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Lifelong resident’s tune is now Cherokee’s official song

At an April Cherokee County Board of Commissioners meeting, a proclamation was presented to Kurt Wheeler and his mother Barbara for writing Cherokee County's song. From left are Chairman Harry Johnston, Gene Wheeler (Kurt’s father), Barbara Wheeler (Kurt’s mother), Kurt Wheeler, Janet Wheeler (Kurt’s wife) and District 1 Commissioner Steve West. (Courtesy of Cherokee County)

Credit: Cherokee County

Credit: Cherokee County

At an April Cherokee County Board of Commissioners meeting, a proclamation was presented to Kurt Wheeler and his mother Barbara for writing Cherokee County's song. From left are Chairman Harry Johnston, Gene Wheeler (Kurt’s father), Barbara Wheeler (Kurt’s mother), Kurt Wheeler, Janet Wheeler (Kurt’s wife) and District 1 Commissioner Steve West. (Courtesy of Cherokee County)
By Carolyn Cunningham – For the AJC
May 6, 2023

Cherokee County now has an authentic anthem, following a recent proclamation and resolution by the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners.

Kurt Wheeler and his mother Barbara wrote their composition, “Cherokee County,” which Kurt performed at the board meeting.

“It means everything to me,” Kurt Wheeler said about the board’s approval of their song. “I have seven generations of family from here on both sides.”

Wheeler was approached by members of the Cherokee County Historical Society after a discussion about a performance at the organization’s capital campaign kickoff to write a song about the county, which he did in 2020.

Wheeler enlisted his mother’s help with the lyrics due to her historical knowledge.

To hear the official song of Cherokee County, visit youtu.be/DNIh2IrMHi8.

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Carolyn Cunningham
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