West Virginia, a state known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, has been home to several notable singers who have made their mark on the music industry. From country and folk to rock and bluegrass, West Virginia has nurtured a range of talented vocalists.
One of the most renowned singers associated with West Virginia is Brad Paisley. Hailing from Glen Dale, Paisley’s smooth vocals, virtuosic guitar skills, and heartfelt songwriting have made him a prominent figure in contemporary country music. With hits like “Whiskey Lullaby” and “Mud on the Tires,” Paisley has garnered numerous awards and a loyal fan base.
Another notable singer from West Virginia is Kathy Mattea. Born in South Charleston, Mattea’s warm, expressive voice and storytelling ability have made her a respected figure in country and folk music. With chart-topping hits like “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses” and “Where’ve You Been,” she has earned Grammy Awards and widespread acclaim for her soulful performances.
Additionally, West Virginia is home to the talented bluegrass singer and songwriter Hazel Dickens. Born in Mercer County, Dickens’s haunting vocals and poignant lyrics have made her a revered figure in the genre. With her songs addressing social and economic struggles, she has become an influential voice in Appalachian music.
These famous singers from West Virginia, among others, have showcased the state’s ability to produce exceptional vocal talent. Their contributions to various genres and their success in the music industry highlight West Virginia’s place in the rich tapestry of American music.
1. Little Jimmy Dickens
Little Jimmy Dickens was a renowned American country music singer from West Virginia. Throughout a career spanning nearly seven decades, he recorded various hits such as "May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose." He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1983. Notably, he played an essential role in supporting and promoting country music during its nascent years.
His long-lasting contributions to the industry include co-founding The Wheeling Jamboree, one of the longest-running-country-music radio programs. In addition, he performed on the Grand Ole Opry for over sixty years and appeared on numerous television programs such as The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and Hee Haw.
Interestingly, Little Jimmy Dickens was also generous with his philanthropy work, contributing heavily to charity efforts such as cancer research and children's-run charities.
According to CMT Edge, "Dickens' influence spans multiple genres beyond traditional country thanks to his wit and charm."
Bill Withers may have been born in West Virginia, but he sure ain't no 'Ain't No Sunshine' when it comes to making the state famous for its singers.
2. Bill Withers
Bill Withers, a soulful singer from the state of West Virginia, is renowned for hits like "Lean on Me" and "Ain't No Sunshine." He began singing at an early age in church and later in the US Navy. After leaving the military, Bill pursued music full-time, with his raw and emotive voice captivating audiences worldwide. His albums have garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards for their authentic blend of soul and folk. Bill's legacy as a West Virginian is secured through his contribution to American music heritage.
As one of the most prominent musicians from West Virginia, Bill Withers showcased both his vocal range and emotional depth through his music. The inspiration for many of his songs came from his life experiences as well as social justice issues of the time, such as poverty and racial inequality. His ability to relate to everyday people, coupled with his signature sound, made him an icon in musical history.
Beyond his music career, Bill Withers lived a humble life with values rooted in helping others. Despite achieving global success, he retained ties to his hometown of Slab Fork and actively gave back through philanthropic efforts. Bill passed away recently but will forever remain one of the most celebrated artists to hail from West Virginia.
Hasil Adkins may not be a household name, but his wild and wacky rockabilly tunes will have you twisting and shouting like a hillbilly on moonshine.
3. Hasil Adkins
Hasil Adkins was a noteworthy musician and artist born in Boone County, West Virginia. With a unique style blending rockabilly and country music, he paved the way for future artists. His most notable song, "She Said", gained popularity across the United States. He was also known for his one-man performances, playing multiple instruments at once while dancing on stage. Despite some successes in his career, he remained relatively unknown to the mainstream music scene.
They may be called the Lilly Brothers, but their music is far from flowery.
4. The Lilly Brothers
The Lilly Brothers were notable singers from West Virginia, known for their bluegrass style music. Their passion for bluegrass music led them to pioneer the genre in the region, earning them recognition on a national level. Together, they released albums and performed at various events, showcasing their talent and love for the craft. The brothers' legacy remains strong even after their passing, inspiring future generations of musicians to pursue their dreams in bluegrass music and keep the tradition alive.
Hawkshaw Hawkins was an American country music singer born in West Virginia. He had a voice that reached the stars, despite being born in the hills of West Virginia.
5. Hawkshaw Hawkins
This West Virginian gem, a timeless singer known by the name of Hawkshaw Hawkins, was a renowned country singer who made a significant impact on the genre. He managed to become one of the prominent country-western stars in America in the 1950s until his death. With his unique baritone voice, he recorded many classic hits including “Slow Poke” and "Lonesome 7-7203." Even though his life came to an abrupt end after a plane crash that took place in Camden Tenessee on March 5th 1963, he is still remembered for contributing significantly to the evolution of Country music.
Steve Whiteman may be from West Virginia, but with his rockstar status, he could have been born on the Sunset Strip.
6. Steve Whiteman
This celebrated rock singer from blue-collar West Virginia, Steve Whiteman, is well-known for his melodious voice and stunning stage performances. As the frontman of Kix, a vintage American rock band, he has produced several chart-topping hits such as "Don't Close Your Eyes" and "Blow My Fuse." With his signature scream and distinctive style, Whiteman has rightfully earned a place among West Virginia's most legendary singers.
