Episode 3702

- [Announcer] "Tennessee Crossroads" is made possible in part by.

- [Phil] I'm Tennessee Tech President Phil Oldham. Here in Cookeville, Tennessee's college town, we are bold, fearless, confident, and kind. Tech prepares students for careers by making everyone's experience personal. We call that living wings up. Learn more at TNTECH.EDU

- [Announcer] Averitt's Tennessee Roots run deep. They've been delivering logistics solutions here for over 50 years. And though Averitt's reach now circles the globe the volunteer state will always be home. More at Averitt.com.

- [Announcer] Discover Tennessee Trails & Byways. Discover Tennessee's adventure, cuisine, history and more made in Tennessee experiences showcased among these 16 driving trails. More at TNTrailAndByways.com.

- This time on Tennessee Crossroads you'll meet a talented Nashville artist who created a clayscape of her favorite city. Then visit a Cookeville Family Diner that's famous for its heavenly hot dogs. We'll discover the musical legacy of the Cremona String Ensemble and finally, wind up at the Stax Museum of Soul Music in Memphis. Hey everybody, I'm Joe Elmore. Welcome again to "Tennessee Crossroads." Well, first off, I want you to meet one of Nashville's most talented and versatile artists. Tammy Gentuso's medium of choice is pottery and her whimsical works truly run the gamut. From her trademark tiny houses to her giant piece of ceramic achievement.

- [Tammy] I grew up with an easel in the dining room, my mother was an oil painter, and so art was strong in our family, but I also had a very practical father who said, you can't make a living unless you're really good. And you know, I was 10, 11, 12. So he encouraged me to go the route of getting a nursing degree.

- [Phil] So after putting art on the back burner Tammy Gentuso became a nurse, got married, and lived overseas for a while before returning home to raise a family. Years later, she and her youngest son decided to sign up for a pottery class here at the Clay Lady's Campus in Nashville, and that would change her life forever.

- We finished it and we looked at each other and said "We've gotta wait two weeks for the next class. That's not gonna work." Danielle said, "Well, I do have studio space." And that was it, I got a studio and been here ever since.

- [Phil] Tammy always had a fascination with folk art and its innocent way of ignoring the rules. And whether she's sculpting or hand building there's usually a playful, often amusing spirit in her work.

- [Tammy] I found that I needed to be working on hopeful things, whimsical things, things that would bring about a smile and folk art has an appeal to me. I like the, just the groundedness of the folk art. And so I tried to apply the whimsy with folk art and come up with a lot of what I do

- [Phil] And no matter what she's working on there are always more ideas and inspiration than minutes in the day.

- [Tammy] I sometimes wake up in the middle of the night and it's like, don't go there. 'Cause once I start thinking about it, I might as well get up and sketch something out, so.

- [Phil] Also woven into much of Tammy's work is the idea of home. Often portrayed in that whimsical folksy style of hers.

- [Tammy] If you look through a lot of my work, you'll see architectural elements. I've got a number of things to do with iconic Nashville, but even just the idea of home. I do a line of little tiny ceramic houses that they're called, wee littles. They're powerful to me because they represent home. And I find that the people who collect them have that same feeling. It's home. It's home, it's good, it's safe. The work that I'm doing right now is children's literature based. I'm taking children's literature favorites and I'm making these little sculptures for them and I'm having so much fun. Well, that obviously comes from my five-year-old granddaughter that I'm raising.

- [Phil] In 2017, Tammy began work on what would become her magnum opus, a ceramic map of Nashville measuring 25 feet long by eight feet tall. It was three years in the making including six months of research.

- I really had fun with the research. The computer, Google Images, Google Street View. These were things that became really important. Now, some things I did a drive by, I did photos, but most of them I ended up leaning on what I could find on the internet, for how I would do these particular buildings on each tile.

- [Phil] So using images, sketches, a template was made for each of the 192 1 foot square tiles. Then it was time for carving and painting no less than 1300 iconic buildings and landmarks. It took a week to install the clay scape mural on an outside wall of the Clay Lady Campus building, an appropriate home for Tammy's tribute to the city she calls home.

