June 11 - Chips Moman Highway

The Troup County Commission dedicated the pending South Loop as “Chips Moman Highway” in honor of the LaGrange resident acclaimed as a songwriter and record producer for Elvis Presley, The Highwaymen - Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson - and a who’s who of other musical greats.

Moman is perhaps best known as the producer of the 1969 album, “From Elvis in Memphis,” which included the hit songs, “Suspicious Minds,” “In the Ghetto” and “Kentucky Rain.”


“Chips Moman has dedicated his life to song and has gifted the world with some of its most remarkable and memorable music,” Commission Chairman Ricky Wolfe said, proclaiming June 12 - Moman’s 73rd birthday - as Chips Moman Day in Troup County.


“As a producer, songwriter and musician, his artistry permeated multiple genres of music and influenced the development of rock ‘n’ roll and soul music,” Wolfe said, reading from the proclamation. “His musical contributions will be enjoyed throughout the world for years to come. We are honored to recognize him today.”


When completed in 2012, the 6.1-mile, two-lane South Loop will connect Whitesville and Roanoke roads, diverting traffic from downtown LaGrange and improving access to West Point Lake and the big industrial parks around LaGrange-Callaway Airport. The $19.1 million construction is being paid for with federal stimulus funds.


“I can’t tell you what this means to me. … I’m flabbergasted,” Moman said at Friday’s ceremony in the jury assembly room of the Troup County Government Center.