Pocahontas in Randolph County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)
Birthplace Of A Legend
Photographed By Craig Doda, April 6, 2019
1. Birthplace Of A Legend Marker
Billy Lee Riley was born in Pocahontas October 5, 1933. During his early childhood he lived just off the Marr Street on Haw Street.
He recorded his first several hits, including "Red Hot" at the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis and his background in early Rock and Roll is featured there.
Early on, Jerry Lee Lewis played back up piano for Billy Lee. After moving to L.A. in the early 1960s, Billy Lee was a sessions musician, recording with Dean Martin, the Beach Boys and Herb Alpert. Listed among his biggest fans is Bob Dylan.
Billy Lee's album, Hot Damn was nominated for a Grammy in 1997. His last record, Hillbilly Rockin' Man, was released in 2006. Billy Lee was honored here when he performed at the Hometown Legends Concert as a part of the Pocahontas Sesquicentennial celebration.
That same year, Billy Lee passed away in August, 2009, but earlier that year he participated in the announcement of the Arkansas Legislature's designation of this Rock and Roll Highway 67 through Pocahontas, his hometown.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music. A significant historical month for this entry is August 2009.
Location. 36° 16.356′ N, 90° 57.577′ W. Marker is in Pocahontas, Arkansas, in Randolph County. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Baltz Lake Fishing Pier (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Radio Station KPOC (approx. 0.4 miles away); Birthplace of Billy Lee Riley (approx. 0.7 miles away); Wear Kibler Schoonover (approx. 0.8 miles away); American Civil War Monument (approx. one mile away); Spinnenweber and Peters Equine Store and Merchantile (approx. one mile away); Site of the St. Charles Hotel (approx. one mile away); Capture of Missouri "Swamp Fox" (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pocahontas.
Also see . . . YouTube clip of "Red Hot". (Submitted on November 12, 2020.)
Additional commentary.
1. "Red Hot"
The song "Red Hot" is featured in John Waters' 2004 film A Dirty Shame, used particularly as a theme for Caprise "Ursula Udders" Stickles, portrayed by Selma Blair.
— Submitted November 12, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
Photographed By Craig Doda, April 6, 2019
2. Birthplace Of A Legend Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 12, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 11, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 247 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 11, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide shot of the marker in context. • Can you help?
