West Virginia Music Hall of Fame Hosts 10th Annual Induction Ceremony

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Jeff Stevens performing with Luke Bryan. Photo: Mike Keller

The West Virginia Music Hall of Fame held its sold-out 10th annual induction ceremony on Saturday (April 12) in Charleston, West Virginia, inducting 2025 honorees Jeff Stevens, Daniel Johnston, Cam Mullins and The Valentinos (a.k.a. The Womack Brothers).

Hosted by Asleep at the Wheel’s Ray Benson and West Virginia’s own Juliana Soltis, the ceremony featured performances from Luke Bryan, Stevens, Benson, Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, Kathy Mattea and more.

Among the many highlights from the evening was Bryan taking the stage to perform with Stevens. Stevens has penned No. 1 hits for artists including Bryan, George Strait, Tracy Byrd and Tim McGraw. His award was presented by Dale Bobo, catalog strategist for the Sony Music Publishing’s Nashville office.

Jeff Tweedy. Photo: Michael Valentine

“Such a special night for me to come celebrate with my longtime producer and songwriting buddy Jeff Stevens,” said Bryan. “From the moment we met, it just clicked and I never looked back, only forward. He has helped teach me how to do this business the right way by working hard and treating people good along the way. Congratulations on being inducted to the WV Music Hall of Fame.”

Wilco Co-Founder Tweedy was also on hand to present Daniel Johnston’s posthumous award to the honoree’s brother and sister, Margie and Dick Johnston. Johnston’s songs have found a dedicated fanbase all over the world. Tweedy, who performed and recorded with Daniel, performed three of his favorite Johnston songs with his band during the ceremony, which included many other memorable moments as well.

An edited version of this year’s Hall of Fame ceremony will air on West Virginia Public Broadcasting on May 3 at 7 p.m. ET and will be made available to stream on YouTube and PBS Passport the same day.

Lionel Cartwright performing with Juliana Soltis and The West Virginia Youth Symphony. Photo: Mike Keller

Cam Mullins’ daughter Karen and her brother Cam Mullins II accepting their father’s award. Photo: Mike Keller

Friendly Womack Jr. of The Valentinos accepting the group’s award. Photo: Mike Keller

Lorie Hollabaugh
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