The Best Musical Artists From West Virginia

Bill Withers, a soulful singer-songwriter hailing from West Virginia, captivated audiences worldwide with his heartfelt lyrics and smooth voice. Withers' music transcends generations, as hits like "Ain't No Sunshine," "Lean on Me," and "Lovely Day" continue to resonate with listeners to this day. His genuine storytelling abilities have solidified him as a prolific artist, whose impactful songs have become interwoven in the fabric of modern music history. Bill Withers truly deserves his place among the best musical artists from West Virginia.

West Virginia native Squire Parsons is a Southern gospel music icon whose impressive career has spanned over four decades. Known for his sincere songwriting style and soaring voice, Parsons' uplifting tunes such as "Sweet Beulah Land" and "I Call It Home" have touched countless listeners. As an influential figure within the gospel music community, Squire Parsons deserves recognition among West Virginia's best musical artists.

Affectionately known as "Little" Jimmy Dickens, the legendary country singer hailing from West Virginia enjoyed a career spanning over six decades, earning membership in the prestigious Grand Ole Opry. Dickens' songs, such as "May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose" and "Take an Old Cold Tater," were notable for their humorous and heartfelt nature. Standing just 4'11", his height was often a source of endearing humor in his performances, but it did not overshadow his immense talent. As one of the most beloved West Virginia artists, Little' Jimmy Dickens leaves a lasting legacy.

Brad Paisley has carved out an illustrious career as one of West Virginia's most successful country music stars. With numerous chart-topping singles such as "Whiskey Lullaby," "She's Everything," and "Remind Me," Paisley effortlessly blends traditional country sounds with contemporary elements. His guitar prowess and witty lyrics resonate deeply with fans, making him an iconic figure within the genre. Brad Paisley's undeniable talent and dedication to his craft make him an essential musical artist from West Virginia.

Johnny Paycheck, a widely celebrated country musician born in West Virginia, became a household name with his unforgettable rendition of David Allen Coe's rebellious anthem, "Take This Job and Shove It." Paycheck's unique sound struck a chord among working-class Americans who saw themselves represented in his relatable storytelling. As a member of George Jones' band early in his career and later as a solo artist, Johnny Paycheck contributed greatly to the world of country music and stands out among the best artists from West Virginia.

Legendary rockabilly singer and multi-instrumentalist Hasil Adkins stood out as a truly unique talent on West Virginia's musical landscape. Nicknamed "The Haze," Adkins became famous for his wildly energetic one-man-band performances, simultaneously singing, playing guitar, and drumming. With cult classics like "She Said" and "No More Hot Dogs," Adkins' raw sound and ecstatic live shows earned him a loyal following among rockabilly enthusiasts and secured his legacy among West Virginia's best musical artists.

Hailing from Morgantown, West Virginia, punk rock band Th' Inbred emerged in the 1980s with their brash sound and potent political messages. With albums like Kissin' Cousins and Family Affair, Th' Inbred showcased their relentless energy and uncompromising attitude, garnering a dedicated following within the punk rock community. Th' Inbred's role in defining the punk scene solidifies their place among West Virginia's most influential musical acts.

Early 20th-century country and folk musician Ernest Stoneman, originally from West Virginia, played a critical role in shaping the burgeoning country music scene. A writer, performer, and producer, Stoneman's hits such as "The Titanic" and "Old Joe Clark" showcase his incredible talent. Recognized as one of the first musicians inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Ernest Stoneman's undeniable influence on the genre earns him a special place among West Virginia's best musical artists.

West Virginia native Johnny Staats is a gifted multi-instrumentalist known primarily for his outstanding mandolin playing. As both the founder of Johnny Staats & The Delivery Boys and a solo artist, Staats has received numerous accolades for his virtuosity on the mandolin, guitar, and violin. With albums like Wires and Wood under his belt, Johnny Staats stands out among the best musical artists hailing from West Virginia.

Two-time Grammy Award-winning artist Kathy Mattea hails from West Virginia and is renowned for her powerful blend of country, folk, and bluegrass music styles. With hits like "Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses" and "Where've You Been," Mattea's soulful voice showcases her emotional depth and effortlessly connects with listeners. An influential figure within the genre, Kathy Mattea embodies the spirit of West Virginia in her music, making her a worthy inclusion among the state's best musical artists.

As a singer-songwriter and activist originating from West Virginia's coal-mining country, Hazel Dickens crafted songs that passionately reflected her Appalachian roots. Her powerful voice carried songs such as "Mama's Hand" and "Working Girl Blues," spotlighting the stories of working-class Americans. A pioneering woman within bluegrass music, Hazel Dickens' contributions continue to inspire generations of artists.

A celebrated Western swing band with origins in West Virginia, Asleep at the Wheel has maintained a dedicated following since their formation in the 1970s. With a distinctive blend of classic country, blues, and swing elements, the group has earned numerous Grammy Awards and collaborated with legends such as Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton. Asleep at the Wheel's enduring success and ability to reinvent themselves make them an essential part of West Virginia's rich musical tapestry.

Emerging during the golden era of country music, West Virginia-born Hawkshaw Hawkins quickly established himself as a major talent with his twangy style and rich baritone voice. Best known for his hit singles "Lonesome 7-7203" and "Pan American," Hawkins' career sadly ended abruptly in the 1963 plane crash that also claimed the lives of fellow musicians Patsy Cline and Cowboy Copas. Despite his untimely passing, Hawkshaw Hawkins' contributions to country music continue to be celebrated as some of the finest from West Virginia.

Pioneering psychedelic rock in West Virginia during the late 1960s, Mind Garage played an influential role in shaping the state's music scene. Their groundbreaking release “Electric Liturgy” showcased their ability to merge psychedelic sounds with religious themes, which provided them with a truly unique sound at the time. Mind Garage paved the way for future generations of musicians from West Virginia to experiment with unconventional music styles and explore limitless creativity.

