The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum celebrated the opening of its newest exhibition, Bill Anderson: As Far as I Can See. The evening included special tribute performances of hit songs written or co-written by Bill Anderson. Taking the stage to honor Anderson were Trisha Yearwood performing “Once a Day,” Vince Gill performing “Which Bridge to Cross (Which Bridge to Burn),” and Jon Randall and Carly Pearce performing “Whiskey Lullaby.” Anderson concluded the evening with remarks of his own.
The exhibit traces the Country Music Hall of Fame member’s story from childhood to his days in Georgia, where he excelled as a baseball pitcher and sportswriter while in high school and a disc jockey in college, through his contributions as one of the most decorated recording artists, songwriters and entertainers in history. Bill Anderson: As Far as I Can See opens Friday, Dec. 3, and runs through March 19, 2023.
Opening weekend programs on Saturday, Dec. 4, will include an in-depth interview and performance with Anderson, as well as a songwriter round with his collaborators. More information can be found here.
Bill Anderson: As Far as I Can See artifact highlights include:
- Anderson’s Rawlings leather glove used when he was a pitcher for Avondale High School’s baseball team, circa 1955.The Royal electric typewriter used in the 1960s by Anderson to type song lyrics and answer fan mail.
- Anderson’s 1958 Martin D-28 that he called his “second voice.” He used the guitar extensively on stage, in the studio, and to write songs, including “Still,” “The Tips of My Fingers,” “Po’ Folks” and “Once a Day.”
- Stage costumes worn by Anderson, including rhinestone-studded suits from the 1960s designed by S.A. Formann, a Buffalo, New York-based tailor, and Nudie’s Rodeo Tailors.
- Custom-made boots by L.M. Easterling Custom Boot Company, embellished with the initials “WBA”—for Whisperin’ Bill Anderson.
- A Manuel shirt, embellished with rhinestones and metallic embroidery, designed for Anderson in the 1990s.
- Anderson’s handwritten lyrics, with corrections, to “Give It Away.” Written with Buddy Cannon and Jamey Johnson in 2005, it yielded a #1 hit for George Strait.
