Spartanburg in Spartanburg County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Hank Garland/Johnny Blowers

— Spartanburg Music Trail —

Hank Garland Marker (updated) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, February 21, 2025

1. Hank Garland Marker (updated)

Inscription. Hank Garland
1930-2004 Hank Garland was a prolific studio musician contributing to recordings by Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline and many others.

Born in Cowpens, Garland joined the Grand Ole Opry at 15, recording his million-selling his "Sugerfoot Rag" at age 16, and established himself as an outstanding country musician session player. Before being disabled in a 1961 car accident, Garland became a noted jazz musician.

Johnny Blowers
1922-2006 Johnny Blowers was one of the most prolific of the swing-era jazz drummers, regularly backing the likes of Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and dozens of other famed performers.

Born in Spartanburg, Blowers worked at a downtown record shop in his teens and began his musical career performing in local jazz bands.

Erected 2011 by Spartanburg Philharmonic.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the South Carolina, Spartanburg Music Trail series list.

Location. 34° 56.992′ N, 81° 55.83′ W.

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Marker is in Spartanburg, South Carolina, in Spartanburg County. It is at the intersection of East Main Street and North Liberty Street, on the right when traveling west on East Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Spartanburg SC 29306, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Upstate.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Woolworth's Sit In (within shouting distance of this marker); Rev. Julius Cheeks / Gianna Rolandi (within shouting distance of this marker); Palmetto Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Buck Trent/David Ball

Johnny Blowers Marker (updated) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, February 21, 2025

2. Johnny Blowers Marker (updated)

(about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 101 East Main Street (about 300 feet away); The Rotary Club of Spartanburg Centennial Clock/Object of Rotary (about 400 feet away); Pink Anderson/The Marshall Tucker Band (about 400 feet away); Dr. Rosa H. Gantt (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Spartanburg.

Regarding Hank Garland/Johnny Blowers. To hear music samples by Garland, dial 864-607-9657 and press 7#; to hear Blowers, dial 864-607-9657 and press 8#.

Also see . . .
1. Hank Garland. Walter Louis Garland (November 11, 1930 – December 27, 2004), better known as Hank Garland, was a Nashville studio musician who performed with Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison and many others. (Submitted on February 18, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)

2. Hank Garland - Sugarfoot Rag. Video of Hank Garland performing his famous song "Sugarfoot Rag" from Country Style U.S.A. (Submitted on February 18, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)

3. John G. Blowers, Jr. John G. Blowers, Jr. (April 21, 1911 – July 17, 2006) was an American

Hank Garland Marker (original) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brian Scott, February 14, 2011

3. Hank Garland Marker (original)

drummer of the swing era, who became closely associated with Frank Sinatra. (Submitted on February 18, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)

4. Spartanburg Music Trail. The Spartanburg Music Trail debuts in downtown Feb. 11. (Submitted on February 18, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)

Johnny Blowers Marker (original) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brian Scott, February 14, 2011

4. Johnny Blowers Marker (original)

Hank Garland/Johnny Blowers Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brian Scott, February 14, 2011

5. Hank Garland/Johnny Blowers Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,169 times since then and 20 times this year. Last updated on February 21, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 21, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 18, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.