Scenic Roots

"Scenic Roots" offers conversations that matter in the heart of Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley.From the mountains to the river, our conversations are rooted deep within every corner of our community - reflecting who we are, who we were and who we can become.We engage with the news that affects our community, behind and beyond the headlines. We build bridges that span from creators and innovators to storytellers and the outdoors. We focus on our challenges as many communities in one - as we celebrate what inspires us. We resonate with countless voices - in words and spaces, sounds and songs.We are "Scenic Roots."Ray Bassett hosts and produces "Scenic Roots" at WUTC.

For Leslie Jordan, Chattanooga’s - And UTC’s - Own

WUTC

Published October 25, 2022 at 6:28 PM EDT

Leslie Jordan, from his Instagram video for UTC students in 2020.

Leslie Jordan was as beloved as he was Chattanooga’s own.

The actor and singer - who won an Emmy for his role on TV’s “Will and Grace” - died yesterday in a car crash in Hollywood. He was 67.

During the pandemic, Leslie became a social media star with his videos on Instagram.

A gay man who grew up in this Southern city and who would return frequently to visit family, he was for years a champion of people living with HIV - and the work of what is now Cempa Community Care.

And this past summer, Leslie was grand marshal for the Riverbend Festival.

He was also a member of the theater alumni community on our campus, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga - and early in the pandemic, he comforted and encouraged students on Instagram.

Last year, Leslie Jordan released “Company’s Comin’” - a gospel album featuring duets with some of the greatest names in country music.

At the end of a rendition of "I'll Fly Away" on the album, you can hear Jordan say of the song: "It had heart" - and one of the singers reply, "It did have heart."

It did have heart.

So did Leslie Jordan - did he ever…