Daniel Johnston recorded songs in his parents' basement in rural West Virginia that would eventually inspire artists such as Kurt Cobain, Beck, Wilco, and Sonic Youth. In this award-winning episode of Us & Them, host Trey Kay explores the life, art, and enduring legacy of the late singer-songwriter and visual artist whose creative genius and struggles with bipolar disorder made him one of America's most influential outsider artists.
On this episode, Stephen Wilson Jr. makes his Mountain Stage debut. Originally from rural Southern Indiana, Wilson describes his sound as “Death Cab for Country” and continues his rise as a prominent star in the music world with a unique sound that combines country, grunge and indie rock.
Our Song of the Week is “Billy” by Stephen Wilson Jr., a song that unapologetically embraces his roots. You can find this song on his debut album Son of Dad.
Tune in to one of our 270+ affiliate stations starting Friday, March 21 to hear Wilson’s full set, plus live performances by roots music mainstay Oliver Wood, folk singer-songwriter Dar Williams, Nashville folk-pop group TopHouse, and experimental indie folk band Cloud Cult.
Dar WilliamsTopHouseCloud CultGroup Photo with Kathy MatteaStephen Wilson Jr.Oliver Wood
West Virginia citizen and music lover Mark Carter delivered a special proclamation from Roger Hanshaw, Speaker of the West Virginia House of Delegates, declaring Jan. 26, 2025 as Stephen Wilson Jr. Day in West Virginia.
Add WVPB as a preferred source on Google to see more from our team
Daniel Johnston recorded songs in his parents' basement in rural West Virginia that would eventually inspire artists such as Kurt Cobain, Beck, Wilco, and Sonic Youth. In this award-winning episode of Us & Them, host Trey Kay explores the life, art, and enduring legacy of the late singer-songwriter and visual artist whose creative genius and struggles with bipolar disorder made him one of America's most influential outsider artists.
The late singer-songwriter Daniel Johnston grew up in West Virginia and came onto the indie music scene in the 1980s. Last year, Johnston was inducted into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame and he’s featured in the next episode of Us & Them. In this award-winning show, host Trey Kay learns about Johnston’s legacy which was partly shaped by his challenges with mental illness.
