MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – The Meridian City Council is expected to consider a proposal Tuesday to name a city street in honor of Meridian native and acclaimed singer-songwriter Paul Davis.
The proposal will be presented during the council’s meeting, which begins at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, in the third-floor auditorium at Meridian City Hall. City officials are encouraging residents, musicians, members of Davis’ family and fans of his music to attend.
Born in Meridian in 1948, Davis became a nationally recognized recording artist and songwriter with a career spanning pop, soul and country music. His best-known songs include “I Go Crazy,” “Cool Night,” “’65 Love Affair,” “Ride ‘Em Cowboy,” “Sweet Life” and “Do Right.”
Community Development Director Terrell Thompson, who led the city’s efforts to bring the proposal through the planning and administrative process, said the recognition is intended to preserve Davis’ legacy for future generations.
“Paul Davis showed generations of young people that someone from Meridian, Mississippi, could create music that would be heard and loved around the world,” Thompson said. “This recognition is about more than placing a name on a street sign. It is about preserving his story and reminding future generations that extraordinary talent can begin right here at home.”
Mayor Percy Bland said the proposal represents the culmination of years of community advocacy.
“Director Terrell Thompson deserves tremendous credit for doing the work necessary to bring this proposal before the City Council,” Bland said. “Longtime tourism board member and community advocate Kyle Temple first brought this idea to Al Brown, and together they advocated for this recognition for years. The late Ken Rainey was also one of Paul Davis’ strongest advocates and understood the importance of honoring the people who helped define Meridian’s musical identity.”
Bland said several community leaders played key roles in moving the proposal forward.
“Kyle Temple helped begin the conversation. Al Brown helped carry the idea forward. Ken Rainey continued to champion Paul’s legacy, and Director Thompson has done the work required to move the proposal through the city’s process,” Bland said. “I believed it was important for this administration to take that idea and help make sure it received the attention and action it deserved.”
Rainey, a longtime broadcaster, music promoter and community leader who died earlier this year, publicly supported efforts to preserve and celebrate Davis’ contributions to Meridian’s musical history.
“Paul Davis never forgot where he came from, and Meridian should never forget what he gave to the world,” Bland said. “This is an opportunity to permanently connect his name, his music and his story to the city that helped shape him. We invite the community to join us Tuesday and be present for this important moment.”
If approved, the street naming would officially honor Davis’ contributions to music and his ties to Meridian. City officials said details regarding the street designation, installation of signage and a future dedication ceremony would be announced following council action.
Meridian City Council Meeting
- Date: Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026
- Time: 9 a.m.
- Location: Meridian City Hall, Third-Floor Auditorium
- Address: 601 23rd Ave., Meridian, Mississippi
