John Conlee Honored by Georgia Sheriffs’ Association with Award for Supporting Law Enforcement
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| L-R:Jones County Deputy Sheriffs Hunter Blount and Jonathan Joyner, Jones County Sheriff R. N. “Butch” Reece, Eatonton Police Officer Lynn Stanford, Putnam County Sheriff’s Sgt. Jim Barbee, Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills, John Conlee, Georgia Sheriffs’ Association Executive Director Terry Norris |
The Georgia Sheriffs’ Association presented Grand Ole Opry star John Conlee with a plaque for supporting law enforcement at the country hitmaker’s live show in Putnam County, Ga. The award was presented to commemorate Conlee’s dedication to the “men and women in the state of Georgia who walk behind the star.”
Conlee first caught the attention of Putnam County Georgia Sheriff Howard Sills while listening to the legendary Grand Ole Opry on 650 AM WSM. When the country legend took the stage, he performed his song, “Walkin’ Behind the Star,” from his latest album Classics 2. The track pays tribute to law enforcement with standout lines like, “So God bless all of the women and men sworn to uphold the law, and thank them for the fallen ones, the ones that gave it all.”
Sheriff Sills presented the plaque to Conlee in-person as the “Common Man” singer returned to Georgia for two shows. Upon first hearing the song, Sills stated, “I cannot adequately express my thanks to you, the Opry, WSM, and all those who were responsible for the recognition during the program and of course the song itself.”
The award was presented to the chart topper just one day before Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week. Over the years, the chart-topper has raised money for various charities including the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, Fisher House, Show of Support and Special Operations Warrior Foundation.
“It is up to we the people to support those who walk the thin line between peace and anarchy and let them know we have their backs,” said John Conlee.
The plaque reads:
Presented to John Conlee: In recognition of your extraordinary talent and with sincere gratitude of your support to the men and women of the state of Georgia who walk behind the star.
As Conlee approaches the 40th anniversary of his debut hit “Rose Colored Glasses,” the ACM award winner shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. Fans will have the chance to catch the hit maker on tour this summer, where he will perform all of his hits, along with new songs like “Walkin’ Behind the Star.”
Jessica Blankenship is the owner and founder of Kentucky Country Music website with over 20 years experience in music journalism, concert planning, photography, and promotion. Jessica is a Kentucky Colonel and alumni of the 2019 Leadership Kentucky BRIGHT Class and a recipient of the Laurel County’s Ten Under 40 Award. Listen to her each week on WFKY on Friday mornings for the Nashville News Roundup.