By By ROBERT BLANKENSHIP – Managing Editor
Family, friends and fans joined country music recording artists Hank Locklin and Oak Ridge Boy William Lee Golden for the unveiling of signs honoring them as Brewton natives.
The signs, four in total, are placed at the city limits along Hwy. 31 and Hwy. 41. The official unveiling ceremony took place on Hwy. 31 at the Buddy Mitchell Bridge on Wednesday.
Both performers said they were proud to be a associated with the Brewton community and were honored by the signs.
Golden added that he was especially proud to be honored on the same sign as one of his own heroes.
Locklin still makes his home in Brewton while Golden resides in Hendersonville, Tenn. Golden said he returns to Brewton several times each year to visit his 85-year-old mother, Ruth Golden, and his sister Lanette Lowery, who each still reside in the area.
The idea for the signs was initially introduced to the city by a fan-based group known as the "Friends of Hank Locklin." According to city officials, the idea quickly expanded to include Golden.
Making the trip with Golden to the unveiling was his wife, Brenda Golden, and his 21-month-old son Solomon.
Both of the performers remain busy in their professional lives. Locklin plans to have a new album released before September and his current album, entitled "RCA Country Legends - Hank Locklin," is currently available. Golden, and the rest of The Oaks, attended a "President's Dinner" last week at the invitation of President George Bush. Golden said the band has a busy year ahead as they have planned 170 performance dates throughout the nation.