Hogskin Holidays 2026 included a performance Friday by Calhoun County’s own singer/ songwriter/producer Wood Newton. Wood is best known for co-writing the country music hits BOBBIE SUE, TWENTY YEARS AGO, WHAT I DIDN’T DO, and the iconic RIDING WITH PRIVATE MALONE, released following 9/11, touching America’s heart. All four songs received BMI awards for having been played over a million times. Wood has written or co-written over 4,000 songs since 1976 and recorded many of them. He has received critical acclaim, including a Grammy for producing and singing with David Ball his “OLD FOLKS AT HOME,” Stephen Foster track in 2005. He was recently awarded the Arkansas CMA’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024. Wood also participates in several VA Hospital programs co-writing, recording, and archiving combat Veteran’s personal story (WWII, Vietnam and Persian Gulf war veterans). The songwriter’s personal contact both provides therapy to troubled veterans and records their experiences for posterity.
When asked how it felt to perform at home again, Wood Newton replied, “it was a great honor to be back in the town that helped raise me. So many of my songs were inspired by things that happened to me here. The newly constructed log cabin was a great place to perform. I believe it will host many performances in the future.”
Wood’s appearance was a historic first for Hamp and Susan William’s Cabin “Music on the Porch” open air theater. Cabin completion and artifact display is planned for early fall to midwinter. However, “Music on the Porch” is ready right now! Musicians, contact the County Judge’s office (870) 798-4818 for venue information. Or, if you do music and just want to sit on the porch for a little pick n’ grin, help yourself anytime it’s available during the day.
