Shelby native and bluegrass and gospel musician, J. Max McKee recently received two awards at the 40th Annual Atlanta Society of Entertainers gala. J. Max McKee and his wife Teena, are well know around the bluegrass and gospel circuit for their outstanding performances. One award was for "Songwriter of the Year" and the other for "Bluegrass Band of the Year". He has been playing music since he was eight years-old. The piece he composed which received the Songwriter of the Year award is entitled "Unexpected Breakdown." The Bluegrass Band of the Year award was given to his Georgia Mafia Bluegrass Band, which he formed to play for the governor of Georgia. Congratulations to a most deserving man from Shelby!
 - M. A. Andrews