Here’s a story of a man named Brady….I’m sure you can finish it.  But, did you know that the guy who wrote this famous theme song is from West Virginia?  He also wrote the foot-tapping theme song to “My Three Sons” and more.  And what about the guy who wrote “Frosty the Snowman” and “Here Comes Peter Cottontail”?  Yep, you guessed it, also from West Virginia.

 

The impact of the musical history of West Virginia is enormous; with genre represented and some pretty interesting back-stories.  For instance, did you know Michael Jackson covered the music of two notable Mountain State musicians?  He sang “Junk Food Junkie” by Larry Groce, who now hosts Mountain Stage and he also covered “Lean on Me” by WV native Bill Withers.

 

Students all around Harrison County have had the opportunity to learn more about the musical roots of the state through appearances all month from the WV Music Hall of Fame Traveling Museum.  The 26-foot trailer pulled up to Johnson Elementary on October 28, bringing with it the interactive demonstrations that represent musicians from all 55 counties.

 

The museum, which began in 2005, features artifacts, photographs, and documents that represent the rich musical history of the state.  Nearly 13,000 students have had the opportunity to experience the museum and many were surprised by how many famous people came from West Virginia.

 

A staff person took the students through a musical tour of the Mountain State. By touching a 40-foot screen, students were able to access bios, sound and video clips, and more from musicians in every county.  The interactive “Make Your Own CD” recording studio was a big hit and they were able to take their recordings home with them.  “Our goal is to educate the public about the range and depth of musical styles in the state,” said organizer Michael Lipton.  “We induct seven new members per year, based on the musical impact they have made on the state.”

 

The museum has also released several CD’s and is currently producing a film based on the history of West Virginia music.  “Our students were so excited about the museum,” said Fourth Grade Teacher Susan Gage.  “They had no idea so many famous musicians were from right here in our own state.”