WV Music Hall of Fame announces newest members
August 6, 2008 ·
The West Virginia Music Hall of Fame announced its list of 2008’s inductees on Tuesday. This is the second class of honorees since the founding of the organization in 2005.
The West Virginia Music Hall of Fame announced its list of 2008’s inductees. This is the second class of honorees since the founding of the organization in 2005.
12 West Virginians will be inducted into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame in a ceremony at the Cultural Center November 6. It’s a diverse group of artists - some well known, some lesser known.
From Beckley, “The Lilly Brothers ( Everett and Bea) and Don Stover” are bluegrass pioneers. Everett Lilly is 83 years old and still performing.
From Fayette County, 67 year old Charlie McCoy is known as the “King” of bluegrass and country harmonica.
From Randolph County, husband and wife team Wilma Lee and Dale “Stoney” Cooper have been elected. They’re also traditional country. Stoney passed away several years ago, but 87 year old Wilma Lee says she’ll be in Charleston for the awards ceremony.
Originally from Clarksburg, 87 year old Phyllis Curtin was a top American soprano for decades.
And 81 year old Robert Drasnin of Charleston is a highly successful composer, music director, educator and musician.
Michael Lipton is founder of the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame and says West Virginia has stayed with the honorees their entire lives, and is evident, in varying degrees, in their music. Lipton says all the living recipients will return for the awards ceremony.
Other inductees, all deceased, include Jazz singer and Charleston resident Anne Baker. Also of Charleston, Honky-tonk singer Woodrow Wilson “Red” Sovine.
America’s King of Polka, Frankie Yankovic of Davis, WV will be honored, as will Maceo Pinkard of Bluefield, composer of several popular songs, including Sweet Georgia Brown.
Ticket information for the November 6 awards ceremony can be found at www.wvmusichalloffame.com. WV PBS will broadcast the ceremony live.