Greenwood County Names Highway after Music Legend

News Summary

Greenwood County, SC, is set to honor music legend John McElrath by naming a stretch of Highway 34 as the John McElrath Memorial Highway. This announcement coincides with a benefit concert at Lander University, featuring the Swingin’ Medallions, to support a scholarship for aspiring musicians. John McElrath, founder of the band, significantly shaped the local music scene and his legacy continues through his sons. The new highway name commemorates his contributions to music and the community.

Greenwood County to Honor Music Legend with New Highway Naming

Exciting news is making waves in Greenwood County, South Carolina, as a stretch of Highway 34 is set to be named the John McElrath Memorial Highway. This momentous announcement was made just before a fabulous benefit concert on April 10, 2025, held at the esteemed Lander University. If you didn’t know already, this highway renaming is in tribute to the extraordinary founder of the Swingin’ Medallions, a cornerstone of the local music scene.

Music Meets Philanthropy

The concert, which was a fantastic blend of nostalgia and talent, featured current members of the Swingin’ Medallions—Jimmy Perkins, Joe Morris, and Brent Fortson. They rocked the stage to raise funds for the John and Jayne Memorial Scholarship for Music. This scholarship aims to support aspiring musicians and uphold McElrath’s passionate legacy of fostering talent in the community.

The idea for naming the highway was presented as a joint resolution by Senator Billy Garrett and Representative John McCravy right before the concert kicked off, adding an extra layer of excitement to the evening.

A Legacy in Music

So, what makes John McElrath such a big deal? Hailing from Greenwood, he formed the Swingin’ Medallions way back in the 1960s, and ever since, the band has become an iconic name among Carolina beach music enthusiasts. Their hit songs, including the catchy tunes “Double Shot of My Baby’s Love”, “She Drives Me Out of My Mind”, and “I Found a Rainbow”, have touched many hearts and contributed to the rich tapestry of American music.

This legendary band has had its moment in the limelight, even joining Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band on stage during a memorable performance in Greenville, SC, back in 2009. With McElrath playing keyboard and contributing his impressive vocals, he was a shining star for over half a century until his passing on June 9, 2018, due to Parkinson’s disease.

McElrath’s Influence on the Community

The Swingin’ Medallions played a crucial role in shaping Greenwood’s music scene and are widely credited with popularizing the distinct “Carolina sound.” Many fans and fellow musicians recall the band’s incredible performances at parties and events, which became unforgettable nights filled with rhythmic tunes and joyous dancing.

John McElrath’s journey began in his own backyard, where teenage sessions were filled with rhythm and blues music, leading to the band’s founding. His legacy continues to resonate as former band members and friends fondly recount their experiences with his mentorship and guidance in their music careers. While his passing marked the end of an era, the band now continues under the leadership of his sons, Shawn and Shane McElrath. They are ensuring that their father’s spirit and contributions remain alive through their music.

Immortalizing a True Icon

With the naming of John McElrath Memorial Highway, his contributions to music and the local community will be honored for years to come. This gesture serves as a beautiful reminder of the passion and dedication he brought to the world, particularly to Greenwood County. As locals drive along this stretch of highway, they will remember the joy that McElrath and the Swingin’ Medallions brought to their lives.

In essence, this new highway name symbolizes not just a physical location but the heart and soul of a musician’s legendary journey and the lasting impact he had on the world of music.

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Additional Resources

• Fox Carolina: Portion of SC Highway Named After John McElrath of Swingin’ Medallions
• Wikipedia: Swingin’ Medallions
• Gaffney Ledger: Swinging Medallions Founder Dies
• Google Search: Swingin Medallions
• 1819 News: Swingin’ Medallions Bring Annual Christmas Party to Gadsden
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Carolina Beach Music
• Gadsden Times: Swingin’ Medallions in Concert Dec 1 in Gadsden
• Google News: John McElrath