West Virginia has a rich musical heritage, particularly in the genres of country, bluegrass, and gospel music. The state has produced many famous singers and musicians over the years, and its music scene continues to thrive to this day.
One of the most iconic singers from West Virginia is country music legend Brad Paisley, who was born in Glen Dale. Paisley has won numerous awards for his music and is known for hits like “Whiskey Lullaby” and “Mud on the Tires.”
Another famous singer from West Virginia is Kathy Mattea, who was born in South Charleston. Mattea is a country and folk singer who has won multiple Grammy Awards and has had numerous hits throughout her career.
West Virginia has also produced a number of notable bluegrass musicians, including Hazel Dickens and Charlie McCoy. These artists have made significant contributions to the genre and continue to inspire new generations of bluegrass musicians.
In summary, West Virginia’s music scene has produced many talented singers and musicians across a variety of genres. From country and bluegrass to gospel and folk, the state’s musical heritage continues to thrive and evolve.
1. Brad Paisley
One prominent figure among the list of famous singers from West Virginia is a successful country musician who has won multiple Grammy awards. With his guitar skills and storytelling lyrics, he has made a significant impact in the music industry for over two decades. His dedicated fans fondly remember his hits such as "Whiskey Lullaby" and "Mud on the Tires". This talented singer-songwriter not only leaves an unforgettable musical legacy but also supports various charitable causes including children's hospitals and disaster relief efforts.
Amidst his many accolades, this singer has received the highly coveted CMA Entertainer of the Year award and was even inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. He continues to produce popular music albums that showcase his mastery of traditional country sounds with a modern twist. His influence in West Virginia's music scene can be felt through many local musicians who have been inspired by him.
Interestingly, this acclaimed singer is not just an expert in music but is also highly skilled at comedy. He has made several appearances on television shows like "The Simpsons" and "South Park" while using humor to shed light on important causes like supporting U.S troops overseas. Brad Paisley indeed personifies the phrase 'multifaceted' with his diverse talents that never fail to impress.
According to Forbes, this charismatic musician was one of the top 10 highest-paid country singers in 2020 with earnings worth $9 million. Kathy Mattea may have sung 'Where've You Been', but we know exactly where she's from – the Mountain State's own West Virginia!
2. Kathy Mattea
This West Virginia native, with a career spanning over three decades, has sold more than 30 million records worldwide. With two Grammy Awards and four Country Music Association Awards under her belt, she is known for hits like "Come From the Heart" and "Where've You Been." Her music draws inspiration from her Appalachian roots, making her a celebrated voice in folk and country music.
Mattea has not only inspired aspiring musicians but has also advocated for various philanthropic causes, including environmental issues and AIDS awareness. She even founded a charity organization named after her song "My Coal Journey," aiming to provide support to miners suffering from black lung disease.
If you're looking for a unique listening experience, check out Mattea's album "Calling Me Home," which explores traditional Scottish music fused with Appalachian instrumentation. It is not only an excellent representation of Mattea's musical prowess but also showcases her appreciation for cultural diversity.
For those looking to enhance their vocal abilities, it might be worthwhile to explore Mattea's vocal techniques. She often encourages singers to focus on breath control when singing long phrases, as well as finding personal connections to songs by tapping into emotions that drive lyrics.
Bill Withers is proof that you don't need a big entourage or flashy gimmicks to make great music, just a big heart and soulful voice from West Virginia.
3. Bill Withers
Renowned for his soulful ballads, the legendary musician from Slab Fork, West Virginia left an indelible mark on the music industry. With a string of hits including "Ain't No Sunshine" and "Lean on Me," Bill Withers was a trailblazer in the genre of R&B, earning three Grammy Awards for his contributions to the field. Through his music, Withers became an influential figure in popular culture, recognized not only for his exceptional talent but also for his powerful messages about love, life and perseverance.
With humble beginnings as a factory worker and a Navy veteran, Bill Withers drew inspiration from the people he met and the experiences he gained which helped him craft an incredible musical career that spanned over four decades. Even after retiring from performance in 1985, Withers continued to be revered as one of the greatest singers and songwriters of all time.
