City presents Makky Kaylor with proclamation of new status as state anthem
The designation of Makky Kaylor’s song “Tennessee, In My Dreams” as the official state song came to Columbia with a special proclamation from the Columbia City Council.
Kaylor’s song is one of only 14 official state anthems, joining the ranks of other Volunteer State classics such as “Rocky Top” and “The Tennessee Waltz.”
More: Makky Kaylor’s “Tennessee, In My Dreams” is named the official state song, one of only 14
Mayor Chaz Molder and council members joined together during their regular July 11 meeting earlier this month to host a special “Makky Kaylor Day,” one of the many recognitions Kaylor has received for his song and its significance to Tennessee.
“I’m really happy to have not only a friend of Columbia, but a personal friend of mine, Makky Kaylor, here,” Molder said. “When someone from our area does something that represents everything Columbia and Maury County so well, we want to recognize them as well.”
A Memphis native, Kaylor’s career has spanned nearly five decades, many of which were spent on Nashville’s Music Row, working with award-winning songwriters, musicians and other famous names. But when he and his family moved to Columbia, he had found a home.
In April 2023, Kaylor received a proclamation and resolution from the Tennessee General Assembly for his “contributions to the music industry as a ‘Tennessee Troubadour.'”
More: Makky Kaylor from Columbia is named “Troubadour of Tennessee” by the state for his music
Kaylor’s appointment by the city came after numerous health incidents, including two strokes and recent open-heart surgery that may have left him unable to sing and perform ever again.
“A few months ago I was on a LifeFlight from Maury Regional to Vanderbilt Hospital and I’m just grateful for every breath, every heartbeat,” Kaylor said. “Everything else that happened, including a Tennessee state song, is just an encore, and this Tennessee songwriter loves an encore.”
More: “Stay with me”: Makky Kaylor returns to music, radio and family after open-heart surgery
But after numerous rehabs, surgeries and a long recovery, Kaylor returned to the stage in time to celebrate his 60th birthday at Puckett’s in downtown Columbia.
“You all know how much I love our city, so it’s truly an honor to be a citizen here,” Kaylor said. “If I can help in any way, even a small way, to shine a light on this wonderful city, I’m happy to do so. It’s a blessing.”
Jay Powell is a reporter for The Daily Herald. Get breaking news in your inbox by subscribing to The Daily Herald newsletter at www.ColumbiaDailyHerald.com.
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