Celebrating Virginia’s Music
We have, over 200 Virginians who are Nationally and Internationally known that have made significant musical contributions to the world. Here are just a few of these artists.
The Carter Family
Maces Spring, Virginia
First Family of country music.
Patsy Cline 1932-1963
Winchester, Virginia
Considered the most popular country singer in America.
Gene Vincent 1935-1971
Norfolk, Virginia
With his band the “Blue Caps” created the genre of Rockabilly member of the R&R Hall of Fame 1998.
Ella Fitzgerald 1917-1996
Newport News, Virginia
Known as the “First Lady of Song”. Reigned as the most popular jazz singer for over 50 years.
Ralph Stanley 1927-2016
McClure, Virginia
Part of the first generation of Bluegrass musicians; member of the Bluegrass Hall of Honor and the Grand Ole Opry.
Dave Mathews 1967-
Charlottesville, Virginia
Dave Matthews Band formed in Charlottesville, Virginia in 1991 recorded seven consecutive #1 albums, Grammy Awards; inducted in R&R H.O.F. 2024.
Missy Elliott (Melissa Arnette Elliott) 1971-
Portsmouth, Virginia
Hip Hop, Rap, R&B singer, songwriter, producer.
The Statler Brothers formed: 1955
Staunton, Virginia
Harold Reid 1939-2020; Don Reid 1945; Lew DeWitt 1938-1990; Phil Balsley 1939; Joe McDorman 1955-1960; Jimmy Fortune 1955
Wayne Newton 1942-
Norfolk, Virginia
Nicknamed “Mr. Las Vegas” One of the most popular singers in the United States
Roy Clark 1933-2018
Meherrin, Virginia
Singer and host of popular country TV show “Hee Haw” helped to popularize country music.
