Introduction:
On June 26, 2021, country music icon Alan Jackson returned to his hometown of Newnan, Georgia, to headline the “Where I Come From: Tornado Benefit Concert,” a heartfelt event aimed at aiding recovery efforts following a devastating EF-4 tornado that struck the area on March 26, 2021. The tornado caused extensive damage, destroying at least 70 homes and impacting over 1,700 structures. The benefit concert successfully raised approximately $2 million to support the Coweta Community Foundation’s tornado relief fund .
Held at the Coweta County Fairgrounds, the sold-out concert drew a crowd of over 20,000 attendees. The event featured performances by several artists, including Chris Young, Caylee Hammack, Adam Wright, Brian Wright, Jered Ames, Corbette Jackson, and Will Finley. The concert was also live-streamed on Facebook, reaching nearly one million viewers worldwide and encouraging additional donations .
Corporate sponsors played a significant role in the fundraising efforts. Cornerstone Building Brands donated over $500,000 in building materials to Habitat for Humanity and presented a $100,000 check to the Coweta Community Foundation. Southtowne Chevrolet, based in Newnan, contributed $105,000 to the cause.
During the event, Jackson expressed his deep connection to Newnan, stating, “It’s good to be back down here in my hometown of Newnan, Georgia. I’m from Newnan…my wife, Denise, is from Newnan…we were both born and raised here…and all of our childhood and young adult memories come from this area. When we saw what that tornado did coming through here a few months ago, it broke my heart. It broke Denise’s heart. We had relatives affected by it and friends. The high school that we went to got hit. I was hoping we’d be able to do something to try to help down here and…it’s just been amazing how this community came together to make this happen”.
The “Where I Come From: Tornado Benefit Concert” not only provided substantial financial support for disaster relief but also served as a testament to the power of community and the impact of music in healing and rebuilding. Alan Jackson’s return to his roots and his commitment to aiding his hometown underscore his enduring connection to Newnan and his dedication to using his platform for meaningful causes.