Perhaps it's in the soil, or rather the soul; but the list of famous Tennesseans is endless and still growing. Grab a glimpse of West Tennessee-bred fame in industries from cinema and music to writing and art.
JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE
Traveling from the "Mickey Mouse Club" to boy-band legend "NSYNC" to an award-winning musical and acting career, Justin Timberlake has always called Memphis home. Timberlake was recently inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame and credits his hometown for JT & The Tennessee Kids' music inspiration and iconic hits. See some of the greatest musicians' contributions to today's music 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays to Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays.
TINA TURNER
Music legend and actress Tina Turner was born in Nutbush, a rural unincorporated community in Haywood County of West Tennessee. Her Grammy-winning fame began in the 1960s with then-husband Ike Turner. She soon led an international solo career, though her Tennessee roots motivated a self-created tribute—the Tina Turner Museum—in Brownsville at Flagg Grove School, now located on the grounds of the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center. Inside, guests can see some of her costumes, memorabilia and even her high school yearbook.
HOMER G. WELLS
Born in Paris, Tennessee, Homer G. Wells was veiled in mystery ever since his early 1900s childhood. Wells became a self-prescribed detective and county hero for solving murder mysteries and crime investigations. Soon-after, Wells became an author of nationally-broadcast fictional short stories based upon his Tennessee tales. Walk the streets of the small town of Paris, Tennessee and be sure to check out its replica of the Eiffel Tower. Explore and reconnect in nature at the Paris Landing State Park and try a few sips of Tennessee wine at the Paris Winery & Vineyards.
KATHY BATES
Academy-award winning actress Kathy Bates was born and raised in Memphis before taking the stage and starring on-camera in countless recognized films and productions. She also starred in the made-for-TV version of "Annie" in 1999. Theater goers can catch the stage adaption of the story Dec. 13-18 at the Orpheum Theatre.
