Willie King

Willie King is the great bluesman of our part of the country. Nominated for and winner of multiple national blues honors and awards, he has now attained status as an international ambassador of the art form, playing concerts this year in Italy and Switzerland.His website can provide you with plenty of information about upcoming tour dates and his band’s latest releases. Recently Dutch film-makers Saskia Rietmeijer and Bart Drolenga of Visible World Films came to America with the intention of producing a documentary about African American arts and culture in the deep South. When they met Willie, they decided instead to devote their efforts to creating a DVD about his life and times. Over a period of several months, the couple recorded King as he worked with his community in Pickens County and performed at festivals, juke joints and parties. A clip from their film shows Wille sharing his philosophy of the blues and something of his influences.

Jim Brock

American Folk Music, in many forms, is deeply rooted in Pickens County. Jim Brock, a long-time resident of Aliceville, is a well-known country fiddle player. Across the years he played in the bands of the Bluegrass greats–Bill Monroe, Charlie Louvin, and Jim and Jesse. He recorded numerous records with these bands and others. Frequently, he graced the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. He got his start in the 1950s playing with the studio band at old WRAG, a country radio station in Carrollton. Carl Sauceman was the leader. In the mid-60s he was called to Nashville. After 20 years there and on the road, he settled back in Aliceville. Today he is instructing Ruby Jane Smith, a 12 year old rising-star in fiddle playing. His mentoring of Ruby Jane will ensure that his giftedness will continue to entertain future generations. He still makes appearances at Bluegrass Festivals and helps out with music at community events.

Sports

In the past decade high schools in Pickens County have won state championships in football, basketball, baseball, weight lifting, and other team sports. Many of the youth of the county go on to play sports at major universities, and some are now professional athletes. Many residents have fond memories of watching a well-known and successful athlete at the beginning of his career here in the county. There is a sense of pride and of joy as one remembers.

Less than an hour to the east or to the west one can attend sporting events at SEC universities, Alabama and Mississippi State. Less than an hour to the south the University of West Alabama plays a good smaller college schedule in many sports. And for retirees who want to be active participants in sports opportunities for golf, tennis, bowling, and boating are available within an hour’s drive. Many residents enjoy hunting, fishing and horse back riding.