A homecoming — 04/05/08

Sat, May 17 2008

— For the first time in many years, Tom T. Hall is returning to his native Olive Hill for a concert, and if there is a better person to mark the opening of the restored auditorium in the old Olive Hill High School building, we can’t imagine who it would be.
After all, Hall — the composer of 11 No. 1 country songs and 26 others that have hit the Top 10 — clearly is Olive Hill’s most famous native son. The only other person who would even come close would be the late William Fields, who served one term as Kentucky’s governor (1923-27) and was known as “Honest Bill from Olive Hill.” But Honest Bill’s fame was limited to Kentucky; Tom T. Hall is known as “The Story Teller” throughout the world.
There was a time when Tom T. Hall returned to Olive Hill each year for a concert that was the centerpiece of a broader, communitywide celebration. But early in the 1980s, the writer of “Harper Valley PTA” and numerous other hits became unhappy with organizers of the annual event, and the hometown concerts were discontinued. At about the same time, Hall removed his memorabilia from the caboose in downtown Olive Hill that served as a small museum in honor of the entertainer.
But Hall is returning to his home town on May 17 for a concert in the building where he attended high school. It will be the highlight of “Tom T. Hall’s Homecoming on the Hill, Legacy Series 2008.” May 17 has been dedicated to showcasing the talents of those who have connections to the old school, which served for a number of years as an elementary school after the opening of West Carter High School in the 1970s.
Hall “always said he would come back when we had the auditorium restored,” said Linda Lowe, second vice president of the Olive Hill Historical Society. “We want to give him a true homecoming tribute.”
Restoration of the old school — located high on a hill overlooking the town’s central business district — has been a labor of love for members of the historical society. Aided by some state grants, the restoration has been a tribute to the persistence of the society’s members.
Also featured at the homecoming celebration will be regional performers Don Rigsby and Midnight Call, George Molton, Scott Tackett, Jane Sparks Tatum and Julia Sparks with their band Laurel Branch, and singer/songwriter Sasha Colette, who will perform with Rob McNurlin.
The concert will be just eight days before Hall’s 72nd birthday. His return to Olive Hill after so many years gives local residents added reason to help him celebrate that birthday. Proceeds will go toward the renovation of the old school. Although much work has been done, there still is much to do. Hall will help make additional work possible.