Whiteman's inspiring career spans over four decades, starting from the mid-'70s when he founded Kix. He went on to release several gold and platinum albums with them before pursuing a solo career. Besides singing for Kix, he has also contributed to other rock bands like Funny Money and Four By Fate. Notably, Whiteman was inducted into the Maryland Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2018.
Interestingly, Steve Whiteman had originally planned on becoming an artist before music took over his life. His creative flair reflects in the impressive album artwork he designed for Kix. Even today, he continues to create beautiful paintings that often feature guitars as his muse.
According to sources, Steve Whiteman is an avid collector of vintage guitars and owns one of Bon Jovi's early iconic axes, a rare white Fender Stratocaster.
Brad Paisley may be from West Virginia, but with his guitar skills, he could serenade a crowd anywhere from Nashville to outer space.
7. Brad Paisley
A true West Virginian, Brad Paisley is a renowned country music singer and songwriter hailing from Glen Dale. He has won three Grammy Awards, 14 Country Music Association Awards, and several others. Paisley has released ten studio albums and charted multiple number one hits on Billboard's Country Airplay chart. He also appeared as a mentor on the hit TV show The Voice. Paisley gives back to his community by actively supporting charities like the West Virginia University Children's Hospital.
With numerous top-selling albums under his belt, Brad Paisley is a staple in country music. He has collaborated with other famous singers such as Carrie Underwood and LL Cool J. In addition to success in the music industry, Paisley is also an accomplished writer, publishing a book titled Diary of a Player: How My Musical Heroes Made a Guitar Man Out of Me.
Paisley's versatility as an artist has earned him recognition beyond just country music fans. He was named one of Time Magazine's "100 Most Influential People in the World." His musical prowess combined with his down-to-earth personality have made him a beloved figure both in West Virginia and throughout the world.
Pro Tip: If you're planning to attend one of Brad Paisley's concerts, make sure to bring your dancing shoes! His upbeat songs will have you grooving all night long.
Looks like Johnny Paycheck really did take his job and shove it, because he's now listed as one of West Virginia's famous singers.
8. Johnny Paycheck
Johnny Paycheck, born Donald Eugene Lytle, was a country singer-songwriter from Greenfield, Ohio. He spent his childhood in West Virginia before pursuing his music career in Nashville. Paycheck's debut single "Don't You Believe Her" reached the top 25 on the country charts, but it was his hit song "Take This Job and Shove It" that went platinum and became a cultural staple.
Paycheck had a tumultuous personal life, including several run-ins with the law and battles with alcoholism. Despite this, he continued to make music and release albums throughout the 80s and 90s. Paycheck passed away in 2003 at the age of 64.
One unique aspect of Paycheck's career was his loyalty to traditional honky-tonk country music. While other artists were experimenting with pop and rock sounds, Paycheck remained true to his roots and maintained a dedicated fanbase. His influence can still be heard in contemporary country music today.
In one noteworthy incident, Paycheck shot a man outside of an Ohio bar after a dispute over money. He was sentenced to prison for several years but was eventually pardoned by the governor thanks to support from other musicians like Willie Nelson.
Overall, Johnny Paycheck may have had a troubled life offstage, but his impact on country music is undeniable. From classic hits to cult favorites, his songs continue to resonate with fans of all ages.
If you're looking for some soulful bluegrass, Hazel Dickens is the singer to pick – just don't expect her to serenade you with 'Country Roads, Take Me Home'.
9. Hazel Dickens
Hazel Dickens was an American bluegrass singer and songwriter from West Virginia, known for her powerful and emotional voice that conveyed the struggles of working-class Americans. She was born into a family of coal miners and used her music to shed light on the harsh living conditions and social inequality faced by them. Dickens was a pioneer in the male-dominated bluegrass industry and paved the way for many other female artists. She received numerous awards and recognition for her contributions to the genre throughout her career.
In addition to her musical talents, Dickens was also an activist and advocate for social justice issues such as labor rights, feminism, and environmentalism. She used her platform as a musician to bring attention to these causes through both her lyrics and actions. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and activists alike.
It is important to recognize Hazel Dickens' impact not only on the world of music but also on social justice movements. Her ability to use art as a tool for change serves as a reminder of the power that music holds in bringing about societal transformation. As fans of bluegrass or those interested in social justice, we should continue to celebrate the life and work of Hazel Dickens, lest we miss out on learning from one of West Virginia's greatest treasures.
"Johnny Staats makes his guitar sing like a West Virginia holler on a steamy summer night."
10. Johnny Staats
Johnny Staats – A Master of Bluegrass Music
With the hands made to play instruments, Johnny Staats has become a notable singer-songwriter from West Virginia. He is highly acclaimed for his mastery in bluegrass music and a unique ability to skillfully blend sounds from different genres.
No stranger to the music scene, Staats was awarded "Best Mandolin Player" by SPBGMA in 2000 and had the honor of sharing stage with famous artists such as Keith Urban and Willie Nelson.
Staats' unconventional approach towards bluegrass music often surprises his listeners but never fails to impress them. His authenticity and passion towards music make him stand out among other famous singers from West Virginia.
Fun fact: Staats once joined forces with rapper Ludacris for a song called "One More Drink".
Edward Tomlin 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.
