The Southwest Tennessee Tourism Association is proud to honor the Legends of Southwest Tennessee and their impact on the region. Chester, Decatur, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, McNairy and Madison counties are steeped in history and the legends that helped build these stories are vital to our culture. Each month we will share a Legend of Southwest Tennessee. We hope you enjoy these stories as much as we do.
QUEEN HALEY JACKSON
Southwest Tennessee is rich in history and is built on a foundation of impactful and meaningful individuals and stories that have been passed down from generation to generation. Beginning in February, the Southwest Tennessee Tourism Association will publish Legends of Southwest Tennessee, an effort to spotlight an individual or individuals that in some way has been an impactful part of Southwest Tennessee history and culture. We consulted with leaders in Chester, Decatur, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, McNairy and Madison counties to determine individuals we would spotlight. We begin our journey through the past by getting to know Queen Jackson Haley.
Queen was the grandmother of author Alex Haley. Many may remember Alex Haley as the author of the Pulitzer winning novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family. In addition to his many other works, he also wrote Alex Haley’s Queen: The Story of an American Family, in honor of his grandmother. The story was made into a television mini-series in 1993. Queen was born into slavery at the Forks of the Cypress plantation near Florence, Alabama. She was the daughter of the plantation’s owner, James Jackson Jr., and an enslaved woman named Easter.
While her biological father reportedly favored her and refused to sell her during hard times, he never publicly acknowledged her as his daughter due to social pressures. According to history, Queen was cast out by her white family members, who also did not acknowledge her. After the Civil War, Queen made her way north to Savannah, Tennessee in Hardin County, working at the Cherry (Mansion) Plantation as a domestic servant. She married Alec Haley, a ferry operator for the Cherry family, on October 9, 1881.
They had one son together, Simon Haley, who became a professor of agriculture and the father of Alex Haley. During her life, Queen faced significant adversity, including racism, and poverty. Throughout her life, Queen endured severe trauma, including sexual assault and physical abuse. She was also forced to witness the lynching of Davis, the father of her first child. Later in life she struggled with mental illness. Queen found support and stability primarily through her marriage and her relationship with her children, which helped her heal from a lifetime of trauma. Queen was fiercely supportive of her children’s advancement. Despite her husband’s insistence that their son Simon Haley work the farm, Queen pushed him to continue his education, secretly giving him money to attend college to ensure he could pursue his studies. In her final years, Queen moved to Huntsville, Alabama, to live with Simon, who by that time had become a professor at Alabama A&M. Her insistence in pursuing an education not only impacted her children, it impacted future generations as well, Alex being a prime example. Queen died in June 1941 and is buried in the Savannah Cemetery in Hardin County.
In honor of being a Legend of Southwest Tennessee and it being Black History Month, we honor Queen Jackson Haley. “In honor of Black History Month, we recognize and celebrate Queen Jackson Haley, a true legend of Southwest Tennessee.”
To learn more about Queen Haley and Hardin County, visit https://explorepickwicktn.com/.
EDDY ARNOLD – LEGEND OF SOUTHWEST TENNESSEE
Southwest Tennessee is more than a place; it’s a living story shaped by the people who have carried its voice far beyond county lines. Across Chester, Decatur, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, McNairy, and Madison counties, generations have produced individuals whose talent and determination have left a lasting imprint on American culture. The “Legends of Southwest Tennessee” series exists to honor those individuals, and this month, we proudly spotlight one of the region’s most influential voices: Eddy Arnold.
Born Richard Edward Arnold on May 15, 1918, on a farm near Henderson in Chester County, Tennessee, Eddy Arnold’s story is deeply rooted in the soil of Southwest Tennessee. The son of a fiddler, he learned guitar at a young age and developed a love for music while still in elementary school. Life wasn’t easy—Arnold left school early to help support his family, often traveling to local barn dances on the back of a mule. But even then, his talent was undeniable. In 1936, Arnold made his radio debut in Jackson, Tennessee, a pivotal moment that set his career in motion. Soon after, he secured regular radio work in Memphis, steadily building a name for himself across the region.
Arnold’s big break came in the early 1940s when he joined Pee Wee King’s Golden West Cowboys, earning exposure on the legendary Grand Ole Opry. From there, his career skyrocketed. Known as the “Tennessee Plowboy,” Arnold became one of country music’s first true superstars. What set him apart was his ability to blend traditional country with smooth pop elements – helping create what would later become known as the Nashville Sound.
Eddy’s music dominated charts in the 1940s and again in the 1960s, bridging generations and genres. Timeless Hits That Crossed Boundaries Arnold’s catalog is filled with songs that defined an era and continue to resonate today. His 1955 hit “Cattle Call” became his signature tune, while songs like: · “Tennessee Stud” · “Casey Jones” · “Bouquet of Roses” · “Make the World Go Away” · “I Really Don’t Want to Know” · “You Don’t Know Me” showcased his unmatched ability to deliver emotion through song. His influence reached far beyond country music. Artists like Elvis Presley, Martina McBride, and Carrie Underwood have all recorded or performed his work, proving the lasting power of his music.
Arnold’s success wasn’t just measured in hits—it was measured in impact. · Over 85 million records sold worldwide · One of the most charting artists in country music history · Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1966 · Ranked among the greatest country artists of all time His crossover appeal helped open doors for future stars like Kenny Rogers, proving that country music could reach mainstream audiences without losing its soul.
Eddy Arnold once said: “I sing a little country, I sing a little pop, and I sing a little folk, and it all goes together.” That philosophy defined his career. He didn’t just sing songs, he told stories of love, longing, and life in a way that connected with millions. He passed away on May 8, 2008, just days before his 90th birthday, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire artists and audiences alike.
From a farm in Chester County to stages across the world, Eddy Arnold’s journey is a testament to the talent and spirit that define Southwest Tennessee. He wasn’t just a country star—he was a pioneer, a bridge between genres, and a voice that carried the heart of a region to the world. As we celebrate the Legends of Southwest Tennessee, Eddy Arnold stands as a shining example of how small-town roots can grow into global influence, reminding us all that Southwest Tennessee truly is a place of small towns and big stories.
For more information about Eddy Arnold and Chester County, visit https://chestercountychamber.com/.