New Mural Celebrating NC Music Legends Turns Beatties Ford Road into a Cultural Landmark
CHARLOTTE, NC – A once-ordinary wall along Beatties Ford Road is now a vibrant work of art—and a powerful symbol of pride, possibility, and musical legacy.
Honoring NC’s Musical Icons
A dazzling new mural on the side of JJ’s Hair Design at 1009 Beatties Ford Road pays tribute to three iconic North Carolina musicians: gospel great John P. Kee, American Idol winner and actress Fantasia Barrino, and Grammy Award-winning soul singer Anthony Hamilton. Commissioned by the Historic West End Partners (HWEP) and funded by a grant from the Knight Foundation through the City of Charlotte’s Urban Design Center, the mural transforms a busy corridor into a community celebration.
“HWEP is honored to be a facilitator for people gathering in the community,” said J’Tanya Adams, Executive Director of HWEP. “We help create that by curating authentic bodies of work for all to enjoy.”
Music Chosen by the Community
The mural’s theme was chosen through a community survey. Locals wanted to see something that reflected their identity and spirit, so they chose music. With that, Adams and her team selected three North Carolina-born stars whose journeys represent hometown talent reaching global heights.
- John P. Kee, born in Durham, is a Gospel Hall of Fame inductee who has long served the Charlotte community.
- Fantasia, born in High Point, rose to fame on American Idol and became an acclaimed singer and actress.
- Anthony Hamilton, born and raised in Charlotte, is a celebrated soul artist and Grammy winner.
“Each one models excellence,” Adams said. “Not just through their music, but through their lives. They show that success is possible no matter where you’re from.”
Bringing the Vision to Life
The artwork was brought to life by Charlotte muralist Abel Jackson, who spent weeks researching the three icons to ensure each was depicted in their element—capturing the spirit of live performance, energy, and passion.
“If people were going to see themselves in this mural, I wanted to paint the artists doing what they do best,” Jackson explained.
After two weeks of prepping the wall and three weeks painting in frigid temperatures, the mural was complete—and the community response was immediate. Locals pulled into the lot for photos, and social media lit up with praise. The featured artists themselves even shared the artwork online.
“Everyone loved it—including John P. Kee, Fantasia, and Anthony Hamilton,” Jackson said. “Seeing their support was everything.”
More Than Art—A Message
For Jackson, it’s about more than paint on a wall. “Art helps people see a message. I want people to look at this mural and see their own potential.”
Adams echoed that sentiment: “Not only is art universal, it’s a powerful storytelling tool. And this mural tells a story of pride, purpose, and what’s possible.”
Visit the mural at 1009 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC, and be inspired by the faces—and stories—of North Carolina’s greatness.
Photos: City of Charlotte Government