West Virginia native Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. rose to fame as a gifted jazz singer after winning America's Got Talent in 2011. With his soulful renditions of classic songs like Frank Sinatra's "My Way" and Dean Martin's "Ain't That a Kick in the Head," Murphy quickly gained national recognition. Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.'s smooth vocals and charismatic stage presence have solidified him as a standout musical artist from the state of West Virginia.

Formed in the late '90s by brothers Shaun and Marty McCoy, West Virginia-based rock band Bobaflex steadily gained notoriety for their explosive live shows and dynamic songwriting. The band's distinctive blend of hard rock, grunge, metal, and nu-metal elements can be heard in tracks like "Bury Me With My Guns On" and "A Spider in the Dark." Bobaflex stands out among West Virginia's musical artists for their versatility and relentless dedication to their craft.

Legendary blues pianist Johnnie Johnson hailed from Fairmont, West Virginia, and enjoyed an illustrious career collaborating with Chuck Berry to craft groundbreaking rock 'n' roll tunes like "Maybellene" and "Roll Over Beethoven." In addition to his significant contributions as a sideman, Johnson gained recognition for his solo work by infusing intricate piano melodies with timeless blues sensibilities. His skilled musicianship secures Johnnie Johnson's place among West Virginia's best musical artists.

The late Daniel Johnston captivated listeners worldwide with his lo-fi recordings and heartfelt songwriting, hailing from West Virginia. Johnston's honest and vulnerable tracks like "True Love Will Find You in the End" and "Casper the Friendly Ghost" earned him a dedicated cult following, as well as admiration from fellow musicians like Kurt Cobain. His raw expression and emotional depth make Daniel Johnston a celebrated figure in West Virginia's music history.

Progressive rock band Crack the Sky, founded in Weirton, West Virginia, made waves in the 1970s with their intricate, anthemic sound. With songs like "Nuclear Apathy" and "Ice," Crack the Sky received acclaim from music critics and developed a dedicated fan base. Their innovative blend of rock genres has established Crack the Sky as one of West Virginia's most distinctive musical acts.

Throughout his career spanning over four decades, West Virginia-born Red Sovine became a beloved figure within the realm of country music. Known for his sentimental storytelling style and rich voice, Sovine's timeless hits like "Phantom 309" and "Giddy Up Go" captured listeners' imaginations. As a master of recitation-style country songs, Red Sovine undoubtedly holds a well-earned place among West Virginia's top musical talents.

As an influential singer-songwriter and radio host, Larry Groce has contributed significantly to West Virginia's musical landscape. Groce is best known for his hit novelty song "Junk Food Junkie," which satirizes the health food movement while showcasing his humorous songwriting capabilities. In addition to his music career, Groce has also hosted the popular radio show Mountain Stage for over three decades, providing a platform for countless musicians and earning him a crucial spot among West Virginia's best musical artists.

Grammy Award-winner Michael W. Smith hails from Kenova, West Virginia, and is known for his contemporary Christian music that touches millions of listeners worldwide. With emotional hits like "Place in This World" and "Agnus Dei," Smith draws inspiration from his faith while delivering uplifting messages through his artistry. His soulful voice and inspiring songwriting have helped solidify him as one of West Virginia's most revered musicians.

As one of West Virginia's premier metal bands, Byzantine has been delivering visceral tracks to fans since the early 2000s. Their progressive, groove-laden sound can be heard on standout songs like "The Agonies" and "New Ways to Bear Witness." Byzantine's ability to blend thrash, progressive, and groove elements creates a fresh heavy metal experience that continuously attracts new followers.

As pioneers of the metalcore genre, West Virginia-based band Zao has been pushing boundaries since their inception in the mid-'90s. With their powerful riffs, complex rhythms, and thought-provoking lyrics, Zao has been instrumental in shaping the heavy music landscape. Albums like Liberate Te Ex Inferis and The Funeral of God showcase Zao's relentless creativity and intensity, securing their position among West Virginia's finest musical artists.

Originating from Davis, West Virginia, Frankie Yankovic led his polka band Frankie Yankovic and his Yanks to great success throughout the mid-20th century. Known as America's Polka King, Yankovic brought happiness and dancing joy to fans across the nation with hits like "Blue Skirt Waltz" and "Just Because." His enduring influence on polka music guarantees Frankie Yankovic a place among West Virginia's greatest musical artists.

Fred "Sonic" Smith, born in West Virginia, was a significant figure in Detroit's rock scene as the guitarist for garage rock legends MC5 ("Kick Out The Jams") and one of Patti Smith's early bands Sonic's Rendezvous Band ("City Slang"). With electrifying guitar skills and songwriting prowess, Fred "Sonic" Smith contributed significantly to the development of high-energy rock 'n' roll, thus earning a spot among West Virginia's best musicians.

The Lilly Brothers, Everett and Bea Lilly, were talented bluegrass musicians from Clear Creek, West Virginia. Together with Don Stover on banjo, they formed one of the most celebrated bluegrass bands in history. Songs like "Five Days and Five Nights in This Little Brown Shack" showcase their seamless vocal harmonies, intricate musicianship, and commitment to preserving traditional Appalachian sounds. The Lilly Brothers' contributions to bluegrass music cannot be understated and warrant their inclusion among West Virginia's finest musical talents.

Stoney Cooper was a gifted fiddle player and country music artist born in Harman, West Virginia. As part of the duo Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, he helped create some of the most enduring classic country recordings of the 1950s and 1960s. Cooper's exceptional musicianship and dedication to preserving traditional country sounds make him an invaluable part of West Virginia's musical heritage.