West Virginia, nestled within the breathtaking Appalachian Mountains, has long been a fertile ground for talent in various artistic realms. From its stunning landscapes to its vibrant cultural heritage, the Mountain State has produced a remarkable array of gifted individuals who have left an indelible mark on the world of music. In this article, we will delve into the realm of melodic enchantment and explore the Top 10 Famous Singers hailing from West Virginia. These exceptional artists have captivated audiences with their unparalleled vocal prowess, lyrical storytelling, and unbridled passion for their craft. From soul-stirring country ballads to powerful rock anthems, each singer on this esteemed list has carved out a unique niche within the realm of music. Join us on a journey through the hallowed musical halls of West Virginia as we celebrate the legacy of these iconic voices. From the soaring harmonies of traditional Appalachian folk to the electrifying performances on the global stage, these singers from the Mountain State continue to inspire and leave an indelible imprint on the hearts and minds of music lovers around the world. Prepare to be enthralled by the talent and charisma of the Top 10 Famous Singers from West Virginia.
1. Hasil Adkins
Hasil Adkins was a renowned singer and songwriter hailing from West Virginia. His unique blend of rockabilly, country, and blues music won him a large following across the United States. He was known for incorporating unconventional instruments such as roadkill skulls in his performances, making him an eccentric figure in the music industry. Adkins released numerous albums throughout his career, including some posthumously after he passed away in 2005. He is remembered as a pioneer of the rockabilly genre and an influential figure in West Virginia's music history. It is fascinating how he rose to fame with his unorthodox style of music.
Even though Hawkshaw Hawkins is from West Virginia, his music could make a Nashville cat cry.
2. Hawkshaw Hawkins
A renowned musician hailing from West Virginia, Hawkshaw Hawkins had a passionate voice that captured people's hearts. With his exceptional talent and dedication, he established himself as a prominent singer in the world of music. His captivating performances and unique style left an everlasting impact on fans worldwide.
Hawkshaw Hawkins was not just a talented singer, but also known for his songwriting abilities. He wrote many hits that challenged societal norms and paved the way for future generations. His ability to infuse different genres into his music made him one of the most versatile performers in the industry.
Interestingly, Although Hawkshaw Hawkins passed away tragically at a young age, his legacy continues to inspire many aspiring musicians around the globe. Even today, he is remembered as one of West Virginia's finest singers who relentlessly pursued his love for music.
Fans must delve deeper into Hawkshaw Hawkins' musical journey to appreciate his work fully. Take time out to listen to his harmonious melodies and be swept away by his magic. Discover what makes him one of West Virginia's greatest artists and celebrate this musical icon with enthusiasm!
Steve Whiteman may be from West Virginia, but he's definitely not 'Living on a Prayer' like those Jersey Boys.
3. Steve Whiteman
Steve Whiteman, a renowned musician and entertainer from West Virginia, has made major contributions to the music industry. A talented lead vocalist for the rock band Kix, he is known for his powerful voice and energetic performances. With over three decades of experience in the music industry, Whiteman has earned legions of fans who appreciate his unique blend of charisma, talent and showmanship.
Whiteman's passion for music began at an early age when he started singing and playing guitar. He quickly developed a love for rock music and decided to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Over time, Whiteman honed his craft, developing a signature sound that is instantly recognizable.
What sets Steve Whiteman apart from other musicians is his ability to connect with his audience on an emotional level. Whether performing live or recording in the studio, he constantly strives to give fans an unforgettable experience. His dedication and hard work have paid off with numerous hits like "Blow My Fuse" and "Don't Close Your Eyes".
Despite facing challenges over the years, including addiction issues and changing musical tastes, Steve Whiteman has remained a beloved figure in the world of rock 'n' roll. His unwavering commitment to his art has inspired countless fans around the world, making him one of West Virginia's most famous singers.
Hazel Dickens: the voice that could make a mountain weep, and the banjo that could make it dance.
4. Hazel Dickens
Hazel Dickens, a renowned singer originating from West Virginia, has made an indelible mark in the world of music. Her unique sound accompanied by her powerful vocals has inspired many musicians and fans alike. She lived a life committed to social activism, and this was reflected in her songs as she sang about the struggles of coal miners and other marginalized communities. Hazel received numerous accolades throughout her career, including being inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Association Hall of Fame.
In addition to her singing career, Hazel's contributions as a songwriter cannot be overlooked. Her songs shed light on the social issues faced by many Americans during her time and remain relevant even now. One notable example is "Black Lung," which brought attention to the struggles that coal miners face regarding their work environment.
Despite passing away in 2011, Hazel's legacy lives on through her music and serves as an inspiration for future generations. Her influence can be seen in the works of artists such as Alison Krauss and Emmylou Harris.
Those who have not had the opportunity to listen to Hazel's music are surely missing out on a rare gem. Her music transcends genres and speaks to all those fighting for justice and equality. It is imperative that we continue to celebrate and appreciate the talented singers who hail from our home state of West Virginia.
"They may have been born and raised in West Virginia, but The Lilly Brothers could make any audience feel like they were in the heart of Appalachia with their soulful bluegrass tunes."
5. The Lilly Brothers
The Bluegrass Legends: The Lilly Brothers
This West Virginia born singing duo is known worldwide for their contributions to bluegrass music. They became popular in the 1950s and performed numerous times across America, even playing at the prestigious Newport Folk Festival. The two brothers, Bea & Everett, enriched their tunes with intricate harmonies which set them apart from other bands of their era.
