Though I never had the honor of meeting the ‘Architect of Rock n’ Roll,’ I truly feel like I have known Little Richard during my time at Visit Macon. When I arrived, Little Richard could be heard as the voice of the Visit Macon phone system providing a soulful background for Macon’s message. It was always a pleasure to hear him, welcome visitors, to Macon and he was a true ambassador for his hometown. In interviews, Richard never failed to mention Macon and how proud he was to represent the community. 

 

 
In 2017, I was honored to watch the "relocation" of Little Richard's boyhood home in the Pleasant Hill neighborhood. In December 2017, at the suggestion of Rock Candy Tours' Jamie Weatherford, Visit Macon hosted a celebration to commemorate Richard's 85th birthday. To celebrate such a musical icon still remains one of the highlights of my career. Hundreds joined us at the Tubman Museum for music, storytelling, and celebration. During the same week, Macon-Bibb honored Little Richard in opening his home as a Community Resource Center in Pleasant Hill. Hearing Richard's voice on the phone --  full of energy and reflection in celebrating the restoration -- still resonates with me. 
 
Richard was always singing Macon’s praises, and he served as an amazing ambassador for our community throughout his career. Though I never met the man, I am so humbled to have been a part of celebrating his legacy in the music industry, as well as in his hometown of Macon.