Record-Keeping And Democracy, Plus Billy Edd Wheeler’s Legacy, This West Virginia Morning

On this West Virginia Morning, record-keeping might sound dull, but it’s an important part of maintaining a sense of culture and place. As Chris Schulz reports, a recent visit from a federal record-keeper to West Virginia emphasized the importance of records in maintaining our democracy.

Plus, West Virginia Music Hall of Famer Billy Edd Wheeler died last month at the age of 91. The Boone County native was a singer, author and a playwright, but was best known for writing songs like “Jackson,” which won a Grammy for Johnny and June Carter Cash, “Coward of the County,” a hit for Kenny Rogers, and “It’s Midnight,” which was recorded by Elvis Presley. There were many others.

Mountain Stage co-creator Larry Groce was a friend and fan of Wheeler’s. Bill Lynch talked to Groce about Wheeler’s legacy and getting to know him.

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 Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.

Maria Young produced this episode.

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