CHOOSE CHATT™ BLOG

Inspirational Quotes from Chattanoogans

When times are tough, we could all use some encouragement. If you’re looking for your daily dose of positivity, check out these inspirational quotes from seven famous actors, singers, theologians, and more—all of whom were born or raised in the Chattanooga area!

bessie smith quote

Bessie Smith

“It’s a long, old road, but I know I’m gonna find the end.”


Born in Chattanooga in 1895, Elizabeth “Bessie” Smith was the youngest of seven. After her mother and father tragically passed away, Smith and her siblings were raised by their aunt. Smith began performing on Ninth Street, which was Chattanooga’s center of music and dance at the time, with her brother, Andrew. Smith’s first recorded performance occurred in 1909 and she made her last recording in 1933. Over her career, she earned the title, “Empress of the Blues.”

leslie jordan quote

Leslie Jordan

From his book “How Y’all Doing?: Misadventures and Mischief from a Life Well Lived”

“I think that fear keeps so many of us from being successful at things outside our realm of experience. We love to stay in our comfort zone, but the growth only comes when we wander outside of that zone.” 

Best known for his Emmy-winning performance on “Will and Grace,” Leslie Jordan was born and raised right here in Chattanooga. Jordan was a graduate of Brainerd High School and later attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he was heavily involved in the school’s theatre department. Jordan went on to become a talented actor, comedian, writer, and singer before his death in 2022.

usher quote

Usher

“Success is about dedication. You may not be where you want to be or do what you want to do when you’re on the journey. But you’ve got to be willing to have vision and foresight that leads you to an incredible end.”

While he was born in Dallas, Texas, Usher spent many of his adolescent years here in the Scenic City. In fact, Usher was a student at Orchard Knob Elementary and Dalewood Middle School. He also practiced his singing skills in St. Elmo’s Missionary Baptist Church choir. At the age of 12, Usher and his mother moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he secured his first recording contract.

John Piper

John Piper

“Darkness comes. In the middle of it, the future looks blank. The temptation to quit is huge. Don’t. You are in good company… You will argue with yourself that there is no way forward. But with God, nothing is impossible. He has more ropes and ladders and tunnels out of pits than you can conceive. Wait. Pray without ceasing. Hope.”

Legendary theologian John Piper was also born here in Chattanooga on January 11, 1946; though, his family didn’t stay here for long. When he was very young, his parents moved Piper and his older sister to Greenville, South Carolina. Piper went on to receive degrees from Wheaton College, Fuller Theological Seminary, and the University of Munich. He later went on to become the well-known theologian and pastor that he is today.

Samuel L Jackson quote

Samuel L. Jackson

“Take a stand for what’s right. Raise a ruckus and make a change. You may not always be popular, but you’ll be part of something larger and bigger and greater than yourself. Besides, making history is extremely cool.”

Samuel L. Jackson remains one of the most famous actors to come out of Chattanooga. Though born in Washington, D.C., Jackson grew up near Lookout Street, raised by his grandparents and other extended family. Jackson also attended Orchard Knob Elementary School as well as Riverside High School, which is now known as Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences. Jackson headed to Atlanta, Georgia, for college.

kane brown quote

Kane Brown

“Be a good person. The best person you can be. That’s what matters.”

Born on October 21, 1993, country music artist Kane Brown was raised in the Northwest Georgia and Chattanooga area. Though Brown moved around often during his time here, he attended Lakeview – Fort Oglethorpe High School where he also sang in the school choir (along with fellow singer, born in Rossville, Georgia, Lauren Alaina). Now, Brown remains one of the most popular artists in country music.

Lori Petty Quote

Lori Petty

“Don’t be afraid, and don’t let your past affect your present.”

On October 14, 1963, Lori Petty was born right here in Chattanooga, the daughter of a Pentecostal minister and the oldest of three children. Due to her father’s work, Petty’s family moved all around the midwest, including Iowa where she graduated from North High School. Petty began to pursue acting and went on to star in popular movies like “Cadillac Man,” “Point Break,” and “A League of Their Own.”

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