What about Tsuga Canadensis, Hemlock, a native in TN? Problem with Leyland is canker. Or Eastern Red Cedar another native. Spruce are too ridgid and not a native according to UT.

Here is a link that might be useful: Propagating Perennials

The Eastern Red Cedar is a very tough tree, tolerant of any soil type, and once established they are very drought tolerant, they can live over 800 years. They grow moderate to fast.
Norway Spruce might be good also but would probably do a little better in a more northern climate and they are probably not as tolerant to clay as Eastern red cedar is.
Leyland cypress trees can become diseased in several years, and are prone to being top heavy and blow over after they get large.
Hemlock trees would not be good because they would do poor or suffer in drought and they are very slow growing (definitely in a drought area with heavy clay).

The Eastern Red Cedar handles drought very well in my area.

Have you considered Wax Myrtle? Morella cerifera is the scientific name (formerly Myrica cerifera).

Hemlock is bothered by the dreaded adelgid in your location.

Dang, so the leyland cypress is pretty much disease prone to start with? I was really leaning towards them as i like the way they look and grow fast.So i need to eliminate them from the list?

For those interested in this subject, this same post is being answered in the Tennessee Forum.

Here is a link that might be useful: More Answers in the Tennessee Forum

The Leyland's are over-planted and not very good trees (prone to heavy winds and canker as many have said). I'd go with E. Red Cedar, or what about some native hollies. How high do you want the screen to be? You could do some crepe myrtles (as long as you don't cut of all the limbs every year), or maybe a row of Snowball bush? Good luck!

If you plant rootbound Leyland cypress they may return the sentiment and lean toward you.