Legendary singer Patti Page will personally remind Tennessee fans on Saturday that before “Rocky Top” there was “The Tennessee Waltz.”
The 81-year-old Page is scheduled to perform her signature song before 100,000 fans in Neyland Stadium during the Ohio-Tennessee game. The 300-member Pride of the Southland Marching Band will accompany her.
Both songs are now considered official state songs of Tennessee.
While “Rocky Top” is synonymous with Tennessee sports, played repeatedly to the delight of Volunteer fans, the UT band still closes every game with “The Tennessee Waltz.”
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Comments » 23
TommyJack writes:
Cool
Volsnfl writes:
Just_Walsh_to_the_end_zone.
chargervol writes:
At age 81, if I'm still a kickin', I would just like to know my own name, much less sing to 100,000 people. Good for her. GO VOLS!!!
CB4VOLZ writes:
A class act
VolunteerLifer writes:
I bet she doesn't have much of a voice anymore, but who cares??!! I bet there won't be a dry eye in the house among those of us who are old enough to remember her singing that beautiful song in her beautiful voice, so long ago now. And those of us who have listened to the Pride play that song so many, many times. I'm very appreciative for those memories.
gbeejr#1354500 writes:
Rocky Top I guess is best - but I'm a gray beard and I can remember way back when the TN Waltz was our identity. I compare it with ky's, My Old ky Home, except ours is better, of course. I can't believe that at her age Patti Page can sing anything. But let me tell y'all, back in the day she was something to see.
CHS52VOL writes:
ChargerVol, you may be the only one who posts here that is my senior. I am 76 - still kicking, just not as high. God bless you and grant you good health. GBO. Wish I could be there to hear Patti Paige sing. Bet she does well, and also bet you remember Les Paul & Mary Ford (How High The Moon).
TommyJack writes:
Naw, JimR07 is older than both you pups.
doubledown writes:
I've actually got that hit on on 45 framed on my wall.. go Patty!!
dvols writes:
pretty damn cool!
koamalina writes:
Can she play quarterback?
texas writes:
I am 66 now but I will always remember that day long ago now. I was a skinny long kid fresh from Texas. The farmer we rented our 3 room log home from had taken me to Knoxville where we watched my first collage football game. I remember listening to Down The Field a thousand times that evening and thought HO_HUM. then the game was over and most of the fans had filed out. We sat there for a time and the band cranked up The Tennessee Waltz and this Texas boy was hooked on The University of Tennessee for a lifetime. GO VOLS
Lostvolinhighweeds writes:
The 'BEAUTIFUL TENNESSEE WALTZE!'
pj_ladyvolnMI writes:
I'm impressed, texas. Not many people know the name of Down the Field. I've always thought that was one of the best fight songs around, but don't care how the band plays it these days at all. (It's the same arrangement, but they play it so staccato that it's lost its energy.) Anyway, I loved playing that and The Tennessee Waltz when I was in the Pride back in the mid '70's. My dad had the same seats on the 50 yard line for over 50 years when he died 3 years ago, and he always stayed to hear the band play after the games. It's good to know people pay attention and enjoy it. BTW, I was in the band when it first started playing Rocky Top. The coach liked it and asked us to play it every time the defense came on the field. The rest is history.
GerryOP writes:
Dang TJ! Patti Page is older than PDHuff? Didn't think anbody was older'n ol' PD!
VolinCalif writes:
This is great. Loved her. I also liked Dina Shore. On a lonely night when you were away from home, service Etc. That old song would send chills over the best Tenn youngen. Great to remember.
texas writes:
Fine business PJ I learned to love that fight song also. I kept my season tickets for many years on the west side just under the old press box. Gee was it WW who can remember now. I kept the seats intil Payton Graduated and the next year decided not to return the renewal. I gave up on winning the NC. Guess what Tee Martin did the first season I did not attend. I almost hated myself for that goof.
VolinCalif writes:
He may not remember Paul and Mary but I do. I'll be 76 in Apr. Been lucky for the most part. The wennie can still cook just no pot to put it in. Thought I'd give Witch Dr a call but from his post he'd just refer me to his problem with his own wife. Ps the OFF will have a blast tomorrow.
Diggs writes:
I remember when I was in Korea, a Korean band (they called themselves Grand Old Opry) did the Tennessee Waltz at the NCO club. The beautiful young Korean girl sounded exactly, and I mean exactly like Patti Page. I could close my eyes and imagine being back home. Great memories. I hope ESPN360 shows Patti tomorrow night. I'll sit here in my easy chair and cry like a little girl.
BTW, there is no Wooooo in The Tennessee Waltz!!!
And there shouldn't be one in Rocky Top, either.
Diggs
TommyJack writes:
A big salute to you, CalVol.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
True, Gerry.
I had a brother named Dirt.
Wonder if TnGeoff could buck dance at the 50 to Tenn Waltz or maybe Rocky Top.
Seriouslyorange writes:
Patti Page was,is and will always be a class act. This old Georgia boy loved that Tennessee waltz and finally made it here almost 50 years ago. (How Much is that) Doggie in the Window also one of her big hits. She had many many. Bless her for gracing our presence and congrats to whomever set it up!! Hats of to them!
leedsvol2007 writes:
I guess we are dating ourselves but I remember that song well!
I read somewhere that the Tennessee Waltz is the greatest selling song in its category ever.
Every time I see a game in person my pride in being a Tennessee alum swells when I hear it being played.
To have the person who made it an icon be able to still perform it is a wonderful gesture and should be a thrill for fans and the band alike.
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