Category: Blog

Written by: Emily Huffstetler

While Maryville may be situated in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, its music scene is anything but quiet. Rich in talent, heart and heritage, this small town has produced an impressive range of nationally recognized artists. Here are six Maryville natives who’ve made their mark on the music world. 

Every summer, musicians from all over the country gather on the Maryville College campus for Steve Kaufman’s Acoustic Kamp. What began as a single flatpicking workshop has grown into the largest event of its kind in the world, drawing students of all ages and skill levels to study guitar, fiddle, mandolin, bajo and more under the guidance of world-class instructors. 

A three-time National Flatpicking Champion, Kaufman is a living legend in the acoustic music world. Born into a musical family, Steve explored piano, cello, electric guitar and finally acoustic guitar—where he found his lifelong passion after hearing Doc Watson for the first time. By 21, he had already won his first national title, eventually becoming the only three-time winner in the contest’s history. 

Steve’s influence stretches far beyond performance. Since the ‘80s, he has created more than 100 instructional books and videos, taught thousands of students and toured the world hosting clinics, concerts and workshops. Dubbed the “World’s Guitar Instructor,” Steve’s legacy is built not just on technical mastery, but also on a passion for sharing the joy of music. You can explore his work, tour dates and teaching materials at flatpik.com. 

Robinella is a genre-blending songstress, weaving together bluegrass, country and jazz. A native of Maryville, she first gained national attention as the lead singer of Robinella & the CC Stringband. Their unique sound earned them a deal with Columbia Records, a national tour and appearances alongside legends like Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson and Earl Scruggs. She also graced the stages of NPR’s “Mountain Stage,” PBS’s “SoundStage” and “Late Night with Conan O’Brien.” 

Following her early success, life brought Robinella back home to the Smokies, where she found renewed inspiration in family, faith and the slower rhythms of life. Her more recent work, like the acclaimed Fly Away Bird, reflects a deeper emotional richness—poetic, heartfelt and rooted in personal truth.

Her music continues to evolve, but her voice remains as soulful and sincere as ever, drawing in longtime fans and new listeners alike. Robinella’s albums are available on all your favorite streaming services, and she announces her upcoming performances on her Facebook page. 

Jackie Lee is a soulful country artist born and raised in Maryville who has made it all the way to the Grand Ole Opry stage. Lee was immersed in music from an early age, singing in church and learning instruments like drums, guitar and piano. His father, a professional musician, nurtured his passion, leading him to record in a studio at just six years old. 

A standout at Alcoa High School, Lee helped his team win two state football championships, but music had a stronger pull. At 17, he left football behind and moved to Nashville to hone his craft. 

Jackie’s debut single, “She Does,” released in 2014, showcased his rich vocals and garnered critical acclaim, marking him as a standout in the country music scene. His subsequent releases, including “Getting Over You,” reflect a blend of traditional country roots with modern influences, resonating with millions of listeners nationwide. You can find his music on all the major streaming platforms, but every now and then, you might just catch one of his songs on the radio. 

Mike Cross is a veteran singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist born in Maryville and raised in Lenior, North Carolina. Over the past few decades, he has built a national following through his energetic performances, humorous songwriting and distinctive blend of folk, blues and country music. He calls his unique style “Appalachian Mountain Boogie Blues.” 

Although he didn’t pick up an instrument until college, a spontaneous guitar lesson during his junior year at the University of North Carolina led him down a new path. He soon began writing songs and incorporating stories and poetry into his music. He’s appeared on national television and radio shows, including The Smothers Brothers CBS Special, NPR and the Dr. Demento Radio Show, where his 1973 song “The Scotsman” became a fan favorite and was once voted “Funniest Song Ever Written.” 

Mike has released 13 albums and toured extensively, performing everywhere from intimate folk clubs to major venues like Boston’s Symphony Hall. You can stream the best of Mike Cross on Spotify and YouTube. 

Wyatt Ellis is the Peaceful Side of the Smokies’ rising star. Just 15 years old, the Maryville native began playing mandolin during the pandemic and quickly attracted national attention for his talent and dedication. Under the guidance of bluegrass legends like Sierra Hull, Bobby Osborne and Mike Compton, Ellis developed a style rooted in tradition with a youthful twist.  

In just a few short years, Wyatt has gone from local jam sessions at Rocky Branch Mountain Music to the Grand Ole Opry. His 2024 debut album, Happy Valley, topped Billboard’s bluegrass sales chart, with ten of its twelve tracks reaching the Top 10. Known for his clean, expressive playing, Ellis has been praised by peers for his command of melody and rhythm well beyond his years. 

His momentum has only grown in 2025, with standout singles like “Winds of Rowan County,” a duet with Peter Rowan, and “Choo Choo Coming.” Ellis has also appeared on RFD-TV’s Bluegrass Ridge and NPR affiliates, and is a regular on the bluegrass festival circut, where his sets consistently draw enthusiastic crowds. His music is available on all major streaming platforms, and tour dates are posted on wyattellismusic.com. To learn more about Ellis and how he draws inspiration from the Peaceful Side, check out our exclusive interview with him. 

