Top Songs About West Virginia That Capture Mountain Life

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West Virginia’s landscapes, history, and spirit inspire many musicians. Songs about West Virginia cover many genres. Each one shows what makes the Mountain State special.

John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” is a classic. It was made the state song in 2014. The Front Bottoms’ “West Virginia” is a modern tribute to the state’s charm.

These songs come from many styles. They celebrate West Virginia’s beauty, culture, and lasting charm. They touch hearts all over the world.

Songs About West Virginia: From Folk to Modern Anthems

West Virginia’s music has changed over time. It started with Appalachian folk songs that show off the state’s beauty. Now, we have Mountain melodies that celebrate its culture. This shows how much people love their home state.

Classic Folk and Traditional Songs

The West Virginia Hills” by The Binkley Brothers’ Dixie Clodhoppers is a classic. It honors the state’s beauty. Hazel Dickens’ “West Virginia, My Home” also shows the strong bond between people and their Mountain State roots.

Contemporary West Virginia Music

Today, artists like Tyler Childers mention West Virginia in their songs. For example, in “Charleston Girl.” Alejandro Escovedo’s “West Virginia” and Big & Rich’s “West Virginia Woman” also pay tribute to the state’s culture.

The Evolution of Mountain State Melodies

West Virginia’s music has grown, as seen in Mac Miller’s “Remember” and Usher’s “Moving Mountains.” These songs mix different styles but still connect to the state’s musical past. They show how Mountain melodies have shaped the state’s culture for years.

“Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver is a big hit in West Virginia. It captures the state’s beauty and the strong bond its people have with the land.

“Country Roads” – The Ultimate Mountain State Anthem

John Denver’s song “Take Me Home, Country Roads” is loved by West Virginia since 1971. The song talks about the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah River. It has become a symbol of the state’s beauty and charm.

The song is a big deal in West Virginia. Here’s why:

• In 2014, it was named one of the state’s official anthems.
• West Virginia University’s band plays it when they win.
• The Shenandoah River, mentioned in the song, is about 150 miles long.
• Interstate 81, which helped inspire the song, goes through western Virginia.

John Denver never visited West Virginia when he made “Country Roads” in 1971. Yet, the song still captures the state’s spirit. It’s loved by locals and visitors.

Take Me Home, Country Roads” has done well over the years. It has gold and platinum certifications. It’s played at West Virginia events, like sports games and weddings. In today’s world, it’s sold over 1.8 million copies in the US.

“Take Me Home, Country Roads” hit the charts big time. It reached number one on the Record World Pop Singles Chart and the Cash Box Top 100. It even got to number two on the US Billboard Hot 100, just behind “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” by The Bee Gees.

In 2023, John Denver’s version of “Take Me Home, Country Roads” was picked for the National Recording Registry. This makes it an iconic West Virginia anthem and a favorite country roads song.

Coal Mining Songs and Labor Ballads of West Virginia

West Virginia’s coal mining history has inspired many songs. These songs tell of the struggles and strength of mine workers. Songs like “16 Tons” by Tennessee Ernie Ford and Steve Earle’s “Union, God, and Country” show the tough mining history in the state.

Stories of Mine Workers and Their Struggles

Coal mining in West Virginia has been very dangerous. Over 100,000 miners have died since 1900. Songs like “16 Tons” by Merle Travis share the hard life of miners, who often got paid in scrip.

These songs tell of the men’s hard work and courage. They worked deep underground to power the country.

Musical Tributes to Mining Disasters

Tragic mining disasters, like the Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster, have inspired songs. Steve Earle’s “Union, God, and Country” remembers the victims. It talks about the state’s tough union history and the fight for safety.

Songs of Union Pride and Resistance

The West Virginia Mine Wars are celebrated in coal mining ballads. Songs like these show the pride and strength of mining communities. They highlight the unions’ fight for better work conditions and miners’ courage to stand together.

“Music was a powerful tool during the 2011 march to Blair Mountain to promote sustainable jobs in West Virginia and preserve the historic battle site, demonstrating the unifying and motivating effect of music on social causes.”

The West Virginia music tradition is closely tied to coal mining. These coal mining songs and labor ballads remind us of the state’s mining history. They show the struggles and strength that have shaped the Mountain State.

Nostalgic Tributes to West Virginia’s Natural Beauty

West Virginia’s beautiful landscapes and strong community have inspired many Mountain State songs.

These songs make us feel nostalgic and long for the state. Joni Mitchell’s “Morning Morgantown” shows a peaceful college town. Hazel Dickens’ “West Virginia My Home” talks about missing the state’s beauty.

Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.’s “Come Home to West Virginia” talks about fun outdoor activities. It invites listeners to explore the state’s natural beauty. These songs celebrate West Virginia’s beauty and the bonds with its communities.

“West Virginia My Home” by Hazel Dickens, a folk and bluegrass song from 1968, captures the state’s beauty and spirit in its soulful lyrics.

These Mountain State songs show how much people love West Virginia. They talk about the state’s natural wonders and its music.

Bluegrass and Traditional Mountain Music Heritage

West Virginia is known for its bluegrass and traditional mountain music. Songs like “West Virginia Line” by The Del McCoury Band celebrate the state’s beauty. Flatt & Scruggs’ “Last Public Hanging in West Virginia” honors the region’s history through music.

Artists like Hazel Dickens have made West Virginia’s music famous. Their songs are full of lively tunes and heartfelt voices. These mountain melodies show what makes West Virginia special.

The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra was started in 1939. The West Virginia State Folk Festival in Glenville is another highlight. These events show the state’s love for music. They make sure bluegrass and traditional mountain music will live on.

Ryan Conlon

Ryan Conlon is the owner and author of Your Music Depot, a go-to platform for music enthusiasts seeking curated song lists and artist insights.

Passionate about the intersection of music and storytelling, Ryan’s goal is to help people find the perfect song for every occasion, exploring how songs can capture emotions and memories.