American music icon and five-time Grammy award winner Wynonna Judd has released her first new music video in 14 years. The visually-compelling “Keeps Me Alive” is set in the graceful Oaklands Mansion, and is a soulful, stirring musical journey showcasing Judd’s incredible vocal ability. Wynonna and her band, The Big Noise, are joined on this track by slide guitar master Derek Trucks.
“This was a meaningful location choice for Wynonna’s new video because Oaklands’ story is one about strong women,” said James Manning, Executive Director of Oaklands Mansion.
The plantation began when Sallie Hardee Murfree Maney received 274 acres, including a substantial spring and natural wetland, as an inheritance from her father Col. Hardee Murfree, the man for whom Murfreesboro was named. After Sallie’s death, her daughter-in-law Adaline Cannon Maney became the second owner of the property, even during her own husband’s lifetime. It was she who made Oaklands appear as it does today. After her ownership, the mansion was purchased by a wealthy widow from Memphis. Years later, the last person to live at Oaklands, a single woman, left Oaklands and moved to a local hotel. The mansion fell into ruin and would have been demolished if it were not for 10 community-minded ladies who formed an educational nonprofit organization in order to save the historic site.
Oaklands Mansion is nestled in Oaklands Park, a native tree arboretum and natural wetlands, which includes Maney Spring as well as heritage and native gardens. The mansion is open for guided tours Tuesday–Saturday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and Sundays 1–4 p.m.