PHOTOS: 2023 Roxy’s Great Pretender’s Show – W.C. Handy Festival

A local favorite and Russellville’s part of the annual W.C. Handy week festivities, “The Great Pretenders” took the stage at the Roxy July 27. William Christopher (W.C.) Handy is known internationally as the “Father of the Blues.”  He was born in Florence, Ala., and for more than forty years,the people of his hometown and surrounding areas have honored his legacy and accomplishments annually with this festival.

​Gospel group “Still Here” (Rev. Johnnie Smith and Bros. Bryant Bonds, William Nelson, Frankie Hubbard, Eric Goodloe, Willie Buchanan, Joel Franks and Larry Freeman) performed the prelude in memory of Rev. William Freeman, Bro. Jack Freeman and Bro. Wash Bates.

​Other entertainers included:

​- Terry Benton (“Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash)
​- Aleya Lane (“I will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton)
​- Kandi Parker (“Heart Like a Truck” by Lainey Wilson)
​- Lucas Shepherd (“Loving You Could Never Be Better” by “Peanutt” Montgomery)
​- Meletha Walker (“I’m So Blessed” by Cain)
​- Mazie Vandiver (“I’m a Survivor” by Reba McEntire)
​- Jeff Allen (“Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis)
​- Keylee Mayfield (“Thank You Jesus for the Blood” by Charity Gayle)
​- Caroline Sparks (“At Last” by Etta James)
​- Chris Williams (“The Blues Man” by Hank Williams, Jr.)
​- Kinfolk Trio – Michael Rice, Sera Rice and Kassidy McCorkle (“The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac)
​- Mary Lindley (“Coat of Many Colors” by Dolly Parton)
​- Ariel Cothrum (“Enchanted” by Taylor Swift)
​- Garrett Booth (“If I Can’t Love Her” by Beauty and the Beast)
​- Sydney Medley (“That’s Life” by Frank Sinatra)
​- Dana Hill (“Small Town Girl” by Kellie Pickler)
​- John Pilati (“The Old Songs” by Barry Manilow)
​- Buford Parker (“You Wouldn’t Know Love if it Looked You in the Eye” by Ray Price)
​- Gunner Lane (“Your Song” by Elton John)