West Virginia is a state known for its rich culture and history, and music plays a significant role in shaping its identity. Over the years, West Virginia has produced some of the most talented and celebrated musicians in the world. From country to rock, bluegrass to gospel, West Virginia has gifted the world with a diverse range of musical genres and artists. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at 10 famous singers from West Virginia who have made an indelible mark on the music industry.
First on our list is Brad Paisley, a country singer and songwriter who was born and raised in Glen Dale, West Virginia. Paisley has won numerous awards for his music and has charted 32 top-10 singles on the US Billboard Country Airplay chart. Next up is Bill Withers, a soul singer and songwriter who was born in Slab Fork, West Virginia. Withers is best known for his hits “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Lean on Me,” both of which have become classics.
Other famous singers from West Virginia on our list include country singer Kathy Mattea, rock and roll legend Little Jimmy Dickens, and gospel singer and songwriter Bill Gaither. These artists, along with many others, have made significant contributions to the world of music and continue to inspire new generations of musicians from West Virginia and beyond.
1. Hawkshaw Hawkins
Hawkshaw Hawkins was a country music singer and songwriter who was born in West Virginia in 1921. He began his music career in the 1940s and gained popularity in the 1950s with hits such as “Dog House Boogie” and “Pan American.” Hawkins was known for his smooth baritone voice and honky-tonk sound, and he became a popular figure in the Nashville music scene. Tragically, Hawkins died in a plane crash in 1963 along with other country music legends such as Patsy Cline and Cowboy Copas. Despite his untimely death, Hawkins’ music continues to be celebrated and remembered by country music fans around the world.
2. Johnny Staats
Johnny Staats is a bluegrass musician and mandolin player from West Virginia. He began playing music at a young age, and his talent was quickly recognized by those around him. Staats went on to perform with a number of bluegrass bands, including Bluegrass Alliance and the Karl Shiflett and Big Country Show. He has also released several albums as a solo artist, showcasing his virtuosic mandolin playing and soulful vocals. Staats is known for his innovative style of bluegrass, which incorporates elements of rock and roll and other genres. He continues to perform and record music, and his contributions to the world of bluegrass have earned him a dedicated following of fans.
3. Little Jimmy Dickens
Little Jimmy Dickens was a country music singer and songwriter who was born in West Virginia in 1920. He began his music career in the 1940s and quickly gained popularity with hits such as “Take an Old Cold Tater (And Wait)” and “Country Boy.” Dickens was known for his energetic performances and his humor, which often came through in his music. He was a regular performer on the Grand Ole Opry for over 60 years and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1983. Despite his small stature, Dickens was a larger-than-life figure in the world of country music and continues to be celebrated for his contributions to the genre.
4. Steve Whiteman
Steve Whiteman is a rock singer and songwriter who was born in West Virginia in 1956. He is best known as the lead vocalist of the band Kix, which formed in the late 1970s and gained popularity in the 1980s with hits such as “Don’t Close Your Eyes” and “Blow My Fuse.” Whiteman’s powerful voice and dynamic stage presence helped make Kix one of the most popular bands of the era. He continues to perform and record music, both as a solo artist and with Kix. Whiteman is considered one of the pioneers of the glam metal genre and his contributions to the world of rock have earned him a dedicated following of fans.
5. Johnny Paycheck
Johnny Paycheck was a country music singer and songwriter who was born in Greenfield, Ohio, but spent a significant portion of his career in West Virginia. He began his music career in the 1950s and gained popularity in the 1970s with hits such as “Take This Job and Shove It” and “She’s All I Got.” Paycheck was known for his baritone voice and his ability to write and perform songs that spoke to the working-class experience. He was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1996 and was posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2021. Despite his struggles with addiction and legal troubles, Paycheck’s music continues to be celebrated and admired by country music fans around the world.
6. Hasil Adkins
Hasil Adkins was a rock and roll musician and songwriter who was born in Boone County, West Virginia in 1937. He began his music career in the 1950s and gained a cult following with his unique blend of rockabilly, country, and garage rock. Adkins was known for his wild and unpredictable performances, which often included playing multiple instruments at once and incorporating unconventional objects into his music. He released numerous albums throughout his career and his music has been covered by artists such as the Cramps and the White Stripes. Despite his eccentricities, Adkins was highly respected by his peers and his contributions to the world of rock and roll have earned him a dedicated following of fans.
7. Bill Withers
Bill Withers was a soul singer and songwriter who was born in Slab Fork, West Virginia in 1938. He began his music career in the late 1960s and quickly gained popularity with hits such as “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Lean on Me.” Withers was known for his distinctive voice and his ability to write and perform songs that spoke to the human experience. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015 and his music continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world. Despite his untimely death in 2020, Withers’ legacy as a soul music icon and his impact on popular music culture will never be forgotten.
8. The Lilly Brothers
The Lilly Brothers, also known as Bea Lilly and Everett Lilly, were bluegrass musicians and brothers who were born in Clear Creek, West Virginia. They began their music career in the 1940s and gained popularity in the 1950s with their tight harmonies and virtuosic instrumental skills. The Lilly Brothers were known for their traditional approach to bluegrass music, and their recordings of classic songs such as “Sitting on Top of the World” and “Rank Stranger” are considered some of the finest examples of the genre. They continued to perform and record music together until Everett’s death in 2012. The Lilly Brothers’ contributions to the world of bluegrass have earned them a dedicated following of fans and their music continues to be celebrated and admired by musicians and bluegrass enthusiasts around the world.
9. Brad Paisley
Brad Paisley is a country music singer, songwriter, and guitarist who was born in Glen Dale, West Virginia in 1972. He began playing guitar at a young age and went on to study music at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. Paisley gained popularity in the late 1990s with hits such as “He Didn’t Have to Be” and “We Danced,” and he has since become one of the most successful country artists of all time. Paisley has won numerous awards for his music, including three Grammy Awards, and he has charted over 30 top-10 singles on the US Billboard Country Airplay chart. He is known for his skillful guitar playing and his ability to write and perform songs that tell relatable stories. Paisley’s contributions to the world of country music have earned him a dedicated following of fans and his music continues to inspire and influence new generations of musicians.
10. Hazel Dickens
Hazel Dickens was a bluegrass singer, songwriter, and activist who was born in Mercer County, West Virginia in 1935. She began her music career in the 1950s and gained popularity in the 1970s with her powerful voice and poignant lyrics. Dickens was known for her songs about the struggles of working-class people and her support for the labor movement. She was also an advocate for women’s rights and LGBTQ+ rights. Dickens recorded numerous albums throughout her career and her music has been covered by artists such as Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton. Despite her passing in 2011, Dickens’ legacy as a pioneer of bluegrass music and a social justice icon continues to inspire and influence musicians and activists around the world.
Macey West is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
