Photo by Amos Perrine
Charleston, W.V. (April 14, 2025) — Last Saturday evening, the Culture Theater in Charleston was filled with emotion, pride, and unforgettable music as the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame celebrated its milestone 10th Induction Ceremony. Among the evening’s standout moments was a stirring performance of “Bluefield Mountain Wind” by acclaimed bluegrass vocalist Greg Blake, accompanied by West Virginia native and Grammy-winning musician Tim O’Brien. The song, a heartfelt tribute to the Mountain State, also features vocals by Mollie O’Brien and is Blake’s latest single on Turnberry Records.
Written by David Stewart and Mark “Brink” Brinkman, “Bluefield Mountain Wind” has quickly become a fan favorite for its poignant lyrics and evocative melody—resonating deeply with West Virginians and those who hold the state close to their hearts.
Greg Blake, named the International Bluegrass Music Association’s 2023 Male Vocalist of the Year, shared his thoughts on the emotional night:
“The good-hearted folks from the hills and hollows—er, I mean ‘hollers’—of West Virginia always have a warm welcome for the return of a hometown boy. That’s why I love coming back to the Mountain State. Saturday night at the 10th induction ceremony was extra special. It was an incredible honor to share the stage with some of West Virginia’s most revered artists—Kathy Mattea, Ray Benson, Jeff Stevens (with his special guest Luke Bryan), and of course, Tim O’Brien, who helped me bring this song to life.”
He continued,
“It was particularly rewarding to hear from the crowd—and even backstage—how deeply the lyrics of ‘Bluefield Mountain Wind’ resonated. Whether you’ve never left or have been gone for years, for most Mountaineers, West Virginia will always be home. When the mountains live inside you, you can’t run from where you’re raised.”
Tim O’Brien, a beloved West Virginia native, Grammy-winning musician, and celebrated multi-instrumentalist whose career has spanned genres and generations, continues to be a pillar of the state’s musical heritage. His collaboration with Greg Blake brought a rare depth and authenticity to the performance—blending two powerful voices rooted in Appalachian tradition and creating one of the night’s most memorable highlights.
The evening also honored the Class of 2025 inductees: Daniel Johnston, Cam Mullins, Jeff Stevens, and The Womack Brothers / The Valentinos, with performances and appearances by Kathy Mattea, Ray Benson, Jeff Tweedy, John Ellison, and more. The event was hosted by Ray Benson and Juliana Soltis, and live-streamed by West Virginia Public Broadcasting, with a statewide broadcast to follow.
For more information on Greg Blake, visit: gregblakemusic.com
For more information on Tim O’Brien, please visit: timobrien.net/
To learn more about the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame, visit: wvmusichalloffame.com