Seated on a bench in the public square of Centerville, Tenn., is a statue of country music comedienne and star Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon, better known as Minnie Pearl. This larger-than-life performer grew up in Hickman County before making it big on radio station WSM Nashville and appearing at the Grand Ole Opry from 1940 to 1991.
Centerville is where Cannon was discovered. In the fall of 1940, the aspiring actress’ performance in front of a bankers’ convention caught the attention of radio executives for WSM Nashville, which led her to the Opry on Dec. 7, 1940 and to later star on the television show Hee Haw from 1969 to 1991. Her comedy routine was built upon the endearing caricature of a small-town country girl from the imagined town of Grinder’s Switch, which was heavily inspired by Hickman County. Her signature look always included a frilly dress and a hat with a $1.98 price tag hanging from it.
When you visit historic Centerville, be on the lookout for the Tennessee Music Pathways marker honoring Cannon, and take some time to appreciate the community and landscape that gave the world a country legend. The marker is one of hundreds sprinkled throughout the state of Tennessee that honors the movers and shakers of the seven genres of music that were created or celebrated in Tennessee. On your way out of town, you might even see a chicken wire statue of Cannon if you gaze at the right bluff!
