150 years ago today, July 3, 1863, Company A of the 11th Mississippi, better known as the “University Greys”, a Confederate unit made up of students from the University of Mississippi, made a gallant stand during Pickett’s Charge in the Battle of Gettysburg. The Greys penetrated further than any other Confederate company, but at a great cost: 100% casualties. Those who survived Gettysburg were merged with another unit from Lafayette county, Company G, the “Lamar Rifles,” where they served out the reminder of the Civil War.
Newt Rayburn was born & raised in Oxford, Mississippi. A seventh-generation Lafayette County, Mississippian, Newt Rayburn has been involved in the Ole Miss area for many years, in music, art, publishing, and business.
Newt won a National Magazine Award in 1999 for his SOUTHERN MUSIC ISSUE with THE OXFORD AMERICAN. Previously, Newt was Editor of PROFANE EXISTENCE in Minneapolis, and later, Art Director for Ole Miss' LIVING BLUES magazine. Newt's many publishing projects led to THE LOCAL VOICE™, which he founded in March of 2006, and ROUNDABOUT OXFORD®, which he founded in May of 2023.
Newt's alter ego—Neuter Cooter—lead the Mississippi band THE COOTERS® to Rocknoll Glory across the USA from 1993-2018. The Cooters music is on most major streaming services.
Newt is proud Father of nine-year old daughter Alex.
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