— The Crooked Road — Virginia's Heritage Music Trail —
Norton. Norton has produced important musicians for a
century. Songwriter and ballad singer Kate O'Neill
(later Kate Peters Sturgill) grew up here, began a
string band in 1914, taught hundreds to play guitar,
and was a pioneer on radio. Norton barber Byrd
Moore was a premier country guitarist of the 1920s,
recording with a half dozen prominent bands.
Blues banjoist Dock Boggs lived here, and
recordings he made 80 years ago are still in print.
Pioneer bluegrass musicians the Stanley Brothers and
Jim and Jesse McReynolds got their start on Norton
radio station WNVA. Black string bands directed by
Carl Martin performed on the streets of Norton. The
Cooke Family of gospel singers are from here, as is
bluegrass musician, Jack Cooke.
In addition to the music, the Norton area offers
many outdoor recreation opportunities. On a clear
day from the summit of High Knob, you can view
majestic Appalachian peaks in Virginia, Kentucky,
North Carolina, West Virginia and Tennessee.
Coeburn. East of Norton lies the town of Coeburn
The mountains have always influenced
Coeburn's musicians and the area is home to a
brilliant Appalachian musical dynasty, the
McReynolds family. The music goes back many
generations, but it was Grandpa Charlie
McReynolds who recorded the music of the
family first, as part of the famed "Bristol
Sessions" for Victor in 1927. After World War II,
his grandsons, Jim and Jesse McReynolds,
organized the first of many bands, all noted for
musical virtuosity.
Jesse McReynolds is the inventor of a
complex and beautiful mandolin style, and the
brothers are noted for their "walk" harmony
vocals, and other contributions to bluegrass
music. They are one of the bands that invented
bluegrass, yet their personal style is totally
distinctive and instantly recognizable. Jesse
McReynolds continues to tour, and performs at
home as often as he can.
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 markers. 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.
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