Honoring West Virginia’s Musical Legacy with Bob Brunner

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I sit down with Bob Brunner to talk about the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame. Bob shares that they are preparing for their next big induction ceremony in April. The event will take place at the Culture Center, with tickets available at different levels. Some tickets include a ceremony at the governor’s mansion and a chance to meet the inductees.

Bob explains that the Hall of Fame has been around for 23 years, founded by Michael Lipton. The first inductees included Little Jimmy Dickens and Billy Edd Wheeler. Over time, more people recognized the depth of West Virginia’s musical history. This year’s inductees include a songwriter from Lincoln County with 35 number-one country records.

We discuss the strong connection between Appalachian culture and country music. Bob mentions artists like Hazel Dickens and Kathy Mattea, along with classical musicians and Hollywood figures like Peter Marshall. He shares that Marshall’s real name was Pierre Le Coq, which Hollywood executives changed when he arrived.

Bob talks about how the museum found its home in the Charleston Town Center Mall. With many stores leaving, the mall saw an opportunity to showcase the Hall of Fame’s memorabilia. The space now features instruments, posters, and personal items donated by inductees. Visitors can also purchase records and CDs from West Virginia artists.

As we wrap up, I ask Bob about his favorite West Virginia musician. He names Blind Alfred Reed, who wrote songs about poverty and hardship in the 1920s and 30s. Bob points out that a tribute CD to Reed is available at the museum. I thank Bob for the conversation and remind listeners to hustle hard, hustle smart, and hustle with a smile.