Jack Greene (1930–2013) was a Maryville-born country legend whose deep voice and towering presence earned him the nickname “The Jolly Greene Giant.” A longtime member of the Grand Ole Opry and a three-time Grammy nominee, Greene rose to fame with his 1966 breakout hit, There Goes My Everything. The song spent seven weeks at No. 1 and earned him a sweep at the CMA awards, including Male Vocalist, Single, Album and Song of the Year. 

Greene’s musical journey began when he started playing guitar at ten years old. As a teenager, he worked as a DJ at WGAP and performed regularly on the Tennessee Barn Dance. After stints with bands in Georgia and Nashville, Greene’s career took off when Ernest Tubb invited him to join the Texas Troubadours in 1962. Encouraged by Tubb to go solo, Greene launched a successful career that produced five No. 1 Billboard country hits. He was one of the most played artists of his era. 

From heartfelt solo ballads like “All the Time and Statue of a Fool” to popular duets with Jeannie Seely, Greene’s smooth vocals and exceptional depth earned him a permanent place in the hearts of country fans. He continued performing into the 2000s, celebrating 40 years with the Opry in 2007. Though he passed away in 2013, Jack Greene’s legacy endures. Jack Greene Park, located in the heart of Maryville, is named in his memory. His full discography is available to listen to on all major streaming platforms, but you might even get lucky and find his albums at local record shops.

Want to kick back and explore local music? Check out our guide to where to listen to live music on the Peaceful Side.

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Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.

Written by: Emily Huffstetler 

With an abundance of new places to dine, shop and play, downtown Maryville is undergoing a revival. Behind the scenes, city archivist Mark Bennett is bringing its history back to life. 

Bennett, a Maryville native, stepped into his role about four years ago. Before that, he worked in genealogy, helping people trace their family trees. “I’ve always been interested in the past ever since I was a child,” he said. “I used to visit nursing homes and listen to the residents tell their stories. I was fascinated by them, and eventually I started trying to document the history.” 

Right now, his biggest project is documenting the history of downtown Maryville. “I’ve come across some very interesting things—especially documenting when the buildings were constructed,” he said. “Some of those buildings didn’t have a written history at all.” 

He’s been unofficially naming some of those buildings after the people who had them built. “You know where the new Raven’s Steakhouse is?” he said. “I wrote the history of that building. One of the former mayors, David Franklin Young (1873-1949), had it constructed around 1939.” He calls it the Dave Young building. 

That research led to one of his favorite discoveries—the exact location of William Bennett Scott Sr.’s printing press. Scott, who served as Maryville’s first Black mayor in 1869, also published a local newspaper, The Maryville Republican. “It was on the eastern half of where Raven’s Steakhouse is located,” Bennett said. “On the western part of that lot, his son, William Bennett Scott Jr., had a small residence.” 

Since taking the archivist role, Bennett has analyzed nearly every downtown deed. “That’s not a simple process,” he said. “I’ve had to work with some title attorneys. But when I do something, I’m gonna get it right.” 

He’s found other traces of early Black-owned businesses downtown. “There’s a gap between Bill Cox and The Roost,” he said. “In the late 1800s, there were two small buildings there. On the eastern part of the lot, Charles Wallace had a barbershop, and on the western part, Thomas Lillard had a confectionary.” 

Lillard served as an alderman—what’s now called city council—in Maryville. “There was a school named after him or his son across the street from the back of St. Paul A.M.E. Church,” Bennett said. “He was involved with education in the early 1900s.” 

His research has also uncovered stories of early immigration. “We had a Joseph Arbeely, the first person ever to immigrate here from Syria,” he said. “That would’ve been in 1878. His family only lived here a few years, but they were very well accepted. His wife, Mary, is buried up at New Providence Presbyterian Cemetery, and one side of her tombstone is written in Arabic.” 

Bennett said the oldest building in the original downtown—between Cates Street and Norwood—was built in 1885. “We don’t have any buildings downtown that were constructed before the Civil War,” he said. “None of them have lasted.” 

He also traced the first location of The Daily Times. “That would’ve been where Bill Cox is, on the eastern corner,” he said. “There was a separate building there, and it was in that building, but that building perished in the 1906 courthouse fire.” 

Bennett said some of the Quakers who came from Indiana and Ohio helped rebuild downtown after the fire. “Some of the Quakers lived near where Maryville High School is,” he said. “Some near where Miller Funeral Home is, and some close to where the Maryville Municipal Building is. There were others who came down from Indiana and Ohio, but they weren’t necessarily Quakers. The founder of The Daily Times, A.J. Neff, came from Indiana.” 

