Governor Bill Lee signed a bill last month designating singer/songwriter Makky Kaylor’s ‘Tennessee, In My Dreams’ the newest official state song.
Other beloved state songs include ‘The Tennessee Waltz’ and ‘Rocky Top’. Kaylor’s song is only the fourteenth state song in Tennessee’s history.
A native of Memphis, Kaylor has made Columbia his home for the past 20 years. He’s been dubbed the ‘Mayor of the Muletown Sound’ by various media outlets and there is a State Resolution naming him the ‘Tennessee Troubadour’.
Although he considers himself to be simply a songwriter, Kaylor began writing songs as a child in Memphis and has worked professionally in the music industry as a songwriter, singer, and entertainer for 45 years. His songs have been recorded by various artists and recently performed on the Grand Ole Opry, The Family Channel, RFD and more. He has performed his songs at major venues across the nation including the Ryman Auditorium, The Tennessee Theatre and more.
The idea of having a designated official state song began when Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt heard Kaylor perform ‘Tennessee, In My Dreams’ at an event. She sent the song to House Representative Mark White of Memphis who was already very familiar with native Memphian Kaylor’s work and the song. Mayor Butt later invited Senator Joey Hensley to hear the song at one of Kaylor’s shows. White and Hensley carried ‘Tennessee, In My Dreams’ forward in legislation for the Governor’s signature.
“The first time I ever heard Makky Kaylor perform ‘Tennessee, in My Dreams’ I knew it was a heartfelt song for a very special place,” stated Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt. “Only a person who has experienced the good life that Tennessee has to offer could have written those words. Placing the song on the list of Tennessee State Songs is not only a well-deserved honor for Makky, but it is a sweet reminder for all of us who live here and for those who have ever longed for their beautiful home here in Tennessee and how wonderful our state really is!”
“I’m so very humbled and thankful for this blessing and recognition, especially, considering where I’ve been in my journey in life and music,” says Kaylor. “The song was written for anyone who has ever been homesick for ‘her’ whether called away on business, for personal reasons or maybe in service to our country. It’s for anyone who misses ‘her’ and dreams of ‘her’ — of sweet Tennessee.”
Kaylor’s story of resilience, survival, and accomplishment magnifies the deeper meaning of this designation since it was only a few months ago Kaylor was fighting for his life. He was flown by LifeFlight to Vanderbilt Hospital where he underwent open-heart surgery, for the second time in his life. He is happy to say he’s made a full recovery and recognizes the new lease on life he’s been given which makes this designation even sweeter.
Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder appreciates that Kaylor is an integral part of the community here in Columbia, not just on the music scene, but in everyday life. “I’ve known Makky Kaylor for a long time, and to know Makky is to know of his musical talent, his love of others, and his love of his country, state and community. Now, thanks to ‘Tennessee, in My Dreams’ being recognized as an official state song, the secret is out, and all the world can now know and love Makky Kaylor, just like me. I am proud of Makky, I’m grateful to him for sharing his talents for all of us to enjoy, and, most of all, grateful for his friendship.”
Makky will give a special performance of the brand new State Song with the Grammy Award winning Time Jumpers at Third and Lindsley in Nashville on June 3rd. Tickets available at www.ThirdandLindsley.com. Showtime is 8pm. The event will include a special presentation of the framed legislation by House Representative Mark White. Plans for presentations by Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt and City of Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder, respectively, are also underway with details to be announced soon.
A brand-new version of Kaylor’s ‘Tennessee, In My Dreams’ will soon be available on all digital platforms. This newest state song has captured all of the majestic and soulful southern elements of our glorious Tennessee. You can reach Makky Kaylor by email for more information: makky@ makkykaylor.com
