April 9, 2025
By: Dwayne Page
Friends, family, and fans of country music icon Aaron Tippin gathered downtown Tuesday for a tribute to the legendary singer.
A ribbon cutting was held for “Aaron Tippin Alley” between Main Street and Market Street. The dedication was a tribute to Tippins’ contributions to music, his connection to the local community, and his embodiment of the hardworking spirited essence of country music.
Tippin said having an alley way dedicated to him was “cool”
“I was raised on a farm in South Carolina, and I wanted to get back to the country,” said Tippin. “That’s what I wanted to do. Get out of Nashville. When Thea and I started looking the first place we ever looked was in Alexandria. We had lunch at a café there. I told her (Thea) honey there ain’t no way we are ever moving this far out of town. So along came the Bass farm for sale. They told me where it was and I said man that’s a long ways out there but I said I’ll go look at it. I got in a pickup and got out there, stuck my old 45 in my pocket and started walking out there kinda looking around and about that time an 8 point buck walked right up over the hill in front of me. And I said SOLD. Since then our two youngest children have been here their whole lives. My oldest child worked in the drug store and went to college at Tennessee Tech and a lot of her life has been here. We have had the opportunity to raise our children here. Now we have grandchildren. Its been an incredible community. You guys have been great, and we are proud to call ourselves folks from DeKalb County,” said Tippin.
About Aaron Tippin:
Aaron Dupree Tippin, born on July 3, 1958, in Pensacola Florida is a celebrated figure in American country music, known for his authentic, blue-collar anthems that resonate deeply with the working class. Raised in Greer, South Carolina, Tippin’s early life was marked by diverse experiences including working as a farm hand, welder, truck driver, and commercial pilot, which later inspired many of his songs.
Tippin’s music career began to take shape in the 1970s when he performed in local honky-tonks. His big break came in 1990 when he signed with RCA Nashville releasing his debut single “You’ve Got to Stand for Something”. This song not only became a top 10 hit but also served as an anthem for U.S. soldiers during the Gulf War, cementing his place in country music history. His signature hits include “There Ain’t Nothin’ Wrong with the Radio”, “Kiss This” and post-9/11 patriotic song “Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly”.
Throughout his career, Tippin has released nine studio albums, with six achieving gold status and one platinum, showcasing his ability to connect with audiences through his distinctive baritone voice characterized by a Southern twang. His songwriting talent was also recognized early on, with songs written for artists like The Kingsmen, Mark Collie, and Charley Pride before his own recording career took off.
Beyond music, after moving to DeKalb County in 1994, Aaron Tippin has shown his entrepreneurial spirit by opening Aaron Tippin Firearms stores and by founding his own record label, Nippit Records, in 2006. His personal life includes his marriage to Thea in 1995, with whom he has two children. Tippin’s commitment to his community and love for country music makes him a beloved figure in Smithville, where he has also contributed to local businesses and cultural life.