Of course. Pocahontas County, West Virginia, has an exceptionally rich musical heritage, particularly in traditional Appalachian old-time music. It is nationally recognized as a cradle for some of the most influential players and traditions.
Here are 20 musicians and musical groups with strong ties to Pocahontas County, ranging from historical legends to contemporary performers.
Legendary and Historical Figures
Edden Hammons (1875–1955)
Perhaps the most legendary musician from the county. A fiddler of immense skill and repertoire whose home recordings from 1947 are considered foundational texts of Appalachian music.
Burl Hammons (1908–1993)
A member of the renowned Hammons family, Burl was a masterful banjo player and fiddler, documented extensively by the Library of Congress.
Sherman Hammons (1903–1988)
Brother of Burl, Sherman was a celebrated banjo player, fiddler, and storyteller. His unique style and vast knowledge were crucial to preserving the region's musical traditions.
Maggie Hammons Parker (1899–1987)
Sister of Burl and Sherman, she was a powerful ballad singer and banjo player, known for her extensive memory of ancient songs and family lore.
Lee Hammons (1886-1980)
An older member of the Hammons clan, known for his distinctive banjo playing and as a source for many family tunes.
Paris Hammons (1853–1932)
The patriarch who passed down much of the musical tradition to his children, including Edden, Burl, and Sherman. He was known as a fiddler and banjo player.
Mose Coffman (1884-1965)
A respected local fiddler and contemporary of the Hammons family who was also recorded during the 1947 Library of Congress sessions.
Key Tradition Bearers and Influencers
Dwight Diller (1946–2023)
Though he grew up in neighboring counties, Diller moved to the area to learn directly from the Hammons family. He became a world-renowned and highly influential old-time banjo and fiddle player and teacher, dedicating his life to preserving and transmitting their style.
Richard Hefner
A celebrated banjo player and a founding member of the iconic West Virginia group, The Black Mountain Bluegrass Boys.
Jake Krack
A fiddle prodigy who, while originally from Indiana, spent his formative years in Pocahontas County learning directly from Dwight Diller and other local masters. He is now considered one of the foremost Appalachian fiddlers of his generation.
Trevor Hammons
The grandson of Lee Hammons, Trevor is a respected contemporary banjo player who carries on the family's distinct musical legacy in the county.
Contemporary Musicians and Instructors
Mike Bing
An accomplished fiddler and a longtime instructor at the Allegheny Echoes workshops, deeply rooted in the local musical traditions.
Tim Bing
Brother of Mike Bing, Tim is a highly regarded banjo player and instructor who champions the Pocahontas County style.
Bob Heyer
A skilled guitarist and vocalist who frequently plays with the Bing brothers and is a staple of the local music scene and Allegheny Echoes.
Pam Lund
A musician and instructor known for her work on upright bass and vocals, contributing to numerous local ensembles and teaching at Allegheny Echoes.
Cathy Grant
A ballad singer and multi-instrumentalist who has been a key figure in the local music community and a frequent instructor at workshops.
Richard Drane
A guitarist and singer involved in the Pocahontas County music scene for many years as both a performer and a teacher.
Juanita Fireball & the Continental Drifters
A popular and energetic contemporary local band known for playing a fun mix of rockabilly, country, and rock and roll at venues and festivals throughout the county.
Elk River Ramblers
A contemporary old-time and bluegrass group featuring local musicians who perform regularly in the region, keeping the string band tradition alive.
Patty L. & The Down-n-Outs
A modern band from the Marlinton area, adding country and classic rock sounds to the county's diverse musical landscape.
Of course. Delving deeper into the rich musical fabric of Pocahontas County, here are more musicians, craftsmen, and influential figures vital to the region's sound. This list includes more contemporary artists, key organizers, and important regional players who are deeply intertwined with the county's music.
Craftsmen, Organizers, and Teachers
Forrest L. Daniels
A respected luthier (instrument maker) from the Marlinton area, known for crafting high-quality banjos that are sought after by old-time musicians.
Mary Jo Bing
A musician (guitar, vocals) and a principal organizer of the Allegheny Echoes workshops. Alongside her husband Mike Bing, she has been instrumental in creating an environment where the region's music can be passed on to new generations.
John Blisard
A multi-instrumentalist and dedicated music educator based in the county. He has taught countless young people in the local school system and through programs like the PCHS String Band, ensuring the traditions continue.
David O'Dell
A banjo player and one of Dwight Diller's most dedicated students, David has become a respected teacher in his own right, known for his deep understanding of the Pocahontas County banjo style.
More Contemporary and Regional Players
Ben Townsend
A highly energetic and talented multi-instrumentalist (fiddle, banjo, vocals) who has spent considerable time in and around Pocahontas County. He is known for his extensive repertoire and his work with bands like The Fox Hunt and Old Sledge.
Erynn Marshall
While originally from Canada, this renowned fiddler and music scholar now lives in nearby Virginia and is deeply integrated into the Central West Virginia music scene. She is a frequent instructor at Allegheny Echoes and a major force in today's old-time music.
Carl Jones
A masterful songwriter, singer, and multi-instrumentalist (guitar, mandolin, banjo). The husband and musical partner of Erynn Marshall, he is also a fixture at Pocahontas County music events and workshops.
Terry Richardson
A core member of the Elk River Ramblers, contributing with his guitar playing and vocals to this popular local string band.
