MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) Family, friends and supporters gathered Tuesday morning at Magnolia Cemetery to pay tribute to Meridian music legend John Christopher Ethridge II, honoring what would have been his 79th birthday.
The tribute took place at 11 a.m., with attendees laying flowers at Ethridge’s gravesite in remembrance of his life, music and lasting influence. Ethridge was born Feb. 10, 1947, and died April 23, 2012.
Alana Broughton, executive director of the Jimmie Rodgers Foundation, said the gathering reflected Meridian’s deep musical roots and the role artists like Ethridge have played in shaping the city’s cultural identity.
“From Jimmie Rodgers to Chris Etheridge, from Hayley Williams to Jamal Roberts, and so many in between, Meridian grows musicians,” Broughton said. “Meridian is a city that turns everyday stories into songs and dreams into stages.
“Today we pay homage with deep civic pride to the artists from our hometown who have done extraordinary things. They paved the way for the Grammy winners of tomorrow and show our children what is possible.
“This is something to celebrate. Something to teach. Music makes the world better. It tells our story.
“We are grateful for the musicians who came from Meridian and gave us the beautiful songs that make life richer and more meaningful. Today we honor Chris on his birthday.”
Ethridge is remembered locally and beyond for his contributions to music and for helping cement Meridian’s reputation as a city that has produced influential artists across generations.
Those pictured at the tribute, from left to right, are Richelle Putnam, Joey Ethridge, the musician’s brother; Doug Jernigan; and Broughton. Joseph Jernigan was also in attendance but is not pictured.
