West Virginia, the picturesque state nestled within the majestic Appalachian Mountains, has long been a cradle of musical talent. Despite its relatively small population, the “Mountain State” has produced an impressive array of exceptional singers who have left an indelible mark on the music industry. From the hauntingly beautiful folk melodies that resonate with the state’s natural wonders to the soulful, powerhouse vocals that captivate audiences worldwide, West Virginia has been a wellspring of musical inspiration. In this article, we will explore the top ten famous singers hailing from the rugged hills and valleys of West Virginia. Each of these artists has not only achieved remarkable success in their respective genres but has also contributed to the rich tapestry of American music. From country crooners to rock legends, gospel divas to pop sensations, West Virginia has provided a platform for extraordinary talent to flourish. Join us as we delve into the lives and legacies of these iconic singers, whose voices continue to resonate with audiences, reminding us of the power and passion that music can evoke.
1. Bill Withers
Renowned singer and songwriter, Bill Withers, was born in Slab Fork, West Virginia. He is known for his soulful hits like "Lean on Me" and "Ain't No Sunshine", which earned him three Grammy Awards. His smooth baritone voice, coupled with his poetic lyrics, has left a lasting impact in the music industry. Withers' classic songs continue to be covered by contemporary artists and delight generations of music lovers around the world.
In addition to his musical career, Withers served in the United States Navy for nine years before pursuing music full-time. His humble beginnings and dedication catapulted him to become one of the most respected musicians of his time.
Interestingly, Withers was not initially signed to a recording contract until he was thirty-three years old. However, he persevered and eventually landed a deal with Sussex Records after giving a demo tape to Clarence Avant.
According to an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Withers once said that he writes songs about things he knows well, such as love and hardship. His authentic storytelling has made him an icon in the music industry and continues to inspire aspiring singer-songwriters.
(Source: Biography.com)
The Lilly Brothers proved that West Virginia can produce more than just moonshine and banjos.
2. The Lilly Brothers
The Lilly siblings, Don and Everett Lilly, were a talented duo from the mountains of West Virginia whose music career spanned several decades. Their Bluegrass and Country sound made them one of the most impressive acts in the region. The two began playing together as youngsters and quickly gained popularity for their harmonic voices that beautifully complemented each other.
Don and Everett's music was often influenced by their roots, which shone through in their songwriting style. Their songs often spoke of life in rural America and carried deep emotional resonance for people in the area. The brothers' style eventually caught on with the National audiences when they started performing widely across the country starting from the 1950s.
What increased The Lilly Brothers fan base outside of West Virginia was not just their soulful singing but also their successful stint at different venues across country including Grand Ole Opry. They are also credited with introducing mandolinist Bill Keith to bluegrass audiences.
Their musical journey came to an end when Don passed away in 1983 – leaving Everett continuing alone till retirement – however, both brothers left behind a rich legacy, impacting many aspiring musicians nationwide.
Brad Paisley may be from West Virginia, but with his country music skills, he's got Nashville written all over him.
3. Brad Paisley
One of the most famous musicians to have come from West Virginia is a country singer-songwriter widely known as 'The Perfect Storm' of country music. With his vibrant guitar skills and unmatched songwriting abilities, Brad Paisley has become an international superstar. Along with winning three Grammys, he has earned numerous accolades for his work in the industry. Paisley's signature style of mixing humor and heartbreak in his lyrics has made him stand out amongst other artists in the country genre.
Born and raised in Glen Dale, West Virginia, Paisley began playing guitar at the age of eight, thanks to his grandfather's encouragement. He started performing locally by 10 and received recognition for his talent soon after. His debut album 'Who Needs Pictures', released in 1999, included hits like 'He Didn't Have To Be' and 'We Danced'. Since then, Paisley has continued releasing chart-topping albums and singles while simultaneously collaborating with other notable artists in the industry.
Apart from his musical accomplishments, Paisley is also known for his philanthropy work supporting various causes such as disaster relief efforts and cancer research. He even founded a free grocery store in Nashville where people can shop for what they need with dignity.
Pro Tip: If you want to learn how to incorporate meaningful storytelling into your songwriting style like Brad Paisley does, try listening to some of his songs or attending one of his concerts to gain inspiration and insight.
Hazel Dickens may have been born in West Virginia, but her hauntingly beautiful voice could make anyone feel like they're lost in the misty hills of Appalachia.
4. Hazel Dickens
This West Virginian musician left an indelible mark on folk and bluegrass genres thanks to her heartfelt lyrics and soulful vocals. Hazel Dickens's music bore witness to the struggles of working-class communities in America, often highlighting issues such as coal mining and labor rights. She was a recipient of the National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, attesting to her immense contribution to American music.
Johnny Paycheck may have been born in Greenfield, Ohio, but his West Virginia roots shine through in his outlaw country music style.
5. Johnny Paycheck
One of the most popular country singers hailing from West Virginia is the talented Johnny Paycheck. Known for his signature deep voice and outlaw country style, Paycheck has left an indelible mark in the music industry. He began his career as a sideman for George Jones and shortly thereafter ventured out on his solo career with hits like "She's All I Got" and "Take This Job and Shove It." Despite some legal troubles throughout his life, Paycheck continued to make music that resonated with fans until his passing in 2003.
Paycheck's legacy also includes co-writing some of Tammy Wynette's greatest hits such as "Apartment #9" which solidified his place in the Nashville scene. His music and influence are still felt today among many country musicians, making him an integral part of not only West Virginia's musical heritage but the larger American music landscape.
It is worth mentioning that Johnny Paycheck was a maverick who often sided with underdogs. His songs were known for taking a hard stance on societal issues such as prison reform and justice for blue-collar workers. Such themes made him an unlikely hero, endeared by many who found solace in his unabashed honesty.
