Join Us on Saturday, November 8th at 3pm at the Blount Mansion Visitors Center for the

Book Release Celebration of Howdy! The Minnie Pearl Story! with authors Mary Ellen Pethel and Don Cusic.

Purchase the book here: Howdy! The Minnie Pearl Story

“Take the backroads, not the highways,” Minnie Pearl often said—a sentiment that captures her life’s winding, unpredictable journey. Born Sarah Ophelia Colley in 1912, she grew up in Centerville, Tennessee. This small-town upbringing inspired her imagined hometown of Grinder’s Switch.

Rich with 155 historic photographs, this definitive biography covers the many chapters of Sarah Cannon’s life. Drawing from archives and interviews with those who knew her, Howdy! The Minnie Pearl Story, captures not only Cannon’s enduring humor and impact, but also the woman behind the laughter.

Mary Ellen Pethel is an associate professor and academic leader at Belmont University where she directs interdisciplinary initiatives, including the Global Honors Program. An award-winning author of six books on education, women, and sports, her most recent book is Title IX, Pat Summitt, and Tennessee’s Trailblazers. A public historian, she served as a consultant and cast member for the documentary Facing the Laughter: Minnie Pearl. Pethel also leads Nashville Sites as executive director and serves as archivist at Harpeth Hall School.

Don Cusic is the Curb Professor of Music Industry History at Belmont University, where he teaches in the music business program and serves as a leading scholar of American popular music. The author of nearly thirty books, his work has shaped the field of country music studies for over three decades. His recent titles include Chet Atkins: Mr. Guitar and The Nashville Sound. A frequent media contributor and historical consultant, he worked on the Ken Burns documentary Country Music and serves as editor of the International Journal of Country Music.

This event is a collaboration with UT Press.

• The special speaking event will be at Blount Mansion Visitors Center, 200 West Hill Avenue, Knoxville TN 37902.
• Limited free parking onsite
• $10 Donation suggested at the door. Cash and card accepted
• RSVP to Rose@BlountMansion.org

For Donations & Memberships to the Blount Mansion Association, please make your tax deductible gift here.

For Donations to our Blount Mansion Centennial Endowment Fund, please make your tax deductible gift here.