Music of West Virginia - Definition and Overview

West Virginia's folk heritage is a part of the Appalachian folk music tradition, and includes styles of fiddling and other techniques reminiscent of Scotch-Irish music.

Musicians from West Virginia include contemporary Christian music star Michael W. Smith; country singer Kathy Mattea; Melvin Wine, recipient of a National Heritage Fellowship; Russel Fluharty, dulcimer player; Nat Reese, a blues performer; Sylvia O'Brien, a renowned banjoist; and mainstream international stars Molly O'Day, Lilly Brothers, and Lynn Davis.

West Virginia is a mostly rural area, though its few relatively urban centers are prominent spots of musical innovation. The Capitol Music Hall, in Wheeling, is the oldest performing place of its kind in the state, and has hosted a wide variety of acts, from national tours to the local Wheeling Symphony Orchestra.