Virginia Music History
Learn about the history of Virginia’s Vibrant music scene!
A Rich History
Virginia has made waves in American music as early as the 1700s. Its musical heritage includes a diverse array of genres, including Bluegrass, Country, Gospel, Punk, and more. Read below to learn about how these genres intersect with Virginia’s musical history.
Virginia Music Genres
Learn About the Music Genres that Virginia is Most Known For.
Bluegrass
Bluegrass depends on a variety of instruments, and feature a variety of melody instruments. It borrowed elements from traditional music from the Appalachia region, combined with jigs and reels from early Scottish settlers. The 1940’s also marked a point where the golden age of bluegrass emerged in post-war America.
Country
The origins of country music began in the city of Bristol. The Bristol sessions in 1927 are typically considered the big bang of country music, introducing many to the genre and encouraging other musicians to perform it. These sessions also utilized the newly-made electric microphone, allowing for better sound that enticed listeners.
Gospel
Africans brought to the United States musical traditions that served as the foundation of gospel music. These groups carried with them a tradition of singing songs about worship to raise the spirits of their fellow man. The theming, along with the call-and-response format, gave rise to gospel music across the state.
Punk/Heavy Metal
Virginia also became a notable hot spot for an emerging punk scene, owed partially to its close proximity to Washington DC. It also owes it to Richmond, Virginia-one of the first cities to embrace a defined punk scene. Virginia’s brand of punk music was unique, including a range of influences from genres like country, folk, and southern rock.
Influential Virginia Artists
Find out which famous artists have roots in Virginia.
Pharell Williams
13 Time Grammy Award Winner
Academy Award Nominee
Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020
Known for 'Happy', 'Frontin'', 'Come Get It Bae'
Jason Mraz
2 Time Grammy Award Winner
Songwriters Hall of Fame Hal David Award Recipient
NAMM "Music for Life" award Recipient
Known for 'I'm Yours', 'I Won't Give Up', 'The Remedy (I Won't Worry)'
Ella Fitzgerald
13 Time Grammy Award Winner
Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
Grammy Hall of Fame Inductee
Known for 'A-Tisket, A-Tasket', 'Dream a Little Dream of Me', 'Summertime'
Patsy Cline
Country Music Hall of Fame Inductee
Grammy Hall of Fame Inductee
Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
Known for 'Crazy', 'I Fall to Pieces', 'Walkin' After Midnight'
Dave Matthews
2 Time Grammy Award Winner
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee
Billboard Record for Seven Songs Debuting at #1
Known for 'American Baby', 'The Space Between', 'Funny The Way It Is'
Bruce Hornsby
3 Time Grammy Award Winner
Daytime Emmy Award Winner
ASCAP Song of the Year Award Winner
Known for 'The Way It Is', 'Mandolin Rain', 'The Valley Road'
Missy Elliott
4 Time Grammy Award Winner
8 Time MTV Video Music Award
Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee
Known for 'Work It', 'Lose Control', 'Hot Boyz'
Dave Grohl
19 Time Grammy Award Winner
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee
Grammy Hall of Fame Inductee
Known for 'Everlong', 'My Hero, 'Best of You'
Walk Through History
Browse some of Virginia’s most popular muscial museums and historical sites.
- 6316 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188
See antique musical instruments, relics of Virginia’s musical history, and personal items from famous Virginia artists!
- 700 Foothills Rd, Galax, VA 24333
Experience Virginia’s music history through interactive displays, family and performers’ histories, musical recordings, and instruments.
- 3449 A P Carter Hwy, Hiltons, VA 24258
Larn about the history of the Carter family, who were pioneers of country music in the 1920’s.
- 101 Country Music Wy, Bristol, VA 24201
Learn about the iconic Bristol sessions, during which some of the first country music songs were performed.
- 608 S Kent St, Winchester, VA 22601
Tour the historic home of the music legend Patsy Cline.
- 249 Clintwood Main St, Clintwood, VA 24228
Visit the museum dedicated to American bluegrass musician legend Ralph Stanley.
A Continuing Tradition
Virginia’s musical history has grown and expended considerably, and has adapted itself into a vibrant music scene. Many independent artists in Virginia carry on the musical styling that make Virginia a premier destination for music lovers. Visit our Discover tab to see some of what Virginia’s top musical talent has to offer.
Find where Virginia Musicians are playing!
Browse through a collection of Virginia Artists!
Image Credits
“Pharell Williams in Concert” by Andreas Meixensperger, licensed under CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
“Jason Mraz 2011” by Steve Jurvetson, licensed under CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
“Bruce Hornsby” by Greg2600, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
“Missy Elliott (2015)” by Atlantic Records, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
“Dave Grohl preforming in Dublin, Ireland” by Raphael Pour-Hashemi, licensed under CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons