Craig Wiseman has compiled a long list of accomplishments in his music career – Grammy winner, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, and recognition as “Songwriter of the Century” by ASCAP, just to name a few. Now, the Hattiesburg native can say he has his own Mississippi Country Music Trail marker.
A host of supporters, city leaders, family, and friends gathered at Midtown Green Park in the Hub City on Thursday to honor Wiseman. At the park, where Wiseman was instrumental in adding the Midtown Green Bandshell, a newly unveiled marker paying tribute to his illustrious songwriting career became the most recent stop on the Mississippi Country Music Trail.
The marker is designed in a record-style layout, featuring concrete inlay with an iron replica of Wiseman’s Big Loud logo paying homage to the Nashville-based music company he co-founded. It was added to the statewide trail that now consists of more than 40 markers honoring legendary Mississippi artists and places in country music.
“To be honored like this in the place where it all began – it’s hard to put into words,” Wiseman said. “Hattiesburg gave me the roots I needed to chase big dreams, and I’ll always carry this city with me. This moment, this marker, this bandshell – it all means the world.”
Wiseman has written a litany of top country hits, from Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying” to Blake Shelton’s “Boys ‘Round Here.” In total, the Hattiesburger has penned more than 350 songs that were recorded and released – 29 of which became No. 1 hits.
Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker hailed not only Wiseman’s music career but also his contributions to his hometown. Barker took the honor a few steps further, presenting Wiseman a key to the city and proclaiming March 27 as “Craig Wiseman Day” in Hattiesburg.
“We are proud of Craig Wiseman’s country music songwriting legacy, and we are forever grateful for his generosity in making the Midtown Green Bandshell a reality,” Barker said. “The story it tells is that a boy or girl from Hattiesburg can dream big and make those dreams happen. We appreciate the inspiration he will provide for future generations.”
To learn more about the Mississippi Country Music Trail, click here.
