
The Culture of Rocky Top —
The song "Rocky Top" has become part of the culture among University of Tennessee fans. The song was written by Boudleaux and Felice Bryant in 1967 and was first played by the university band in the early 1970s. Legendary women's basketball coach Pat Summitt has said "Rocky Top" is part of her blood.

The Culture of Rocky Top —
The town of Lake City, Tennessee, has proposed changing its name to Rocky Top as part of a massive development project. The sons of Boudleaux and Felice Bryant have filed suit to block the name change. "Rocky Top is a world-famous and distinctive mark that popularly conjures notions of the copyrighted song," the lawsuit says.

The Culture of Rocky Top —
"Rocky Top" has become ingrained among thousands of Tennesseans, from the Smoky Mountains in the east to the western bluffs along the Mississippi River. Kelly Lovelace, 24, center, kicks it to the tune of "Rocky Top" with the Riverboat Cloggers during the 2012 Bartlett Festival and Car Show.

The Culture of Rocky Top —
Developers have proposed a multimillion-dollar project, including a water park and country music theater, if Lake City changes its name to Rocky Top. Mayor Tim Sharp met with reporters last fall when the City Council voted in favor of the change. The state House and Senate have since approved the measure.

The Culture of Rocky Top —
Most fans associate "Rocky Top" with the University of Tennessee football program; 100,000 fans pack Neyland Stadium and sing every time the band plays the song.

The Culture of Rocky Top —
"Rocky Top" grew to fame in 1967 when the Osborne Brothers first recorded the bluegrass song. It has since been sung by more than 100 artists and remains a favorite at the Grand Ole Opry. It is one of Tennessee's eight official state songs.

The Culture of Rocky Top —
The football field in Lake City sits empty most of the year. Officials hope the Rocky Top project will jump-start the local economy and lead to a first-class athletic complex that draws in area youth.


