Shotgun

My playlist is always on whenever I'm taking Uber & Lyft rides. I'm partial to oldies, and it seems like the majority of my passengers are too. Once Sue got into my Jeep, she immediately noticed Junior Walker And The All-Stars coming through my speakers. She smiled and told her story.

Clarksville in the sixties was a little different than it is today. One of the car lots on College Street in front of Austin Peay was instead a small empty brick building. Sue was thirteen at the time, and like many kids that age, she snuck out with a friend. As they strolled down College Street, they gossiped and admitted to what boys they were fascinated with that particular week.

During the late-night adventure, they noticed a faint noise in the distance. Curiosity got the best of the girls, and they decided to investigate. As their steps brought them closer to the sound, it was apparent someone was playing some loud music for this time of the night. They recognized the popular song; it was Shotgun by Junior Walker And The All-Stars.

Once they were close enough to peek into the small brick building, they could see a band playing through the window. Two teenage hearts began to race once it became evident Junior Walker and his group were on the other side of the wall. After a quick discussion, the two decided to enter the small structure that was sheltering some of Motown's best.

Before the band chased off the two teenagers for being out way past their bedtime, Sue managed a couple of questions. The musicians explained how it was much cheaper to rent a building in Clarksville to practice than in Nashville. Sue and her friend hid outside for a while longer and enjoyed the free concert of a lifetime. Sue went home that evening with a story she'd never forget.

I loved this bite of history because it's something I would have never heard had I not picked up Sue that afternoon. I'm happy the right song was playing at the right time. The people who live in this town all have a story. You should visit Clarksville soon for a great story yourself. While you're here say hello to Pbody's - Clarksville Country Club, EXIT One Real Estate MetroNet-Clarksville TN, & my good friend Deb Wilson, Realtor 931.206.8551. They're all sponsors of The Chris Top Program. Come #WOBA with us sometime!
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