Clarence "Tom" Ashley Tennessee Music Pathways Marker

Travel to Mountain City to see the historical marker dedicated to Clarence “Tom” Ashley, a banjo musician and singer of ancient Appalachian and early American songs. He was the first to record” House of the Rising Sun,” a No. 1 hit for later English rock group The Animals. He featured songs like “Little Sadie,” “The House Carpenter” and “Old John Hardy” which became classics during post-World War II folk revivals. Two of Ashley’s songs “The House Carpenter” and “The Coo Coo Bird” were included in the groundbreaking 1952 compilation Anthology of American Folk Music. He also performed at Carnegie Hall in 1962.

Enjoy Mountain City by exploring the boutiques, restaurants and more that dot the area. Explore the Doe Mountain Recreation & Outdoor Adventure that has more than 50 miles of ATV, UTV and dirt bike trails. Foot trails and mountain bike trails snake through the property as well. Shop locally-made pottery, jewelry and more at the Johnson County Center for the Arts. You can even sign up for a class to make your own creation. Visit Mountain City during Labor Day Weekend to hear claw hammer banjo on the front porch of Clarence “Tom Ashley’s homeplace, hear Appalachian Murder Ballads, busking downtown and live music honoring early American and folk revival as part of the Long Journey Home event.