Despite facing multiple personal challenges throughout his life, including stuttering and shyness as a child, Bill Withers rose above these obstacles to become one of West Virginia's most celebrated musicians. His legacy continues today with countless artists covering his songs through their own interpretations.
Source: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/west-virginia/famous-singers-wv/
Hazel Dickens: the voice of West Virginia, and also the reason I can't listen to Dolly Parton without getting emotional.
4. Hazel Dickens
This acclaimed musician born in the hills of West Virginia is recognized as a pioneer in bluegrass and traditional folk genres. She contributed significantly to the music industry with her powerful vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and signature instruments like autoharp and guitar. Hazel Dickens' authenticity made her a source of inspiration for various artists, including Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss, and Dolly Parton.
Her career kicked off when she joined The Strange Creek Singers alongside Alice Gerrard. The duo went on to record various albums that gained attention worldwide. Nevertheless, it was her solo work that cemented her position in the industry. With songs like "Black Lung", she raised awareness about important issues affecting marginalized communities.
Dickens received several awards throughout her career for her contributions to American music, including the National Heritage Fellowship Award by the National Endowment for the Arts.
Apart from being an accomplished musician, Dickens also advocated for workers' rights and social justice issues. She believed that art could serve as a tool for change and used it to bring attention to critical problems facing society.
To immerse yourself in Hazel Dickens' legacy, you can listen to some of her most notable works such as "Mama's Hand", "West Virginia My Home", or "Working Girl Blues". Her dedication to preserving heritage music will undoubtedly leave an impact on generations to come.
Charlie McCoy may be known for playing the harmonica, but in West Virginia he's also known for being the only guy who can make a tune out of a moonshine jug.
5. Charlie McCoy
With a musical career spanning almost six decades, the renowned harmonica player featured on 'Hee Haw' and played alongside Elvis Presley in his backup band. His innovative style merges different genres, including country, blues and rock. Charlie McCoy is undoubtedly one of the most iconic musicians from West Virginia.
Throughout his impressive career, Charlie McCoy has received numerous accolades such as Grammy awards and Country Music Association Awards. Apart from playing the harmonica, he is a session musician who has contributed to over 50,000 recordings with various musical artists. McCoy's legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians.
What makes Charlie McCoy stand out even more is his ability to arrange orchestras for television series like 'The Dukes of Hazzard'. He has also recorded original scores for movies and TV series such as 'The Love Boat,' thus showcasing his diverse musical talents beyond playing the harmonica.
If you haven't heard of Charlie McCoy before, don't worry; it's never too late to appreciate a legend. Take the time to listen to some of his iconic tracks and witness firsthand what made him one of West Virginia's most famous singers. You won't want to miss out on experiencing the magic that is Charlie McCoy's music!
Little Jimmy Dickens may have been small in stature, but his voice could shake the mountains of West Virginia.
6. Little Jimmy Dickens
This musician, born in Bolt, West Virginia, was known for his lively performances and comedic lyrics. Little Jimmy Dickens gained fame during the 1940s as a member of the Grand Ole Opry and released several hits including "May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose" and "Country Boy". He continued to perform until his passing in 2015 at the age of 94.
Throughout his career, Little Jimmy Dickens remained true to his roots and played traditional country music with a unique twist. He was a pioneer in what would come to be known as honky-tonk music and was beloved by fans for his energetic presence onstage. Additionally, he helped pave the way for future West Virginian musicians seeking success in Nashville.
Baby-faced Little Jimmy Dickens was known for more than just being one of West Virginia's most famous singers. He also served in World War II as a US Army rifleman and performed numerous charitable acts throughout his life.
To those looking to follow in this legend's footsteps, it's important to remember that staying true to your roots can go a long way. Like Little Jimmy Dickens, it's important not to lose sight of who you are or where you come from while pursuing your dreams. It's also essential to incorporate humor into your performances as well as giving back to the community whenever possible.
Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. proves that not all West Virginians are just coal miners and moonshiners, some can actually sing too.
7. Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.
Winner of America's Got Talent season six, the crooner from Logan, West Virginia mesmerized the world with his smooth jazz style and soulful performances. Landau Eugene Murphy Jr., a former car washer, captured the hearts of millions with his debut album “That’s Life” in 2011.
His first album topped Billboard's jazz Charts, selling over 300k copies worldwide. The album features covers of classic hits such as “My Way,” “Fly Me To The Moon,” and many more. He also performed at several prestigious events like A Capitol Fourth Concert, Hollywood Christmas Parade, and The Today Show to name a few.
Aside from his music career, Murphy is also known for his philanthropic contributions towards various charities supporting cancer research and education.
Murphy's talent and perseverance are an inspiration for those who dream big to achieve success. His heart-warming success story has inspired countless people worldwide to pursue their passions relentlessly until they reach their goals.
John Ellison may have been born in West Virginia, but his hit song 'Some Kind of Wonderful' proves he's more than just 'some kind' of singer.
8. John Ellison
John Ellison is a well-known musician who hails from West Virginia. He has made significant contributions to the music industry through his exceptional vocals and guitar skills. Ellison gained notoriety with his hit song "Some Kind of Wonderful," which secured a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Additionally, he has worked with other famous artists, such as Aretha Franklin and James Brown, making him one of the most respected musicians in the industry.
Ellison's success can be attributed to his talent and passion for music, as well as his ability to connect with his audience. He has a unique style that blends rock and soul music, which makes him appealing to people from different backgrounds. Many aspiring musicians look up to him for inspiration and guidance on how to make it big in the music industry.
It is worth noting that Ellison's contribution to West Virginia's music scene goes beyond just creating beautiful melodies. He has also worked towards promoting local talent by providing them with opportunities to showcase their skills. This gesture shows his dedication towards building a strong musical community in his hometown.
Pro Tip: To become successful like John Ellison, hone your craft by practicing consistently, build connections within the industry and stay true to your unique style.
Walter Barnes may not have made the list of famous West Virginia singers, but at least he can say he's from the same state as Brad Paisley.
9. Walter Barnes
One of the famous singers from West Virginia is a man known for his charismatic and soulful performances. He was born with an innate musical gift that he honed over the years to become one of the most prominent figures in gospel music. His powerful voice resonated with audiences, and his live shows were always sold out.
He started his career as a member of a quartet before branching out into a solo career that saw him travel all over the US, performing in churches and music halls. He recorded several albums and won numerous awards during his career, including a prestigious Grammy award.
One fascinating fact about him is that he gave up singing for many years after being involved in a serious accident that left him critically injured. However, he found solace in religion and eventually went back to singing with renewed zeal, using his music to inspire others.
The story of this talented singer is just one example of the rich musical heritage of West Virginia, which has produced some of the best-known musicians in history. From country stars like Brad Paisley and Kathy Mattea to rock legends like Bill Withers and Little Jimmy Dickens, West Virginia has given us some truly remarkable talents over the years.
Don Redman put West Virginia on the jazz map, proving that coal mines and trumpets make beautiful music together.
10. Don Redman
This famous singer from West Virginia was an American jazz arranger, bandleader and composer. Don Redman's music reflected the Great Migration of African Americans from the rural south to cities in the north. He is recognized for his prolific contribution to big band jazz during the 1920s and '30s.
Don Redman was one of the pioneers of swing music, and his arrangement skills resulted in many hit songs during his career. He arranged for Duke Ellington and also served as musical director for singer McKinney's Cotton Pickers. Redman was heavily influenced by blues music which he incorporated into his extensive arrangements.
Interestingly, Don Redman was awarded a posthumous Grammy Award in 1994 for Best Album Notes for "The Complete RCA Victor Recordings," which were released after his death.
Notably, Don Redman had been instrumental in developing new arrangements and styles that characterized the genre. His skills as a bandleader contributed immensely towards shaping jazz into an important American art form.
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.
