PHILADELPHIA, Miss. – Marty Stuart’s Congress of Country Music recently introduced four new murals in the heart of downtown Philadelphia on Saturday afternoon. These murals are dedicated to four legendary figures in country music, each representing a different era and style of the genre.
The murals are located along East Beacon Street and one is situated in the parking lot on Church Avenue. Each piece of art tells a story, celebrating the legacy of those who have contributed significantly to the world of country music.
The first mural was inspired by the song “Sunflower” by Neil Diamond and Glen Campbell. It was sponsored by the family of Marty Gamblin, who passed away. Marty Stuart shared his thoughts on the significance of this tribute:
“The murals are becoming so much more than just pretty pictures on the wall. This is what they’re becoming. They’re honoring people and their family stories. It’s a way to honor people that every time you pass, their name comes up in your heart. Marty Gamblin was my cousin. I remember in the 70s, he always had such a heart for music. And now that this is finally happening in this state, people like Marty and Dr. Jim Brewer and Paul Atkaru, people that really love Mississippi music and Mississippi culture, they would be so happy to know that it’s finally happening.”
The second mural was based on the song “Will the Roses Bloom” by Ricky Skaggs and Tony Rice. Marty Stuart spoke about the importance of this tribute:
“Ricky, since that time, has led the way to all of us in country music and American music period in keeping his heart forward and keeping the roots of American music alive. He’s been like a brother to me, and Sharon has been like a sister to me, and they’re like family to kind of me. When we opened the Ellis Theater, the first two people I called was Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs, and without question they came.”
The third mural pays homage to the song “A Rose Between Two Thorns” by Crystal Gayle. Stuart reflected on the influence of WHOC, a local radio station:
“WHOC, when I was growing up, it was like a classroom to me because Mr. Howard Cole was a visionary that he signed on with country music. At the noon hour, they played gospel music for an hour, afternoon was rock and roll the top 40. Late afternoon was soul, then they played easy listening music to sign off, and they did it again the next day. I thought everybody had a radio station like that, then I thought everybody had a radio station like that. We were so fortunate, I loved all those kinds of music. They touched my heart. They touched my feet, but it was country music that really got inside my heart.”
The final mural was a tribute to the song “Wings of a Dove” by Bob Ferguson. Stuart shared his memories of this influential figure:
“Bob Ferguson was such a special man. He gave up everything in Nashville. He was Chet Atkins’ right-hand man. They were producing hit after hit after hit, until Bob came down here and met Martha and fell in love with Martha. He gave up everything in Nashville and came to Philadelphia and helped the Choctaw tribe. He produced all of Connie’s first records, Dolly’s, as Sean said, so many, and we et to claim Bob Ferguson too.”
Next time you visit Philadelphia, take a moment to appreciate these murals. They are not only visually striking but also serve as a reminder of the rich musical heritage of the region. Whether you’re walking along East Beacon Street or tuning into an old classic on the radio, these tributes will surely leave a lasting impression.
