Music Hall of Fame murals being added in Beckley

BECKLEY, W.Va. (WVVA) – Five banner murals are being installed on the side wall of the State Building on Neville Street in Beckley. The legendary musicians featured in the murals include Bill Withers, Little Jimmy Dickens, Calvin Simon, Everett Lilly and Hazel Dickens.

The murals were designed by West Virginia artist Nichole Westfall. The banners and frames are being produced and installed by FastSigns. Interpretive signage about the musicians and a music pole featuring a song by each of the honorees will be added later.

The murals will complement the Bill Withers Statue and Plaza, continuing to celebrate our area’s rich musical heritage. The project reflects the community spirit that brings residents, government entities and local organizations together to celebrate the rich history that makes our area special.

Highlights of the featured Hall of Famers and their connections to our area:

Bill Withers – Born in Slab Fork and raised in Beckley, Withers attended Stratton High School. He received three Grammy Awards and is a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame, and West Virginia Music Hall of Fame.

Little Jimmy Dickens – From Bolt, WV, Dickens went from local radio station WJLS to the Grand Ole Opry. He is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and West Virginia Music Hall of Fame.

Calvin Simon – From Beckley, Simon attended Stratton High School and was a founding member of Parliament-Funkadelic. He is a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and West Virginia Music Hall of Fame. His musical career extended from funk to gospel.

Everett Lilly – From Raleigh County, Lilly was a bluegrass pioneer and a member of the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and West Virginia Music Hall of Fame. He helped preserve Appalachian musical traditions.

Hazel Dickens – A West Virginia-born singer-songwriter and champion of working people, Dickens is a member of the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and West Virginia Music Hall of Fame.

The project was made possible by the Beckley Area Foundation, Carter Family Foundation and Raleigh County United for Prevention.

The project committee is pleased to see this project completed and to honor these deserving musicians. It has been a collaborative effort involving community members, local organizations along with city, county and state partners to help make this project come to life.