Stars Fell on Alabama

A Second Cousin, one time removed, on my Mother (Jean Brawley) Father's side, was Frank Sutherland Perkins Jr. (we share a 2 x great grandfather George Manchester). 

Frank came to fame as a composer 80 years ago this month writing the tune to "Stars Fell on Alabama", which I reflected on while in Birmingham, AL this week.  I found it interesting that over 100 artists ultimately performed the song although I'd never heard of it until researching this particular part of my family tree.  Check out Billie Holiday's version:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ibV3tCDvd8.   I'm told that Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, AL still plays the song at every home football game, well that's kind of cool; And in January 2002 the state of Alabama even added the song title to their license plates, although later updated it to Sweet Home Alabama.  I guess if you have to be trumped by another band Lynyrd Skynyrd isn't a bad one.  (Oh, and I love the fact that Frank's older brother Alfred was in the insurance business). 

Other notable things about Alabama that I think of:  my dear departed friend, colleague, mentor and superb human being Oscar Newton (1/17/1927 - 1/7/2014) hails from this place and always spoke so fondly of it.  I miss his gracious and intelligent presence.  He had so many great sayings, "I think love means caring profoundly about what happens to someone else." "Love will find a way, indifference will find an excuse."  "Love not only makes the world go round, it makes the trip worthwhile." And my favorite, "A friend is one who overlooks your broken gate and admires the flowers in your garden."  RIP Oscar

And, my son Tyler did his Army basic training here.  I'll always remember renting a van and packing up the family to make the trip to Anniston, AL in  the fall of 1996 to see him graduate. Eighteen years old; Eighteen years ago.

HAIL to Alabama . . .