“I’ll Leave My Heart in Tennessee” is now an official state song.
Governor Lee signed the legislation officially designating “I’ll Leave My Heart in Tennessee” an official state song on March 1. The legislation was carried by State Senator Paul Bailey (R-Sparta) and State Representative John Windle (D-Livingston). The votes in the House and Senate were unanimous with the exception of one House member voting present.
“This song is a beautiful love letter to Tennessee and reminds me how lucky I am to live here,” said Senator Bailey. “I can’t think of a more fitting song to represent our state.”
“I’ll Leave My Heart in Tennessee” was performed by Grand Ole Opry stars Dailey & Vincent and was written by Karen Staley. The song was performed in the General Assembly chambers by Jamie Dailey, Darrin Vincent and Ben James last month.
“When they performed the song before the House, all of the members were visibly moved,” said State Rep. Windle. “It’s a beautiful tune and I’m proud we have added it to the list of songs representing this great state.”
“We’d especially like to thank Senator Paul Bailey and Brandy Foust, Representative John Mark Windle, Representative Terry Lynn Weaver, and the entire House and Senate for their interest in and support of this song,” said Jamie Dailey.
Dailey and Vincent are Grand Ole Opry members, five-time GRAMMY® Award winners individually, three-time GRAMMY® Award nominees collectively, four-time DOVE Award winners, and winners of 35 IBMA Awards altogether.
According to a release, “Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent (and their world-class band) offer a unique and modernized spin on ‘American music’ – ‘the best of country, bluegrass and gospel this side of heaven’ (USA Today) – the duo has played across the globe, taking the stage at iconic venues including the Ryman Auditorium and Carnegie Hall.”
Tennessee has nine other official state songs, the most of any state in the country. They include:
“My Homeland, Tennessee,” by Nell Grayson Taylor and Roy Lamont Smith
“When It’s Iris Time in Tennessee,” by Willa Waid Newman
“My Tennessee,” by Frances Hannah Tranum
“Tennessee Waltz,” by Redd Stewart and Pee Wee King
“Rocky Top,” by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant
“Tennessee,” by Vivian Rorie
“The Pride of Tennessee,” by Fred Congdon, Thomas Vaughn and Carol Elliot
“Smoky Mountain Rain,” by Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan (and a No. 1 hit for Ronnie Milsap)
“Tennessee,” written by John R. Bean of Knoxville
– – –
Aaron Gulbransen is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected]. Follow Aaron on GETTR.
Photo “Bill Lee” by Bill Lee. Background Photo “Dailey & Vincent” by Jaredledford. CC BY-SA 3.0.
