at home with
Murphy and her dog Senator Photo courtesy of Darren Lykes Photography
Graphic designer Julie Wood, Table by J. Kent Freeman Designs
LIBBY MURPHY: Tennessee’s “First Hostess” IntervIew by Janna F. HerbIson
At Home Tennessee: Libby, you have traditions,
great recipes, well-known been involved with politics, event planning, personalities and memorable events complete the music business, and everything in between. with stories from some of our state’s most What accomplishments make you most proud gracious hosts and illustrious characters. over the years? Features include actress Kathy Bates,The 50th Libby Murphy: I love it all! Some people Anniversary Nashville Symphony Ball with don’t know that I sold tractors, skid-steers Carrie Underwood, Master Chef Jose Gutierrez, and big cotton planters at Murphy Tractor Dixie Carter, The Japanese Consul General, Jack Company and it was wonderful to be a part of Daniel’s Master Distiller Jeff Arnett, Charlie a business that my father founded in 1947 and Daniels, President Andrew Jackson, First Lady meet so many great people who came through Chrissy Haslam, Senator Lamar Alexander, the doors. I met Al Gore, Stella Parton, Marybeth Conley, Pat Tigrett, the National General Wesley Clark, Governors Bredesen Ornamental Metal Museum, Bristol Motor and Alexander, Governor Blanton, Chef Guy Speedway and many others. LeGuy of the Ritz in Paris, actor David Keith, “Enos” from The Dukes of Hazzard, a host AHT: Speaking of Twirl and Taste, your blog of SEC football coaches who recruited my has become a hit with fans in Tennessee and brother, and the list goes on and on for those beyond. What inspired you to start it? who came to Murphy Tractor in Jackson. Through the relationships that ensued, I LM: A publisher suggested that I start a blog got involved with politics, philanthropy, to introduce myself to people around the community and civic events, and it went from country and share some recipes and stories there. as an introduction to my second book. I had never heard of blogs! That was January 2010 AHT: Describe your upcoming book, A and now people across the country and in over Tennessee Waltz: A Telling of Tennesseans’ 180 countries visit twirlandaste.com. Among the favorite recipes I’ve shared: Crunchers – Tastings, Twirls and Tales. a chocolate, caramel, cracker, peanut butter LM: A Tennessee Waltz showcases entertaining bar; Hissy Fit Dip, which is a concoction of Tennessee style. It captures Southern cheeses and stuff that you bake and serve with 44 | At Home Tennessee • December 2012
crackers; Tennessee Honey Corn Pudding, a recipe that [makes] people clean the dish every time; and two recipes my mother has made for years, Brownie Cupcakes with Hershey® Bar Icing and Butter Cookies.
AHT: Talk about your charitable work, and in particular, how so many came together to support your amazing friend, Dianne Odell.
LM: “For everyone to whom much is given, of him shall much be required.” – Luke 12:48. I believe that we are all blessed with different talents and for that I am most thankful. The good Lord blessed me with a knack for networking and has led me to those who need help. Dianne was the world’s longest living survivor of polio in an iron lung. She lived for over 60 years in this machine which allowed her to breathe. Though we’d never met, I called and asked if I could come out and bring her some cookies. That visit was the beginning of a friendship that I will forever treasure. When she told me that she hadn’t been out of her house in over 30 years, I decided that it was about time. The Jackson community came together and we raised over $100,000 with one grand party in her honor, complete with a vice president, a Dallas Cowboy, a Broadway star, a master chef, a couple of movie stars, and a country music star, etc.