- [Tammy] To be down there when somebody comes and they, either they didn't know it was there, or they came to see it but they did not expect what they found. People just stand there and it just, I get goosebumps with it every time.

- [Phil] Tammy will go on to produce many more whimsical works using her imagination and tools, but chances are none will match the untiring commitment of the Nashville Clayscape. A lasting testament to her talent and determination.

- There are things I look back and I wish I had done it differently, but no, I'm proud of it. I'm really happy with it.

- You should be.

- Thank you.

- Some cities are known for a certain food. Well, for example, Philadelphia has cheese steak, and of course Nashville's known for hot chicken. Well, in our next story, Miranda Cohen travels to Cookeville and there she learns how a world famous hot dog at a beloved family eatery, put them on the map.

- [Miranda] On the corner of Gibson and Highway 70 in Cookeville, you will find a special place that connects more than just busy streets. A place where lives intersect, and it's called John's Place. The Upper Cumberland Development District's public historian, Mark Dudney remembers it well.

- John's Place, the building here was constructed in 1949. The building and the history of John's is synonymous with the history of the McClellan family here in Cookeville. Albert McClellan had businesses right on the spot where this building was built starting around the turn of the 20th century for 50 years.

- [Miranda] The family business started as a grocery store and cafe, a local gathering place and a community staple. Then in 1963, son John Lee took over the family business and coined the name John's Place.

- John Lee was a decorated World War II combat veteran. He served in the European and Pacific Theaters and he was an astute businessman.

- [Miranda] And John Lee McClellan was much more, he was a man before his time, a man who knew how to treat customers and to bring all people together.

- There was always a spirit of inclusion here. And Ed and then his brother John Lee were the authors of that. So when they opened it to the public, everyone was welcome. That spirit of inclusiveness has remained throughout its history. And they didn't make a big deal out of it, but it was definitely unusual at the time. The, it socially integrated years before legal integration in Putnam County.

- A simple place where people from all walks of life could come and share stories and share a laugh and John Lee knew they needed to share something else. This cinder block building was built way back in 1949. Then in 2011 it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, but that is not what makes John's Place famous.

- [Mark] In 1964, John Lee wanted to come up with a signature food item people associated with here. So he partnered with a local meat company, Fauci's Meats and they came up with the world famous John Dog. And so it's a short fat, red hot dog. They steam it in beer, split it down the middle. It's a family secret, the special relish they put on it.

- They kind of made me think of when you go with the fair. And you have a really good hot dog and they have a relish, sweet relish on there and a mild mustard, it was amazing.

- [Miranda] Fast forward, almost a half century and very little has changed and the world famous John Dog is still served and it's still famous.

- All right, world's famous John Dog. It's famous. I've been eating this since I was a kid. It's the same recipe that he created. The homemade relish, that's the important part.

- [Miranda] Nephew Bill Roberts is now at the helm. He came on at the request of his aunt and John Lee's widow, miss Mary Alice, who is somewhat of a legend in her own right for once serving up a delicious soul food buffet, a tradition many would love to see return.

- She was an old school southern cook and when I would come over here on Wednesday nights, the, she kept the cornbread in a steamer so it would be nice and moist and not dry out. And she just knew the seasonings, the fried chicken and the catfish and all of that stuff.

- [Miranda] Along with the famous John dog. They dish up lots of other traditional comfort food favorites, like a crispy fried fish sandwich, a phenomenal burger and even fried baloney. John's Place is, and always has been, a vital part of the community. Whether it's for a game of pool, feeding the locals at the holidays or as the unofficial gathering spot for any and all things Tennessee Tech. It all started by a beloved local family and was made even better by their next generation's vision for a brighter future.

- This place was a melting pot of the local African-American community. You had kids from Tennessee Tech, you had all the working people coming in and out and it just had a reputation that everybody was welcome there. It was a place to go and have a good time for everybody. A lot of people may not know all of the significance of this place, but again, it's all about the people. It's about the traditions that were set from the beginning.

- I think it's really cool 'cause everyone here is very welcoming. It feels like home.