Don't miss out on listening to this musical icon's impressive discography that remains relevant to this day!
Steve's voice is so powerful it could convince a coal miner to switch to wind energy.
6. Steve Whiteman
Steve Whiteman, a notable singer from West Virginia, rose to fame as the lead vocalist of Kix – a renowned rock band. With his electrifying performances and powerful vocals, Steve Whiteman continues to inspire music enthusiasts across the world. Besides being a proficient singer, Steve Whiteman is also an accomplished songwriter and has contributed significantly to the music industry through his compositions.
Throughout his career, Steve Whiteman has been recognized for his exceptional ability to connect with audiences through his music. He has performed at numerous concerts and events across the country and has inspired several aspiring musicians through his talent. Moreover, Steve Whiteman's passion for music and dedication towards his craft have earned him immense respect in the industry.
Apart from Kix, Steve Whiteman has also been associated with other bands such as Funny Money and The Rat Race Choir. His contributions to these bands have been widely appreciated by critics and audiences alike.
Interestingly, Steve Whiteman began his musical journey playing drums in various local bands before eventually discovering his talent as a singer. Today, he is regarded as one of the finest singers from West Virginia and continues to be an inspiration for aspiring musicians around the world.
Source: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/west-virginia/famous-singers-wv/
Johnny Staats has been shredding on the mandolin since before it was cool, but don't worry, he won't judge you for being fashionably late to the string band party.
7. Johnny Staats
Johnny Staats: A Renowned Singer from West Virginia
Johnny Staats, a multi-talented musician and performer, is one of the most prominent figures in the music industry hailing from West Virginia. With his exceptional banjo skills and soulful voice, he has created a signature sound that has captivated audiences globally.
Staats started playing music at an early age and has been performing professionally for over two decades. He has won several awards and accolades including the Best Male Performer of the Year award by the International Bluegrass Music Association.
One unique fact about Johnny Staats is that he was discovered by Rhonda Vincent, a celebrated bluegrass artist when she heard him playing in his hometown. After witnessing his performance, she invited him to play with her band on tour which eventually led to him becoming a renowned musician in his own right.
Johnny Staats continues to inspire aspiring musicians around the world with his passion for music and remarkable talent.
Even in death, Hawkshaw Hawkins' voice remains a haunting melody that echoes through the hills of West Virginia.
8. Hawkshaw Hawkins
Known for his unique baritone voice, William Orville "Hawkshaw" Hawkins was a renowned country music singer from West Virginia. Born in 1921 in Huntington, Hawkshaw gained popularity through his chart-topping hits including "Dog House Boogie," "Pan American," and "Slow Poke."
Throughout his career, Hawkshaw was known for incorporating humor into his performances. He was also a regular performer on the Grand Ole Opry and featured artist on several national TV shows.
In addition to his music career, Hawkshaw also appeared in various films such as "Las Vegas Hillbillys" and "Country Music Holiday." Unfortunately, his life was cut short when he died in a plane crash alongside Patsy Cline in 1963.
Don't miss out on discovering the fascinating music history of West Virginia's legendary singers like Hawkshaw Hawkins. Explore their incredible talent with pride and honor!
Little Jimmy Dickens may have been small in stature, but his talent was larger than life – much like the state he hailed from.
9. Little Jimmy Dickens
This accomplished country singer known as the 'Littlest' has made West Virginia proud for many years. Little Jimmy Dickens, with his unique voice and entertaining stage presence, is one of the most famous singers hailing from this state. He was born in Bolt on December 19, 1920, and began playing music at an early age. With over five decades of experience in the music industry, he received a place in both the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
As a young man in West Virginia, Dickens honed his craft by singing on local radio programs. His unique style of country music caught the attention of Roy Acuff, who helped him earn a recording contract with Columbia Records. Little Jimmy Dickens has recorded many hit songs like "Take an Old Cold Tater (And Wait)," "Country Boy," and "Out Behind the Barn." Although he stood only 4'11" tall, his powerful voice and larger-than-life personality captivated audiences worldwide.
Something that sets Dickens apart from other West Virginia musicians is his dedication to charity work for children's hospitals and rural community causes throughout his career. Growing up poor in West Virginia makes him a true representation of Appalachian culture. This gave him a deep desire to give back to those less fortunate than himself.
If you want to get started exploring Little Jimmy Dickens' catalog today, we recommend listening to some live recordings or checking out his classic vinyl releases such as "May The Bird Of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose." His talented songwriting and ability to entertain are what led him to becoming one of the best-known musicians from West Virginia.
Hasil Adkins may have been from West Virginia, but his wild Rockabilly antics made him a universal threat to eardrums everywhere.
10. Hasil Adkins
This notable West Virginian musician, widely known as the one-man band, caught attention with his unconventional approach to rockabilly and country music. Hasil Adkins was renowned for his distinctive style that included playing almost all the instruments in his recordings. He is regarded as a pioneer in the underground garage and psychobilly scene, inspiring many artists until this day.
Adding to his unique sound and style, Adkins gained dedicated followers because of his oddball personality and eccentricity. Often performing shirtless and donning homemade headgear during shows, he became quite popular due to his stage antics. His influence on contemporary music continues with bands like The White Stripes citing him as an inspiration.
Although he started recording in his mid-teens, it was not until years later when Hasil Adkins found success by releasing self-produced albums like "Out to Hunch" and "Poultrytale". It's rumored that Adkins wrote numerous songs throughout his career but never recorded them or performed live. Unfortunately, the one-man band passed away in April 2005 at the age of 67 after a fall down from a ladder outside of his trailer home.
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