Sparkle Schoolhouse

FIFTY Study Page: Tennessee — "One of Us"

FIFTY: Tennessee— "One of Us"

Each story in the FIFTY collection focuses on a remarkable American from a different state. Below are some recommended topics to inspire further investigation of the history and geography of the state, as well as themes that can support our children's growth and development.

When a reporter suggested to Roy Acuff, the famous country musician and Grand Ole Opry regular, that he run for governor in opposition to the popular Democratic candidate, Roy thought he was joking. Soon after, to everyone’s surprise, he was backed by the Republican party and toured the state as its nominee. Though he ultimately lost that election, he continued to think Tennesseans deserved a leader that was more like like the common people. Years later, Roy Acuff found himself before a room full of country music fans, introducing the President of the United States — a man whom he considered to be “one of us.”

Note: Though this is historical fiction and the characters have been developed to accommodate a story, their attributes and development may be useful as reference points and inspirations.

Tennessee History

• History of Country Music
• History of the Grand Ole Opry
• Biography of Roy Acuff
• Biography of Richard Nixon

Tennessee Geography

• Map of Nashville and location of Grand Ole Opry

“One of Us” Study Topics

• How country music reflects the “common man’s” experience

• What makes a good politician

  Topics for Reflection

  From a Child Development Perspective:

  In this story, your child might learn that:

• Don't let other people's opinions discourage you. Just because another person does not appreciate what we have to offer, this by no means is an indication that we should let their opinion affect us negatively. Other people’s opinions do not determine our value, our self-worth, or our talent. Some of the greatest and most accomplished people in history have received one rejection after another before they were able to make their mark on history. Roy Acuff was not discouraged when the governor criticized country music. He simply said, "That is an unfortunate response. He'll miss some fine entertainment."

• But sometimes you can let other people's opinions spur you into action. Sometimes another person might see light in us that we might not otherwise see in ourselves — and then it is time to take a risk and try something new. Fred Rose believed that Roy was just what Nashville needed as governor. This never would have occurred to Roy, but with Fred’s enthusiastic urging, he mustered the courage to run for office. Because he believed in him, Roy came to realize that it wasn't such a bad idea after all.

• We never know how our life story will unfold and affect the lives of others. Even the simplest things that make us who we are can have a large impact on our future or on someone else. Who would have thought that Roy's yo-yo tricks would one day impress the President of the United States!

• Even if we explore different interests than those of our parents and grandparents, we still are influenced by their legacy. Roy was a musician. Although music was his passion, his family's history of leaders and politicians was also part of his story and made him all the more qualified to run for governor. That was not something that he would have imagined for himself and his future, but politics were a part of who he was whether he knew it or not.

• Not winning doesn't mean that the race wasn't important. We can still carry a significant message to others by our words and our example even if we don't come in first place. Even though Roy was at a disadvantage in winning the election (not being a politician), he had something to offer just by being a "common man who knows how to play the fiddle and sing." Roy spoke to the people in a way that a more formal politician never could have, and in doing so, he changed the perspective not only of politics in Nashville, but also for the Republican party which was looking for a way to connect to the people.

• We don't have to be anybody but ourselves in order to make a difference. It was Roy's love for music and simple fun that truly made him a politician that people could relate to.

• When a door is closed, watch for new opportunities to arise. Even if we do not win, we can still be changed by the experience. Having run for governor, Roy began to pay attention to politics in a new way and he offered support and help where he could. It was ultimately his love for music and his new interest in politics that brought him to perform for the nation’s First Lady and meet her husband, President Richard Nixon.

• Individuals in the public spotlight have more facets to their lives than reporters and history books can represent. We see in our story how a President of United States was able to connect with Roy Acuff, a common man. They discovered that they had more in common than either of them had thought — including an appreciation for country music and the yo-yo! Remember — even Presidents can be common people, too.

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