- He used to say that John's Place did more to integrate the Upper Cumberland than the politicians did. And I think he was right. They've continued to do what works and it has worked for almost a century and it's incredible and it's still they're still serving the community and it's still a place where people can go and have a good time, everybody's welcome.

- Our next story is an inspiring one. All about a special musical program for children that began back in the 1960s and it continues to this very day. Well, Cindy Carter has the story of the Cremona Strings Ensemble.

- [Cindy] It's Saturday morning and musicians young, and some a few years older arrive at the Hadley Park Regional Community Center in Nashville. The hard work these very special artists do here is what makes their many performances across Middle Tennessee noteworthy.

- We can either bring more people into the field of music or create more music appreciation individuals and that's important to me.

- [Cindy] Lisa Spells is the founder and music director of the Cremona Strings Ensemble Too and Development Group.

- One and a two and a three and a four and a.

- [Cindy] The too in the title is meant to separate these music makers from the original Cremona Strings Ensemble, which was founded in the 1960s by Nashville African-American musician and teacher Robert Bob Holmes.

- He went to the school board and asked if he could teach African-American children in segregated school system, at that time, to learn strings. And he was told adamantly no, black children do not have the aptitude to play strings.

- [Cindy] Holmes then went outside of the school system to bring together music and children who otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity to try.

- I am one of the original children who started in the third grade actually.

- [Cindy] Today, Lisa carries on that musical mission with not only the children you see here, but their parents as well. That's right, this nonprofit is designed for children four years and older who don't have access or the opportunity to take string lessons. But the children accepted must also be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is also willing to learn.

- But why would you ask that the adult have to also learn to play the instrument? So that they won't say to their child learning, "Oh, that sounds awful." "Oh hurry up and learn how to do that." "Get better." "Maybe that's not for you."

- [Cindy] The setup may be a bit unorthodox, but Lisa says this type of side by side learning and sharing and playing is why the students who eventually move on do so successfully.

- Thank you.

- [Cindy] Cellist Michael Brady also joined the original Cremona Strings as a child and is more than happy to serve as a mentor to this new generation.

- To come again and to work with students with string instruments it just gives me pleasure and I don't mind sharing what I've learned to keep the legacy going.

- [Cindy] The strings in Cremona strings are the viola, the violin, the cello and bass. The instruments music and music stands are provided to the musicians at no cost.

- [Lisa] We are a classical organization first but we also do a little fiddling. Get that Tennessee Flare.

- Okay, Andrew, show me E Flat.

- All right, how about F sharp.

- That's so great. I can learn so much from Andrew, and that's the point. This program builds skills that stretch far beyond any rehearsal space or performance space and benefits the entire community.

- You learn to have discipline. It transfers into your study habits. It transfers into your family construct. It transfers into combined organizational structures.

- [Cindy] These disciplined artists also study music theory, music history and composition. Violinist Nevaeh Bass understands this is what it takes to make dreams come true.

- A signed Golden Eagle Award for his music and composition. When I was in kindergarten. My class took a trip to the Nashville Symphony and I had told my mom while I was there I wanted to be on that stage playing one of the instruments.

- [Cindy] An 11 year old Andrew Calloway is grateful to Cremona Strings for getting him started on his musical journey.

- Miss Lisa asked me "What instrument do you wanna play violin or viola?" And I was hesitant because I didn't know what they were, but my brother immediately said violin. So I took it up upon myself to play the viola.

- [Cindy] As school and community arts programs are eliminated or underfunded, this unique ensemble gently pushes back.

- I love playing because it gives me joy. It gives me a lot of feelings that I haven't felt before.

- [Cindy] Audiences lucky enough to catch a Cremona Strings Ensemble Too performance also feel that joy and that's why those early Saturday morning rehearsals are worth every note.

