<p>Curtis Loren Stewart was born in the Pineywoods community in northeast Walker County on December 17, 1916. He served in the elected office of Coroner of Walker County; owned and operated Curtis Stewart Piano Company in Jasper, Alabama, for 43 years; served his country in World War II as TEC 3 in the U.S. Army Signal Corp; taught many singing schools throughout his lifetime; and was a dedicated father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and husband. All of this accomplished with no more than a sixth grade education. Stewart passed away on May 31, 2005, after a hard-fought struggle with Parkinson’s Disease.</p><p>During his life, he felt a calling to write Gospel Music to honor his Lord and Savior, writing his first song at 19 years of age. It was later published in 1935 by O.A. Parris Music Company of Arley, Alabama. In his songwriting career, he had over 220 songs, many published with various publishing companies. Stewart once stated that he, “began to write a few gospel songs and they were all published. The publishers asked me to write more… God bless them.” In 2001, Curtis was honored at the 30th Annual Gospel Music Festival and Old Time Singing Convention (North Carolina) as Songwriter of the Year.</p><p>One of his songs, “Lord Build Me a Cabin in the Corner of Gloryland (1944),” was recorded in many different languages and countries around the world. At one time, it was as popular as the gospel tune, “I’ll Fly Away.” The success of this song is recognized by the wonderful artists that recorded it. Artists like Bluegrass legends Bill Monroe and Roy Acuff, Country Music star Charlie Pride, Porter Wagoner and the Blackwood Brothers Quartet , and Alabama’s own Hank Williams (who said that it was a favorite tune on the recording). At one time, “Build Me a Cabin,” was in the Top 10 in Jukebox play for three different categories (Sacred, Pop, and Country).</p><p>Although Stewart has passed away, his love of fellow man, memory, and songs live on. He has been honored with wonderful articles in the <em>Daily Mountain Eagle</em> and <em>Corridor Messenger </em>newspapers, and online with <em>Alabama Pioneers</em>. His grandson, Heath Stewart (Jasper), and cousin, Ron Orton (Cropwell), have created a Facebook page to generate enthusiasm and garner support for his recognition by the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. They believe that this would be an honor that the Walker County community could enjoy together. You can visit the page at facebook.com/CurtisStewartSongs and help them with their cause. The Heath Stewart Family has also made a donation to the Bankhead House and Heritage Center comprised of several of Curtis’ items including his World War II uniform and a handwritten, shaped-note music arrangement.</p>
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