If there’s one thing in this world that isn’t ordinary, it’s Braxton Dixon. He has built the iconic homes of Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Marty Stuart, and Tammy Wynette, among many others, using centuries-old wood and one-of-a-kind architectural treasures sourced from run-down barns and other structures. Unlike the new construction buzzing past his window, Dixon’s houses are immaculately detailed works of art.
At ninety-two years old, Dixon is unbelievably youthful and undeniably cool. Like some sinewy Tennessee matador, he wears his pants high on his slender waist and bristles with a taut energy held, it seems, in endless reserve. His hair is long and full and swept back in a careless part over dark wraparound sunglasses, and his deep tan comes less from his Cherokee heritage than from the countless hours he spends in the sun, building. Still building. Always building.