- Thanks Cindy. Continuing with Tennessee's musical history. No city has a more important role than Memphis. Well, of course, Sun Records there was the birthplace of rock and roll but Stax Records, well, it had the Soul. Danielle Allen takes us to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music ♪ These arms of mine ♪ ♪ They are lonely ♪

- [Danielle] From the unmistakable voice of Otis Redding. ♪ Who is the man ♪ ♪ That would risk his neck for his brother man ♪ ♪ Shaft ♪ ♪ Can you dig it ♪

- [Danielle] To the undeniable funk of Isaac Hayes Stax Records played a short but vital role in soul music. What started as a small record company ran by a brother and sister duo in the fifties, grew into a distinctive sound recognized around the world. This was where unknown artists became stars and their songs defined in era. Although it's been decades since the records were recorded, their music plays on.

- Memphis is still an active vibrant music community. It's everywhere. And so I think that's one of the things that we try to do here at the museum is not just talk about what's in the past, but also what's happening now too.

- [Danielle] Jeff Kollath is the executive director of the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. It opened in 2003 and sits at the original location of Stax Records. When visitors go inside, they'll find a collection of more than 2000 artifacts and exhibits outlining the history of soul music.

- [Jeff] Much of what we have on display is permanent. It's a part of our permanent exhibition. It's been here since the museum opened in 2003. But we do change things out occasionally. We get new, because of our small staff size we're not an active collecting organization nearly as much as we would like to be or should be. Hopefully that will change soon. But we're able to change some things out here and there and put out some new things. But really what we're doing is trying to, with the permanent exhibition anything we bring in that's new or different is really just further enhancement of the story. Maybe tell the Stax story in a little bit different way. The Stax story is so broad, there's so much there. And you know, for what we do in our exhibition here we do a great job telling, not I guess wouldn't say one version of the story, but several stories within there. But there are many more to tell.

- [Danielle] Those stories are told through elaborate stage outfits, music awards and pictures that take you back in time. Many of those images highlight how Stax records broke the mold in music and society.

- Stax is unique for, you know a lot of reasons, but of course the one that's part of our real core story is that this was an integrated workplace at a time when, when segregation was rampant here in Memphis Tennessee and throughout the south. Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton, you know, created, made a very intentional decision to create Stax Records and to run Stax Records in the way that they did. And they should, they're heroes for that.

- I came because I saw a lot of things that I would like for my grandchildren to see. I would like to take pictures and let 'em know how it used to be, what a reel to reel is. You know what a dial tone telephone is, the old stuff, even those little Coke bottles over there, that's what I wanted them to see. And plus I wanted to like reminisce.

- [Danielle] There's definitely a lot of reminiscing at the Stax Museum, but this is also a historical place that embraces the future. ♪ Squeeze her, don't tease her ♪ ♪ Never leave her ♪ ♪ You've got to lover her ♪ ♪ Hey, hey ♪ ♪ Try a little demon dance. ♪

- [Danielle] The museum is part of the Soulsville Foundation which is a nonprofit organization that enriches the lives of young people through the Stax Music Academy and the Soulsville Charter School. With the work of the museum and the schools they're keeping the spirit of Stax Records alive one note at a time.

- [Jeff] We want to be just like the record company we want our doors to be as open as possible and we want people to come in and experience this story. And especially here in Memphis. It's important. We think it's important that Memphians know this story and be proud of this story. 'Cause it's, again, it only could have happened here and it only happened here. ♪ I got to go now and I don't wanna go ♪

- Sweet music. Thanks a lot Danielle, and thank you for joining us. Oh, by the way, don't forget to visit our website TennesseeCrossroads.org and while you're there, subscribe to that PBS video app where you can watch our show and many others, anytime, anywhere. And of course you can watch our show next week and I'll see you then.

- [Announcer] "Tennessee Crossroads" is made possible in part by.

- [Phil] I'm Tennessee Tech President Phil Oldham here in Cookeville, Tennessee's college town, we are bold, fearless, confident, and kind. Tech prepares students for careers by making everyone's experience personal. We call that living wings up. Learn more at TNTECH.EDU.

- [Announcer] Averitt's Tennessee roots run deep. They've been delivering logistics solutions here for over 50 years. And though Averitt's reach now circles the globe the volunteer state will always be home. More at Averitt.com.

- [Announcer] Discover Tennessee Trails & Byways. Discover Tennessee's adventure, cuisine, history and more made in Tennessee experiences showcased among these 16 driving trails. More at TNTrailsAndByways.com.