Summers, Robbins: Drue Smith was an unforgettable pioneer in journalism

One of the many mysteries surrounding the long, illustrious and unorthodox career of Drue Smith in Tennessee journalism and politics was her ability to conceal her birth date: "I'm terrible with years. I don't keep 'em." She was, in fact, born in Chattanooga sometime around the time of World War I.

Her Chattanooga Times obituary in 2001 noted "she dressed in feathers, tiaras and brilliant colors and was frequently draped in strings of costume jewelry, sequins, beads and even flashing lights at Christmas time."

Former Vice President Al Gore Jr., noted, "She was the hardest working reporter, who got more out of her skills than anyone I ever covered the news with as a reporter, or anyone who covered me, or my father before me, as an elected official. She had a distinctive voice that sounded to me like a cross between Scarlett O'Hara and a mule skinner."

She showed an early interest in journalism as a student at Girls Preparatory School and University of Chattanooga. Before most women could enter the industry, she began writing a column for the Chattanooga Free Press, "Bird's Eye View" by Jennie Wren. A society column for The Chattanooga Times, "The Party Line by Drue Smith" followed and led to radio and television talk shows.

She went on the air at Chattanooga's second radio station, WAPO (founded in 1936 and now WGOW). Here, she gave Congressman Estes Kefauver the coonskin cap he successfully used in his Senate race in 1948 against Sen. Kenneth McKellar and the Crump political machine. When WDEF-TV became Chattanooga's first television station in 1954, she began covering local events with "Drue's Party Line."

In 1959, she moved to Nashville to become Gov. Frank G. Clement's information liaison with the news media. After he left office, she contributed to the three major national TV networks and became the first woman to cover the Tennessee General Assembly on a full-time basis.

Recognizing her service in chairing the Capitol Hill press corp, the legislature named the Capitol press room for her. Gov Don Sunquist said she could always be counted on to ask, "What's the bottom line?" She announced a race for the state House in 1960 without pursuing it.

Always outspoken and colorful, she was known for her bright hats and zany outfits. She drove a flashy red Mustang covered with bumper stickers for politicians of both parties and quipped that she drove slowly "so everyone can read them all."

She was admired by Govs. Winfield Dunn, Lamar Alexander, Ned McWherter, Phil Bredesen and other political leaders of both parties. She was credited with discovering Oprah Winfrey at a beauty contest where Oprah was competing for "Miss Fire Prevention." Eddie Arnold, actor Jim Nabors, actress June Allyson, comedian Minnie Pearl and many others were her close friends.

As an honorary member of the Tennessee National Guard, she flew on military aircraft and reported on the summer camp activities of the part-time soldiers.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy designated her to represent Tennessee on the Defense Advisory Committee for Women in the Services.

She achieved other firsts for women in her chosen field, including a 1984 joint resolution by the Tennessee General Assembly appointing her as the honorary 133rd member of that body. Numerous other journalistic, women's and civic organizations recognized her pioneering contributions.

When she died late in February 2001, she was buried at Chattanooga Memorial Park at White Oak in a simple ceremony, which contrasted with her colorful life. The mystery of her date of birth went with her to her grave.

Former Hamilton County State Rep. Brenda Turner gave a eulogy: "There are not many words to describe Drue in the dictionary that you would leave out everyone whose lives she touched had a story about her - or three of four."

In final recognition of her career, the Tennessee Journalism Hall of Fame post-humorously inducted her into its body on Aug. 11, 2015, in Murfreesboro, joining one of her early benefactors, Roy McDonald of the Chattanooga News Free Press.

Jerry Summers is an attorney with Summers, Rufolo & Rodgers. Mickey Robbins is an investment adviser with Patten and Patten. For more, visit Chattahistoricalassoc.org.

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