He works from many sources—Sanborn fire insurance maps, newspaper microfilm, tax records, deeds and lease records—to build a complete picture. “Our earliest Sanborn map is from 1887, and the latest is around 1945,” he said. “I want a continuous history of downtown.” 

That process has helped him correct long-accepted stories. “Some of the history that had already been done, I’ve been able to go back and correct some inaccuracies,” he said. “Some stories have been based off of lore, but when you get into the documentation, it can be contradictory.” 

He’s also tracked downtown’s visual record. “I’ve been able to better date pictures now with this analysis,” he said. “There were some pictures that people said were taken earlier than I was able to place them, and I was able to put a more accurate timeframe on them.” 

Bennett said he keeps up with what’s happening downtown because, as he puts it, “today’s events are tomorrow’s history.” 

He often works with local business owners who want to know more about their buildings. “Some people will ask me the history of their houses, too,” he said. “It’s been tedious, but very rewarding.” 

Recent investment has brought fresh life to downtown’s older buildings. “It’s called a renaissance right now,” Bennett said. 

He hopes to share his research through guided walking tours next year. “I’d like to tell what used to be on Broadway,” he said. “There were horse livery stables, the first car garages and dealerships, and several murders downtown…It’s interesting to see the transition and how things have evolved over time.” 

Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.   

Written by: Emily Huffstetler 

Mother’s Day weekend is here, and there are plenty of ways to spend it close to home. From brunch reservations to craft classes, here’s what’s happening around Maryville, Townsend and Louisville. 

Saturday, May 9 

Mudder’s Day Madness Mud Run 5K & Fun Run

Camp Montvale, 4901 Montvale Road, Maryville, TN 37803 

5K at 10 a.m.; fun run at 11:15 a.m. 

Harmony Family Center’s 14th annual Mudder’s Day Madness returns with a muddy 5K and fun run at Camp Montvale. The 5K runs from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and the fun run begins at 11:15 a.m. 

Forever in Our Hearts — A Mothers’ Day Celebration

Grandview Cemetery, 2304 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville 

10 a.m. 

This Mother’s Day remembrance event offers space to honor and remember loved ones. 

Mother’s Day Tea Party

Louisville Mercantile, 2801 Topside Road, Louisville 

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Louisville Mercantile will host a sit-down tea party with fresh scones and a gift for each guest. Tickets are $35. 

Needle-Felted Set of Coasters 

Creative Spark Studio, 2009 E. Broadway Ave., Maryville 

1 to 3 p.m. 

Guests will make a set of needle-felted wool coasters during this hands-on class at Creative Spark Studio. The class works as a Mother’s Day outing or a handmade gift option. 

Blacksmithing Basics with Bryan — Heart 

Creative Spark Studio, 2009 E. Broadway Ave., Maryville 

1 to 3 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. 

Students will learn basic blacksmithing techniques while making a forged heart that can be used as a pendant, keychain, ornament or keepsake. The class is recommended for adults; ages 16 and up may attend with a guardian. 

Mother’s Day Eve Candle-Making Experience

Daisy’s NA Bar & Bottle Shop, 608 Ellis Ave., Maryville 

2 p.m. 

Light Your Way will lead a candle-making workshop at Daisy’s. Guests will make a custom candle to take home. 

Sunday, May 10 

Mother’s Day Brunch at Daisy’s 

Daisy’s NA Bar & Bottle Shop, 608 Ellis Ave., Maryville 

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Daisy’s will host a Mother’s Day brunch for moms, moms-to-be and mother figures. Every mom receives a free mimosa and flowers. RSVPs are requested. 

Mother’s Day Brunch at Raven Steakhouse & Lounge

Raven Steakhouse & Lounge, 211 W. Broadway Ave., Maryville, TN 37801 

10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. 

Raven will serve a special Mother’s Day brunch menu with shrimp and grits, beef tenderloin, smoked salmon, biscuits and sausage gravy, pancakes, fruit, desserts, pastries and more. The brunch is $55 per person. 

Mother’s Day Brunch at Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro 

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro, 7140 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend 

10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Dancing Bear will serve an Appalachian-inspired Mother’s Day brunch with a holiday menu and cocktails from the Bar at the Bear.

Mother’s Day Special at Shoney’s

Shoney’s, 1021 W. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville 

11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Shoney’s in Maryville will treat all moms to a free slice of Strawberry Pie special beginning at 11 a.m. 

Mother’s Day “Mom-osa” at Company Distilling

Company Distilling, 8351 Tenn. 73, Townsend 

11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Company Distilling will serve its Mother’s Day “Mom-osa” cocktail at the Townsend location. The drink features Nothing Vodka, orange juice, lemon juice, simple syrup and soda water. 

Mother’s Day Comedy Show at Two Doors Down 

Two Doors Down, 118 E. Broadway Ave., Maryville 

7 p.m. 

Die Laughing Comedy will present a Mother’s Day comedy show at Two Doors Down. The show is for ages 18 and up. 

Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.