Tracks That Built Me - Rocky Top

When I was growing up in a small North Carolina town, my family didn’t just play music—we lived it. My dad on guitar, my sister on banjo, and me? I played the spoons. Yes, the spoons. And before you laugh, let me tell you—it’s harder than it looks! Together, we made up our little family band (my mom took the role of “manager”), bringing a little pickin’ and grinnin’ wherever we went.

The first song I remember playing was Rocky Top. It’s the kind of song everyone seems to know, even if they’re not sure where they learned it. There’s something about its upbeat tempo and simple lyrics that feels like a celebration of a slower, happier way of life—something we’ve all caught ourselves longing for at one time or another.?

Every holiday season, we’d load up with instruments and sugar-free cookies, heading to nursing homes. We’d set up in the common room and play for the residents, many of whom hadn’t heard live music in years, let alone bluegrass. Rocky Top was always a crowd favorite. Some would sing along, others would clap or tap their feet. For those few moments, they were transported to their own Rocky Top days—reminders of life’s simpler joys: porch swings, good music, and meaningful connections.

Although I ended up retiring the spoons (middle school embarrassment and all), I still think back to those days. It’s where my love for older music began. It’s where I first became creative. It’s what, I believe, set me on a path that eventually led to advertising. Life has gotten a little more complicated since my days as a spoon prodigy, but the core of what makes me happy hasn’t changed. Whether I’m brainstorming ideas for an advertising campaign or just hanging out with friends, I try to channel that Rocky Top spirit—keeping things simple, joyful, and connected.?

So here’s to good ol' Rocky Top—an ode to a simple life, the power of music, and the small-town girl who learned big lessons with a pair of spoons in hand.