CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Like most years, the 2018 class of the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame will feature an eclectic collection of musicians who once called West Virginia their home.
The 2018 class includes singer Ann Magnuson of Charleston along with old time masters the Morris Brothers of Clay County who actually helped pioneer and create the Vandalia Gathering each Memorial Day in West Virginia. Also included in the mix for 2018 the Wildman of Rockabilly Hasil Adkins of Boone County, Christian music Grammy winner Michael W. Smith whose a native of Wayne County, and 1920’s blue artist Frank Hutchinson. Rounding out the class is punk rock pioneer from MC5 Fred “Sonic” Smith.
“I was always struck by the fact that they’re always underdogs,” said Hall of Fame Director Michael Lipton of most of the Hall of Fame members during an appearance on MetroNews Talkline. “But, West Virginia is always an underdog. That’s really what it’s all about. It’s moving and it’s fascinating.”
The ceremony is set for Saturday night at the West Virginia Culture Center at the State Capitol. The program will also be aired live on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
Lipton says many of the artists who are named to the Hall of Fame have achieved accolades worldwide, but there is something intimate when they are warmly embraced by their home.
“When we started we asked Bill Withers if he would come and accept this award, he said, ‘I wouldn’t miss it for the world.,'” Lipton explained. “That’s when we realized you can get awards nationally and internationally, but being recognized in your home state is different.”