Origin Of 'Country Roads' On This West Virginia Morning

On this West Virginia Morning, we unpack the iconic song, “Country Roads.” Also, in this show, we bring you this week’s Mountain Stage Song of the Week from Canadian indie-folk rockers Cowboy Junkies.

“Take Me Home, County Roads” has been a worldwide anthem since its release in April 1971. It’s one of the songs people across the globe connect with West Virginia. But there’s a debate about whether it was even written about the state. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the song. Roxy Todd has been talking with people about the stories behind it and what it represents to people in the Mountain State.

Our Mountain Stage Song of the Week comes from the Canadian indie-folk rockers Cowboy Junkies who are regulars on Mountain Stage. This 2012 performance includes “Damaged From The Start,” a song from the band’s album, “The Wilderness.”

West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.

Support for our news bureaus comes from West Virginia University, Concord University, and Shepherd University.

Our Appalachia Health News project is made possible with support from CAMC and Marshall Health.

West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Glynis Board, Caitlin Tan, Jessica Lilly, Liz McCormick, Dave Mistich, Brittany Patterson, Eric Douglas, Corey Knollinger, Emily Allen, and Roxy Todd.

Andrea Billups is our news director. Glynis Board is our host and producer.

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