Today we say happy birthday to Gid Tanner, who was one of the very first country music stars. Born in 1885 just outside of Gwinnett near Monroe, he passed away in Dacula on May 13, 1960. With his band the Skillet Lickers, Gid Tanner helped pave the way for a century of country musicians. His most enduring hit is likely Cotton Eyed Joe, released in 1928.
Gid Tanner's discography is not for the faint of heart and features some songs that many modern ears would find reprehensible, but he was a true legend in his time and won his last of many 1st place fiddling trophies in the late 1950s at the ripe age of 71.
Gid's grandson Phil Tanner continued the Skillet Licker tradition, hosting jam sessions on Gid's Dacula farm, and great-grandson Levi Lowery found fame as a songwriter for the Zac Brown Band.
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Keep it classy, Gwinnett. This is not a political forum, nor is it place for intolerance or crude behavior of any sort. We are all in this together, so just enjoy the ride.