Galen Watts
The banjo player for the Elk River Ramblers, known for his solid, driving rhythm that powers the group's sound at local festivals and dances.
The Half Bad Bluegrass Band
A contemporary bluegrass group featuring local and regional pickers that has become a favorite at venues around the county, including the Snowshoe Mountain Resort area.
Tessa Dillon
Representing the next generation of West Virginia musicians, Tessa is a formidable young fiddler from a musical family who has honed her craft at events like Allegheny Echoes, carrying the tradition forward.
Additional Historical Figures & Families
The Sharp Family
Another prominent historical family from the mountains of Pocahontas County, known for their own distinct musical traditions, particularly in fiddling and ballad singing.
Sylva "Viney" Hammons (1898-1981)
The wife of legendary fiddler Edden Hammons. While not as widely recorded as the men in the family, she was known as a singer and a keeper of family songs and stories, making her a vital part of the musical environment.
Elmer Bird (1920-2007)
An iconic and highly innovative banjo player from just outside Pocahontas County (Greenbrier/Nicholas counties). His unique "double-knock" style was hugely influential on players throughout the broader region, and his music is intrinsically linked to the Central West Virginia sound.
Of course. This third list goes even further into the Pocahontas County music community, highlighting more specific band members, influential teachers, emerging talents, and families known for their contributions to the area's rich musical soundscape.
Key Family Members and Genre Figures
Dave Bing
A wonderful fiddler and the third of the acclaimed Bing Brothers, often performing alongside his brothers Mike and Tim. His inclusion is essential to complete the picture of this musically significant family.
The Hannah Family
A local family known for their gospel music heritage. For generations, members of the Hannah family have been mainstays in church choirs and community gospel sings throughout the county.
The Puffenbarger Family
Another family with deep roots in the county, long associated with traditional and gospel music. Like many local families, their musical contributions have been a vital part of community life, especially in the northern part of the county.
Robert "Bob" Shank
A longtime resident and dedicated old-time musician. While perhaps not a touring professional, he is a familiar and respected face at local music gatherings and jam sessions, representing the core community that keeps the music alive day-to-day.
Community Musicians and Educators
Susan Burt
A key figure in the Marlinton community music scene, known for her work as a music educator and for directing community choirs and vocal ensembles for many years.
Canaan Bauserman
An emerging young musician from the county. Representing the newest generation, he has been active in local music programs and is beginning to perform more widely, carrying the traditions forward.
Valerie Ryder
A singer and songwriter based in the county who performs both solo and with other local musicians, adding her voice to the contemporary folk scene.
More Local Bands and Performers
Jay Polar
A core member, guitarist, and vocalist for the popular local rockabilly and country group, Juanita Fireball & the Continental Drifters.
Peggy Polar
The vibrant frontwoman and vocalist for Juanita Fireball & the Continental Drifters, known for her energetic stage presence at festivals and venues around the county.
Uncle Gary & The Work Release Program
A local group with a humorous name and a following for their fun, engaging performances of classic country, rock, and novelty songs. They represent the lively, less formal side of the county's music scene.
Of course. At this point, we are delving deep into the grassroots of the Pocahontas County music scene. This fourth list includes more hyper-local performers, working musicians who play regularly in the community, dedicated students of the tradition, and collectives that help sustain the area's musical culture as of mid-2025.
The Working Musicians & Local Performers
Chris Vance
A contemporary acoustic musician who can often be found performing at venues catering to the Snowshoe Mountain Resort community, playing a mix of popular covers and original folk/rock material for locals and tourists alike.
Dave Howard
A versatile and in-demand local bassist, known for sitting in with numerous bluegrass, country, and old-time groups for performances at community events and local venues. He is a quintessential working musician who helps form the backbone of many ensembles.
The Ryder Sisters
Building on Valerie Ryder's solo work, this sister duo is known in the local coffeehouse and festival circuit for their tight vocal harmonies and heartfelt songwriting, performing original and contemporary folk songs.
Richard Blankenship
A local singer with a strong voice for classic country and gospel music. He is a frequent performer at Pioneer Days, church homecomings, and other community gatherings across the county.
Community, Youth & Tradition Keepers
Josiah Barkley
A standout banjo player and recent graduate of the Pocahontas County High School string band program. Representing the fresh energy being injected into the local old-time scene, he is beginning to play at local square dances and jam sessions.
Melissa Elliott
A music educator in the Pocahontas County school system. Her work in organizing school concerts and teaching music fundamentals to elementary and middle school students is critical for fostering the next generation of musicians.
Sam Doolittle
A dedicated, non-performing student of the "Pocahontas style." While not a public performer, he is recognized within the old-time community as a serious preservationist who has spent years studying the nuances of the Hammons and Diller traditions.
The Mountain Music Trail Mamas
A collective of female musicians from the broader Mountain Music Trail region, including members from Pocahontas County. They collaborate for special performances, showcasing Appalachian music and storytelling from a woman's perspective.
Robert "Smitty" Smith
The longtime host of a weekly or monthly open mic night in Marlinton. As a musician and facilitator, he provides a crucial stage for new and experienced performers to try out material and network with other players.
The Dunmore Community Choir
While a collective rather than an individual, this community choir from the Dunmore area represents the many small but vital musical groups that are centered around churches and community centers, preserving a tradition of sacred and secular choral singing.
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