Jack Neely is executive director of the Knoxville History Project. He has become one of Knoxville’s most popular writers and its unofficial historian. Jack is well known for his thoughtful, well-researched, and provocative pieces of long-form journalism, not to mention his books, speeches, and other public appearances...
123 S. Gay Street Ste. C
Knoxville, TN 37902
JACK NEELY
jack@knoxhistoryproject.org
(865) 337-7723
PAUL JAMES
Development Director
paul@knoxhistoryproject.org
(865) 300-4559
NICOLE STAHL
Administrative Coordinator
nicolestahl@knoxhistoryproject.org
(865) 360-8053
©2025 Knoxville History Project
Site by: Robin Easter Design
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I’ve known about her and look forward to learning more. Van Vactor was the first conductor I knew, and due to his friendship with Vladimir Ussachevsky, one day I met the famous composer at Carson-Newman. Dad knew of my continuing interest in electronic music, and he arranged the meeting. Mr. Ussachevsky asked to see my “studio” on the third floor, and I was somewhat ashamed to show him. We climbed the stairs and went down the little hall where a radio station had been, and the opposite door was my place to work. “Wow! You have more than I did when I began!” he exclaimed upon seeing the three tape recorders, splicing blocks, and cut tape segments on the floor. When I looked up at him, puzzled, he said, “Oh yes! You are fortunate!” This was when believing in myself and my resources, generously supplied by my father, began their positive ascent, and led me to be the eccentric enthusiastic I remain.