By Staff
Jonathan Willis
Russellville has become a second home for country music legend Ronnie McDowell.
So much so that a street bears his name.
"I love everything about Russellville," said McDowell, who has performed an annual concert in the city each year since 1990.
"I love the people, I love the Roxy and I sure love the food there."
A native of Portland, Tenn., McDowell will perform with drummer D.J. Fontana, vocalist Millie Kirkham and The Jordanaires. All have ties to Elvis Presley.
"It's a lot of fun performing with these folks," McDowell said. "I don't know how much longer I will get to do it, so I am enjoying it now. I am sure I will look back in 10 years and wish I could do it all over again."
McDowell became close friends with Wanda Myrick years ago. As president of McDowell's fan club and a member of the Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council, she saw the concert as a way to bring superstar talent to Russellville while raising money for the Roxy Theater.
"This show is a success each year," Myrick said. "The community supports it so well and they have again this year."
Saturday's show begins at 7 p.m. at the Roxy Theater.
But, McDowell also has a new tie to Franklin County.
He has co-written a book with Vina native Edie Hand, Presley's cousin.
It features several of McDowell's paintings of Presley.
"That's just something that I fell into and loved it," McDowell said. "It's not like any other Elvis book out there. There will be some stories that have never been told."