enjoyed live music, local food, arts and crafts, with performances starting at 4:30 p.m. Friday and 9:45 a.m. Saturday. Other acts included Teagan & Reed Baldridge, Phill Barnett, Rachel Messer, Connor Dale, Adalyn Ramey, Hannah Wheeler, Ben Fugate & The Burning Trash Band, the Lawrence County Choir, Hunter Jordan, Laurah Louisa, Them Lasses, Eddie Jenkins & The 606 Sound, Logan Purcell, Luke Trimble, Solid Ground and Kentucky Just Us.

The final stop of the 2024 CMH Tribute Show will be in Ashland next month. For more information, visit cmhtributeshow.com.