— The Crooked Road — Virginia's Heritage Music Trail —
Dickenson County.The traditional music of Dickenson County has a
special sound. Based upon tones from the
Primitive Baptist and "Dunkard" churches, this
sound has influenced singers in the string bands of
the region. The most famous of these singers is
Ralph Stanley. With his brother Carter, Ralph
Stanley created a band in 1946 that riveted the
world's attention on the coalfields of Virginia and
adjacent areas. The Stanley Brothers and their
"Clinch Mountain Boys" began
touring the nation
and made notable recordings. Ralph Stanley
continued the band after his brother's death in
1966. Many honors have come to him, including a
National Heritage Fellowship and the America's
Medal for the Arts, presented to him in 2006 at the
White House by President George W. Bush. The
Ralph Stanley Museum and Traditional Mountain
Music Center in Clintwood celebrates his many
contributions, tells of the boyhood of the brothers
and is a rich source of information about the music
of the region. The Tri-State Singing Convention is
held annually at Breaks Interstate Park on Labor
Day. The Ralph Stanley Festival held on Memorial
Day weekend at the Hills of Home Park between
McClure and Coeburn attracts devotees from all
over the world, well-known bluegrass bands, as
well as Stanley and noted performers who have
worked in his bands.
Four rivers arise in Dickenson County and nearby:
the Pound, Cranesnest, Russell Fork, and McClure.
They join and assault Pine Mountain, breaking
through in a torrent of whitewater that attracts
river rafting and kayak enthusiasts from distant
places. The beautiful Breaks Interstate Park is
named for this unusual geographic feature. John
W. Flanagan Dam and Reservoir is another natural
resource prized for swimming, boating, fishing
the purity of its water.
The Crooked Road, Virginia's Heritage Music Trail. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Coalfields region, southwest Virginia is blessed with historic and contemporary music venues, musicians, and fretted instrument makers. Historically isolated, the region retained its strong musical legacy by passing traditions down through musical families to an appreciative community.
Old time mountain music, bluegrass, and gospel can be enjoyed all year long and several museums are devoted to showcasing the area's rich musical heritage.
The Crooked Road winds through the ruggedly beautiful Appalachian Mountains and leads you to the major hotspots of old time mountain music, country music, and bluegrass. Alive and kickin' for today's fans, these venues preserve and celebrate musical traditions passed down through generations. Annual festivals, weekly concerts, radio shows, and jam sessions ring out to large audiences and intimate gatherings. Please visit the Crooked Road website to plan your trip to coincide with the current entertainment events.
Comments 0 comments