“Cas Walker: Stories on His Life and Legend” | Book Launch, Panel Discussion, & Musical Presentation

@ East Tennessee History Center
Where: 
East Tennessee History Center
When: 
Thursday, October 24, 2019 - 2:00pm to Friday, October 25, 2019 - 1:45pm

On the evening of Thursday, October 24th, we celebrate the publication of a new book that gathers the tales and legends of Cas Walker, one of 20th century Knoxville’s most famous citizens. Cas Walker was a grocer, politician, media celebrity, music promoter and coon hunter whose colorful life has become the stuff of the city’s favorite urban legends.

Many of these are now gathered in Cas Walker: Stories on his Life and Legend, published this fall by UT Press. Historian Joshua Hodge recorded oral histories with many who knew Cas Walker, as friends, employees, and political rivals or allies, and collected others from the public.

The evening program includes a performance by members of the Cas Walker band, led by Walker’s friend and master banjo player, David West. We will also enjoy a collection of video clips from the Cas Walker show, as well as some rare and recently discovered footage of a young Dolly Parton, whose career began on the Cas Walker Farm and Home Hour. And we will swap a few more Cas Walker stories with some of Walker’s friends and family.

The program starts at 7 p.m. at the East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, and is free and open to the public.  Books are available for purchase, and a book signing will follow.

The evening is presented by the University of Tennessee History Department, the East Tennessee Historical Society, and the Appalachian Media Archives.  For more information or for interviews, please contact Ernest Freeberg at 865-974 7090. For more information on ETHS exhibitions, programs, or museum hours, call 865-215-8824 or visit the website at www.EastTNHistory.org