The weekend I graduated from high school, I bought an instrument I’d never heard of—a Woodrow. It’s basically a mountain dulcimer that you hold like a guitar. My grandpa on my dad’s side was the most musically inclined person I’d ever met, so I proudly showed it to him the next time he came to visit. Papa took one look at it, plucked at the strings a couple of times, and started playing “Shall We Gather at the River.”
At 17, I was mesmerized. I really don’t think there was an instrument on Earth he couldn’t have picked up and played within the first few seconds of handling it. My dad was very similar; he played drums, but certainly didn’t mind dabbling with a guitar, piano or any other instrument whenever one was in sight. I don’t profess to be that good at any instrument I touch—just enough to sing along to the melody—but music connects me to my family, our roots.
Similarly, music has deep roots in the commonwealth. From famous singers to catchy tunes, I hope you’ll enjoy reading today’s more musically inclined, Virginia-based newsletter. I’m so glad you’re here.
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Missy Elliott performs at the 2019 Essence Festival at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans on July 5, 2019. Missy Elliott, Kate Bush, Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, Chaka Khan, “Soul Train” creator Don Cornelius, and the late George Michael will be inducted into the hall on Friday night. (Amy Harris/Invision/AP, File)
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By Amie Knowles
Here’s what you need to know: Ready to refresh your playlist? Let Virginia’s finest artists lead the way.
Our top picks:
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We’d be remiss if we didn’t kick off the top of the list with a title sure to get you into the swing of spring. Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” hit the airwaves in 2013, spreading positive vibes from his hometown, Virginia Beach, to his current home in Los Angeles, California.
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You know what they say about spring showers! They bring… deep space dance music?! In 2024, the Portsmouth-born singer made universal history when her “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” single became the first hip hop song ever broadcast into deep space.
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Despite the tropical, breezy sounds of Jason Mraz’s 2008 hit “I’m Yours,” the singer was born in Mechanicsville. The song evokes the cheery jitters of a budding romance, with lines like: “I tried to be chill, but you’re so hot that I melted.”
Adding to your playlists? We’ve got more Virginia artists featured at the link below.
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By Dogwood Staff
In 1966, the American Foxhound howled its way up to top dog in Virginia.
In colonial times, the hounds were used for the sport of fox hunting. George Washington was also a fan, having at least 36 of the dogs (including Vulcan the ham-stealer and Drunkard).
The American Foxhound was one of the first recognized dog breeds unique to American soil. And that’s music to our ears.
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The Carter Family recorded “Keep on the Sunny Side” in 1928. (The Carter Family/YouTube)
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By Amie Knowles
Talk about the good old days—the times when a fresh apple pie wafted from the open window sill, and records played on the victrola. Songs by the Carter Family transport you right back in an instant, just like “Keep on the Sunny Side.”
Previously unknown to the mainstream, A.P., Sara, and Maybelle Carter from Maces Springs made their way to the state line thanks to a newspaper ad looking for “hillbilly music” singers. The family recorded multiple songs for the 1927 Bristol Sessions at $50 a pop.
By 1930, the Carters had more than 300,000 record sales under their belt—and a young daughter, too. Her name was June Carter, and she’d go on to not only make a name for herself in the music industry but also marry one of the premier rock and rollers, Johnny Cash, who called the Bristol Sessions “the single most important event in the history of country music.”
Nowadays, the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate in Bristol, tells the story not only of the artists but also of Ralph Peer, a Victor Talking Machine Company producer, and the musical magic he created in the mountains.
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Parker Farris was born in April. This Meal Train information was shared with permission. (Courtney of Fariss/Meal Train)
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If welcoming a new baby into the home isn’t life-changing enough for a mother, how about breaking a bone shortly after the new arrival? That’s what recently happened when Courtney Fariss, a Huddleston mom-of-three, accidentally slipped on the stairs while carrying her young son.
While the toddler didn’t sustain injuries, Fariss did. The fall resulted in a broken bone, and the diagnosis came with lifting and mobility restrictions.
The family extended a Meal Train originally created to welcome their newest family member, baby Parker.
“We appreciate any additional help as we now navigate this new challenge in the postpartum season,” Fariss wrote.
The neat thing about Meal Trains is that anyone can donate restaurant gift cards or monetarily to the family, regardless of where in the commonwealth (or world) they live. If you’d like to help, we’ve included the Meal Train information below.
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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Amie Knowles. Amie is a lifelong Virginia resident and mom to a fantastic 8-year-old who loves Pokémon. This edition includes a story by the Dogwood Staff. It was edited by Paula Solis.
Dogwood is free for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.
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