West Virginia – 50 States of Music

$114.2M

Music Industry Contribution to State GDP

Secretariat

2,085

Jobs Supported

Secretariat

79

Music Establishments

A2IM/Secretariat/NIVA

322

Royalty Recipients

SAG-AFTRA/SoundExchange

3,770

Songwriters

ASCAP/BMI/GMR/SESAC

This Appalachian state boasts Billboard staple Brad Paisley

and “Lean On Me” singer Bill Withers as native sons. Rich in folk heritage, West Virginia plays host to a number of music festivals, jamborees, and jubilees.

Some
Notable
Musicians

  • Asleep at the Wheel
  • Bill Withers
  • Brad Paisley
  • Kathy Mattea
  • Michael W. Smith
  • Red Sovine

Music Venues & Festivals

  • Appalachian String Band Music Festival
  • Carnegie Hall WV
  • Gardner Winter Music Festival
  • Heritage Music Bluesfest Festival
  • Purple Fiddle
  • Upper Potomac Dulcimer Fest Festival
  • Vandalia Gathering Festival

Music Schools

  • Marshall University
  • Shepherd University
  • West Virginia University
  • West Virginia State University

Major Music Conferences

  • Mountain Recording Retreat
  • Mountain Songwriting Retreat
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