R.E. Winsett Pathway Marker

Explore the small town of Pikeville, Tennessee, an hour north of Chattanooga and see the historical marker of R.E. Winsett, gospel music producer and hymnodist, part of the Tennessee Music Pathways.

Winsett composed many sacred songs, including his most well-known, “Jesus Is Coming Soon,” which was recorded by several artists, including the Oak Ridge Boys. Born in 1876, Winsett began writing hymns when he was only seven years old. His 1908 collection of hymns, “Songs of Pentecostal Power,” became his first widely-distributed hymnal. His songs became one of the cornerstones of Southern sacred music. His “Best of All” hymnal is considered one of the top-selling hymnals of all time.

Spend some time exploring downtown Pikeville where you’ll find a variety of restaurants and shops. Get a sweet treat at Ember’s Ice Cream before you leave. Fall Creek Falls State Park, the state’s largest state park, isn’t far from Pikeville and features multiple waterfalls, including the namesake Fall Creek Falls, cascading 256 feet and is one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States.