Grant native honored with historical marker

By Eddie West

Staff Writer

A Smith County native noted for influence in popularizing bluegrass music has been recognized with a marker at the Smith County Historical Courthouse in Carthage.

A ceremonial unveiling of a marker for Louise Certain Scruggs was held Friday morning. 

Scruggs is described as a “pivotal figure in popularizing bluegrass music” by managing her husband Earl Scruggs and his partner Lester Flatt from 1956 to 1969 through their rise to popularity.

A native of the Grant community which is north of Interstate 40’s Alexandria Exit, Scruggs moved to Nashville after graduating from Watertown High School to pursue an accounting career, marrying Earl Scruggs in 1948.

Officials say the Grant native played a “crucial role in the success of Flatt & Scruggs, recognizing the potential of bluegrass music to reach broader audiences”. 

Louise Scruggs booked her husband Earl Scruggs at the Newport Folk Festival in 1959, which propelled him to fame. 

Scruggs managed the Earl Scruggs Revue after Flatt & Scruggs split in 1969 and is noted for always striving for higher achievements for her husband. 

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