Mississippi celebrated one of its most accomplished artists yesterday as GRAMMY Award-winning songwriter Craig Wiseman was honored with a Mississippi Country Music Trail Marker and a series of tributes recognizing his musical legacy and enduring connection to his hometown.
Mississippi celebrated one of its most accomplished artists yesterday as GRAMMY Award-winning songwriter Craig Wiseman was honored with a Mississippi Country Music Trail Marker and a series of tributes recognizing his musical legacy and enduring connection to his hometown.
The Hattiesburg native was recognized during a special ceremony at Midtown Green Park, where a newly unveiled marker now stands as part of the Mississippi Country Music Trail. The marker, designed in a record-style layout, features a concrete inlay with an iron replica of Wiseman’s Big Loud logo—a nod to the Nashville-based music company he co-founded. It is one of more than 40 markers along the statewide trail.
Visit Mississippi Director Rochelle Hicks reflected on the broader significance of the marker and Mississippi’s place in country music history:
“Mississippi is blessed to have so many remarkable musicians and songwriters who have helped make Mississippi the birthplace of America’s music,” said Hicks. “As a part of the larger Mississippi story, adding Craig’s marker to the Mississippi Country Music Trail is an important milestone in recognizing those who have made Mississippi instrumental to American and popular music.”
Wiseman began his extraordinary music career in Hattiesburg before moving to Nashville, Tenn., where he became one of country music's most prolific and celebrated songwriters and a successful music business entrepreneur. Hundreds of artists have recorded Wiseman's songs, including Brooks & Dunn, Faith Hill, Tracy Lawrence, Patty Loveless, Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton, Blake Shelton, Morgan Wallen, Kenny Chesney, and Tim McGraw. His work earned Wiseman numerous songwriting awards and recognition as the most-recorded country songwriter of his generation.
The event was attended by family, friends, fans, and community leaders, including Mayor Toby Barker, who presented Wiseman with a Key to the City and proclaimed 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,” said Mayor Barker. “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."
A cornerstone of the day’s celebration was the dedication of the Midtown Green Bandshell in Wiseman’s honor—made possible through his personal investment and passion for giving back to his hometown.
“Craig's support for the Midtown Green Bandshell project speaks volumes about his heart for this city,” said Tom Smith, bandshell project manager and former president of the Midtown Merchants Association. “His contribution didn’t just help build a structure—it helped build a legacy. This bandshell will be a space where music and community come together for years to come, and we’re honored to have Craig’s name forever tied to it.”
The celebration began the night before with a reception in Wiseman’s honor, where he received two meaningful gifts: a Hattiesburg Alliance of Public Art commissioned piece from friend and former classmate Kym Garraway Braley and a custom glass piece by Barbara Taylor Gandy, a close friend of Wiseman’s late mother.
During his trip home, Wiseman also stopped by the Hattiesburg Community Arts Center to view the “Jam Session” mural unveiled in 2024 by the Hattiesburg Alliance for Public Art. The mural features Wiseman in his signature white glasses, alongside other local music legends. There, artist Reshonda Perryman, of Jackson, Miss., surprised him with a special keepsake: two of the paintbrushes used in the mural, preserved in resin.
“To be honored like this in the place where it all began—it’s hard to put into words. 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,” said Wiseman.
The event program featured surprise performances by the Thames Elementary Children’s Choir and The University of Southern Mississippi’s Jazztet, with each group performing songs Wiseman wrote. Wiseman himself also sang several hits he’s written in his career, sharing their ties to Hattiesburg with the audience.
As the program closed with the unveiling of the marker, a crowd of supporters and media gathered to celebrate a man whose words have shaped generations of country music fans—and whose heart has never left Hattiesburg.
Marlo Dorsey, CEO of VisitHATTIESBURG, also reflected on the significance of the day and Wiseman’s lasting impact.
“We are incredibly grateful to have played a part in bringing this meaningful recognition to Hattiesburg,” Dorsey said. “Craig’s story is a testament to the power of place and the creative spirit that thrives here. Through this marker and the bandshell, we are not only celebrating his remarkable career but also enhancing the quality of place in our city and preserving a story that will inspire residents and visitors for generations to come.”
The Mississippi Country Music Trail, administered by Visit Mississippi, commemorates the venues, legends, and landmarks that have shaped Mississippi’s significant impact on country music. With the addition of Craig Wiseman’s marker, the trail continues to tell the story of a state that remains instrumental in America’s musical identity. For more information about the Mississippi Country Music Trail, visit mscountrymusictrail.org.