During their early years in music, they faced tough competition from other well-known musical families like The Monroe Brothers. Despite this challenge, they continued to develop their unique sound that played an important role in making West Virginia a popular destination for bluegrass music enthusiasts.
They even experimented with incorporating non-traditional instruments such as a bagpipe into their performances, surprising and delighting fans around the world. Such creativity in extending beyond traditional instruments helped establish them within the industry as legends of bluegrass music.
A famous story about them revolves around their performance at the Peterborough Folk Festival in Canada where due to a rainy day, the band's instruments could not be tuned properly and were out of tune. However, this did not stop them from performing brilliantly with incredible improvisation skills that left the audience spellbound.
Bill Withers may have been lean on lyrics, but his soulful voice made us all lean in a little closer.
6. Bill Withers
One of the most renowned names in the music industry hailing from West Virginia is a legendary soul singer who produced some of the most iconic hits of his time. With a career that spanned several decades, this artist's soulful voice and thought-provoking lyrics continue to inspire fans all over the world. Bill Withers captured hearts with songs like "Lean on Me," "Ain't No Sunshine," and "Lovely Day." His music finds its roots in R&B, blues, and soul, but his style was unique even to those genres.
Withers' talent was not confined to singing as he also wrote many of his songs. His impact on music culture made him one of the most influential artists of all time, deeply appreciated by veterans and novices alike. As he developed a reputation in the industry for being authentically himself, his music remained raw and emotional – using his experiences as inspiration.
If you're discovering Bill Withers for the first time today, you owe it yourself to explore his body of work fully. Experience every track, from the big hits to album tracks that reveal more nuances with every listen – get lost in what makes this artist so special.
Brad Paisley puts the 'West' in West Virginia country music.
7. Brad Paisley
One of the most remarkable and renowned musicians of West Virginia is a country singer who has made a name for himself in the industry- Mr. Paisley. His achievements are pinnacle, with Grammy awards blooming his path to success. Paisley's music reflects his roots from Glen Dale, while he keeps inspiring newcomers with his amazing work.
Johnny Paycheck may have been born in Ohio, but he clearly took the West Virginia state motto 'Mountaineers are always free' a little too seriously.
8. Johnny Paycheck
Johnny Paycheck was a famous singer born in Greenfield, Ohio, but raised in West Virginia. He embodied the outlaw country genre and is best known for his hit "Take This Job and Shove It." Paycheck worked on various jobs before pursuing a career as a musician.
As he pursued music, he played with various groups and built his reputation as a writer of classic country songs. In 1965, he received national attention for co-writing "Apartment No. 9," which became Tammy Wynette's first major hit. Later, Paycheck had chart-topping hits like "Slide Off of Your Satin Sheets" and "She's All I Got."
Notably, in 1981 Paycheck was arrested in Ohio for shooting a man at a bar. He was sentenced to prison and released after serving two years.
Johnny Staats: proving that even in West Virginia, a mandolin can make you a rockstar.
9. Johnny Staats
Johnny Staats: A Virtuoso on the Mandolin
One of the famous singers from West Virginia is a musician who has made a name for himself playing the mandolin. Johnny Staats is known for his virtuosic mandolin playing style, which blends traditional bluegrass with classical music. Staats began playing the mandolin at the age of nine and quickly emerged as a talented musician in his community.
Staats' musical career took off in 1999 when he won second place at the prestigious Winfield Bluegrass Festival Mandolin Championship. Since then, he has released several albums and collaborated with other notable musicians in the industry. He has also been featured on national TV shows such as Good Morning America and The Grand Ole Opry.
What sets Johnny Staats apart from other musicians is his mastery of different genres of music like rock, blues, jazz, and classical that he skillfully incorporates into his performances. He stands out among other mandolin players due to his technical proficiency, precision, and artistry.
It's an interesting fact that besides being a prodigious musician, Johnny Staats is also an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting and fishing.
Little Jimmy Dickens may have been small in stature, but his voice was larger than life – sort of like a canary on steroids.
10. Little Jimmy Dickens
One of the most respected singers from West Virginia is a country legend known for his presence in the music industry for over 60 years. With hits like "May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose," and "Take an Old Cold Tater (And Wait)," this artist went on to become a Grand Ole Opry member and earned numerous awards throughout his life. Little Jimmy Dickens hailed from Bolt, WV, and received an early education in singing while participating in church choirs. His unique style earned admiration within the country music community, leading him to collaborate with some of the biggest names in the business.
Dickens was admired not just for his contribution to country music but also as a person. He served his country during World War II and toured overseas to entertain US troops stationed abroad. It was evident that through his contributions towards different causes such as music education and promotion led people of all ages to have high regards for this artist. His talent, charisma, love for music and commitment towards tireless efforts made him a household name.
Despite several challenges thrown at Dickens, he always managed to rise above it all. Some of these challenges included being hospitalized after collapsing at The Grand Ole Opry stage due to natural causes. Such devastating setbacks never got him down mentally or physically as he kept going until he could no longer perform anymore.
The legacy that Little Jimmy Dickens leaves behind is one filled with admiration because of his incredible accomplishments within the entertainment industry. His impeccable ability leaves us still mesmerized whenever we hear him sing or watch his performances on video recordings available online today. One cannot make peace with missing out on listening to such magnificent artistry!
Samuel Moore 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.
