World MUSIC Day June

Local Leaders Reveal Their Favorite Tunes

In honor of World Music Day, an annual celebration on June 21 to promote music and bring people together, ALM reached out to local leaders to share a link to their playlist and describe their favorite bands and songs, their most memorable concert, any instruments they play and more.

Stacy Brown, Woodstock’s Marketing and Communications Manager

My favorite genre is rhythm and blues. I especially love the Muscle Shoals’ sound. My favorite artist of all time has to be Elvis. I was first transfixed by him at 3 years old when one of his specials aired on the anniversary of his death. I began playing piano at age 6 and transitioned to percussion at age 10. I majored in percussion in my early college years and toured with two symphonies.

The best concert I attended was Alabama Shakes at the Tennessee Theater, debuting their “Sound and Color” album.

My favorite album growing up was “Urban Chipmunk.” Alvin, Simon and Theodore recorded ’70s and ’80s country hits with the likes of Jerry Reed, John Denver and others.

Jennifer Ruscilli, Cherokee County Master Gardeners PublicityTeam Chair

Picking a favorite band is tough! It’s a close call between The Doobie Brothers, Styx, Foreigner and Kansas. Growing up, my favorite album was The Carpenters’ “Gold: Greatest Hits!”

My most memorable concert was a Doobie Brothers concert. You can’t beat their rockin’ guitar style, rockin’ you down the highway!

I did take piano lessons, but my instrument is my voice. I’ve sung since I was very young, soloed in the high school and church choirs, and went on to sing in the auditioned A Cappella Choir at Samford University. We sang in cathedrals all over Europe and even for a past president.

Billy Peppers, Canton’s City Manager

I love music in all varieties — classic country, ’80s rock, Southern gospel. I requested DMX at my high school prom. My most memorable concert was at the opening of the Sugar Bowl in Sugar Hill, Georgia. They had the Bacon Brothers, and I am only one degree of separation from Kevin Bacon, who can play at least a dozen instruments.

In high school, I played the tuba in band. My favorite record growing up was “The Best of the Mamas and the Papas.”

Dwayne Waterman, Canton City Councilmember, Ward 3

My favorite genres are blues and ’80s-’90s hip-hop. Favorite artists include Albert King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, Derek Trucks, Barry Richman Band, Joe Bonamassa, Eric Johnson and New Edition. Some others are Earth Wind & Fire, Bela Fleck, David Ryan Harris, Scary Pockets and Musiq Soulchild.

Favorite songs are “#41” by Dave Matthews Band, “Ain’t no Sunshine” by Bill Withers and “Can i Kick it?” by Tribe Called Quest. Growing up, my favorite album was “NE Heartbreak — New Edition.” I can play the guitar, piano and violin.

Most memorable concert? There are too many! The top are Eric Clapton and New Orleans Jazz Fest. The most memorable local concert I’ve attended was David Ryan Harris at Eddie’s Attic.

Kristin Norton Green, Canton Theatre Events and Facilities Director

My favorite type of music is … all kinds. I don’t have a favorite, but I can always listen to some good classic rock.

The most memorable concert I have attended recently was Taylor Swift with my teenage daughters. My favorite concert of all time is a band from Charleston called Shovels and Rope. We saw them at the Georgia Theatre in Athens, and it was the first concert my husband and I went to together.

I do not play any instruments. Although, I did play the flute in middle school. I also grew up singing in chorus and in musicals at school.

My favorite album of all time is Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumors.” I remember my dad playing it for me when I was a kid, and I never get tired of hearing the songs!

Michael Roy Zenchuk II, Holly Springs Mayor Pro Tem

My favorite concert of all time was The Eagles — Hotel California, January 2020 at State Farm Arena. The Eagles are my favorite group, and my favorite type of music is classic rock.

My playlist makes no sense, it has everything from Lil Jon to Dwight Yoakam. Growing up, my favorite records were Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and Prince’s “Purple Rain.” I can’t play an instrument, but I’ve been told I have the voice of a young Kenny G.

Jeff Moon, Woodstock’s City Manager

I love a lot of different genres of music. I am particularly partial to ’70s and ’80s rock and tropical rock. I have seen Jimmy Buffett in concert 18 times.

My most memorable concert was being one of only 500 people to see Jimmy Buffett inside the Pensacola Naval Air Station Museum as a fundraiser after Hurricane Ivan. The stage was set up under a suspended Blue Angel F/A-18 Hornet. It was quite memorable! I also saw Ozzy Osbourne twice in one week when I was on spring break in college.

Growing up, my favorite albums were “My Home’s in Alabama” by Alabama, which came out as I was going into high school. In college, I was more into “1984” by Van Halen and “Appetite for Destruction” by Guns N’ Roses. The only instrument I can play is the radio.