It’s ironic that a school assignment started his music career and thirty-five years later, he’s using his music to honor those who work so hard in school.  Many have heard West Virginia Songwriter and Musician Todd Burge’s tribute to 55 Strong, but the story behind it was a long time coming.

 

In 1983, Burge went to a club in Morgantown to do research for an English paper about punk rock.  What he found that night was the inspiration to learn a few chords, write a few songs, and launch a legendary music career that has taken him all around the world.  Using 

humor, personal stories and a smooth transition among several different music genres, he has performed at CBGB’s, the Country Music Hall of Fame and The Kennedy Center.  Here in West Virginia, he is known for his repeat performances on Mountain Stage, currently standing at thirteen shows.

 

When Burge attended that concert in the early 1980’s, he encountered a woman who encouraged him to not only follow his dream of music, but to also be socially and politically aware and to use his music to address issues important to him.  Throughout his career, he has incorporated themes of kindness and justice into his songs and he listens to the news daily for ways he can make a difference. 

 

Burge is now a husband and a father and he and his wife are very active in their childrens’ school in Parkersburg.  Together, they work with the PTA, serve on committees and chaperone trips.  He also volunteers with Arts Bridge, a collaborative program that involves working with students to write songs. It was there the inspiration for “55 Strong” began, long before the work stoppage began.

 

“I go in to the schools several times a year,” said Burge.  “I see first-hand how hard the teachers and staff work.  I see how they truly put the students first and buy supplies out of their own pockets to make sure every child is taken care of.  I get to leave after an hour or so, but they do that every single day.  I have a profound respect for what they do.”

As the work stoppage progressed, he continued his daily song writing routine, listening to the news of the impact it was making.  One day, the song just came to him.

 

“As soon as the beginning started with the counties, it pretty much just wrote itself,” he said.  “I knew I needed a familiar melody to go with it, and eventually found that the legendary song, ‘Wabash Cannonball’ was ideal.”

 

After posting a request on social media, Burge received hundreds of pictures to incorporate into a video featuring “55 Strong.”  Among those photo submissions were several from Harrison County and Bridgeport, including Bridgeport High School staff member Becky Mearns.

“It was so amazing to be a part of the 55 Strong movement and to see what a difference it has made on both a state and national level,” said Mearns.  “When I heard that Todd Burge was seeking photos for a song he wrote to honor 55 Strong, I jumped at the chance to be involved.  We are so honored that he commemorated the movement in a song we can keep forever.”

 

 

To listen to Burge’s “55 Strong,”  a free download is available at https://toddburge.bandcamp.com/track/55-strong-for-our-wv-teachers

 

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