labama has a rich musical heritage and visitors can learn much of it while driving along the state's highways.
Below is my list of 10 weird and wonderful roadside memorials to musicians in Alabama. If you know of others, email me at kkazek@al.com.
1. Rock 'n roll singer, Sheffield
The first in a series of sculptures celebrating the music heritage of northwest Alabama was erected in November 2012. The 18-foot rock 'n roller, sculpted by artist Audwin McGee, is located at Love Plaza in the center of downtown Sheffield.
The series known as the Singing River Sculptures will eventually include large statues in each of the cities of Sheffield, Florence, Tuscumbia and Muscle Shoals, where many famous musicians recorded in the 1950s-1970s. A series of smaller statues will also be erected.
2. Eddie Kendricks statue, Birmingham
Birmingham native Eddie Kendricks (1939-1992) co-founded the Motown singing group The Temptations, and was a lead singer from 1960-1971. A statue honoring Kendricks, sculpted by Ronald Scott McDowell, is located in Eddie Kendrick Memorial Park (Kendricks added the "s" to his name for his professional career) on Fourth Avenue North at 18th Street.
3. Tribute to Wiregrass Music mural, Dothan
One of 17 murals on buildings in the city of Dothan, the Wiregrass Music mural is a tribute to musicians from the Wiregrass region, which encompasses part of Georgia. Dothan now bills itself as Mural City.
The music mural features images of well-known artists such as Ray Charles, who was born in Georgia, and Alabama-born artists Martha Reeves of Martha and the Vandellas, Bobby Goldsboro and members of the Atlanta Rhythm Section.
Depicted on the mural are: Ray Charles, Dean Daughtry of Samson, Ala., with Atlanta Rhythm Section; Dothan songwriter Buddy Buie; brothers David Adkins and John Rainey Adkins of The Webs, an Auburn University-based band that played backup for Roy Orbison, ARS and Beaverteeth; Dothan native Wilbur Walton Jr. of The James Gang; Eufaula native Martha Reeves who sang "Heat Wave" and "Dancing in the Streets and Dothan native Bobby Goldsboro, also of the Webs, who sang the hit song "Honey." The mural also recognizes the groups Classic IV and The Candymen.
4. Statues of the band Alabama, Fort Payne
Four bronze statues commemorate the legendary music career of the group Alabama whose hits include "Love in the First Degree," "Mountain Music," "Dixieland Delight," and "Song of the South." The band has sold more than 75 million albums. The statues, located at Gault Avenue and Fourth Street in downtown Fort Payne, depict founding members Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry, Jeff Cook and Mark Herndon.
5. Hank Williams statue, Montgomery
This statue depicts legendary country music artist Hank Williams Sr. (1923-1953). He is known for hits including "Cold, Cold Heart," "Your Cheatin' Heart," "Hey, Good Lookin'" and "I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive." Williams, born in Butler County, Ala., died of a heart attack at the age of 29 in the backseat of his Cadillac.
The statue is located in Lister Hill Plaza in Montgomery.
6. The Hank Williams museums, Montgomery and Georgiana
Located at 118 Commerce St., the Montgomery museum displays memorabilia from Hank Williams Sr.'s life and career including the 1952 baby-blue Cadillac in which he died, suits, boots, hats, ties, awards, furniture, horse saddle, portraits, records, albums and more.
The Hank Williams Boyhood Home & Museum is located at 127 Rose Street in Georgiana, in the home where Hank was raised.
7. Hank Williams Memorial Cemetery, Montgomery
The annex of Oakwood Cemetery in Montgomery is also called the Hank Williams Memorial Cemetery. His gravesite in the annex is one of the most-visited graves in the state. The annex is located at 1305 Upper Wetumpka Road. Contact the cemetery office at 334-240-4630.
8. Jim Nabors Highway, Talladega
Although many people remember Jim Nabors, born in Sylacauga in 1930, as the character Gomer on "The Andy Griffith Show" and "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.," Nabors is foremost a singer who has recorded 28 albums, three of which went gold and one platinum.
In his honor, the State of Alabama named the section of U.S. Highway 280 across Talladega County the Jim Nabors Highway.
9. W.C. Handy statue, Florence
William Christopher Handy (1873-1958) is known as the "Father of the Blues." Handy, born in Florence, Ala., is honored with a statue in the city's Wilson Park. The city also hosts the W.C. Handy Music Festival annually.
10. W.C. Handy birthplace, Florence
W.C. Handy's birthplace, a simple cabin at 620 W. College St. in Florence, today houses a collection of his personal papers, memorabilia and artifacts. Call 256-760-6434 for hours and rates.
Join al.com reporter Kelly Kazek on her weekly journey through Alabama to record the region's quirky history, strange roadside attractions and tales of colorful characters. Call her at 256-701-0576 or find her on Facebook.