The Osborne Brothers - Rocky Top Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who wrote the song 'Rocky Top'?

   'Rocky Top' was written by the husband-and-wife songwriting duo Boudleaux and Felice Bryant in 1967. The Bryants are also known for writing hits like 'All I Have to Do Is Dream' and 'Wake Up Little Susie' for the Everly Brothers.

2. When was 'Rocky Top' first played at a University of Tennessee game?

   'Rocky Top' was first played at a University of Tennessee (UT) game on October 21, 1972, during a home game against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Despite UT losing the game 17–10, the song gained significant popularity among UT fans.

3. What achievements has the song 'Rocky Top' gained?

   'Rocky Top' reached No. 33 on the U.S. Country charts in 1967 and was ranked number seven on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's list of 100 Songs of the South in 2005. It was also designated Tennessee's fifth official state song in 1982.

4. What event caused 'Rocky Top' to be banned in a high school?

   In 2013, Plymouth High School in Indiana banned 'Rocky Top' due to its references to moonshine, an alcoholic beverage. The school's superintendent declared it inappropriate for the student body to celebrate with a song that includes mentions of alcohol.

5. What is the connection between 'Rocky Top' and the Great Smoky Mountains?

   While the location in the song 'Rocky Top' is fictional, it is often associated with a real summit called Rocky Top, one of the peaks of Thunderhead Mountain in the Great Smoky Mountains, located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where the song was written.

6. Has 'Rocky Top' been covered by other artists?

   Yes, 'Rocky Top' has been covered by various artists including Lynn Anderson, Dolly Parton, Buck Owens, John Denver, Conway Twitty, Brad Paisley, and Rascal Flatts. It remains a popular performance piece among country and bluegrass musicians.