On this week’s encore broadcast of Mountain Stage, we revisit the first of two 41st anniversary shows, which were recorded at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, West Virginia in December 2024. Guest host and CBS Sunday Morning correspondent Conor Knighton welcomes Stephen Kellogg, Jill Sobule, Mindy Smith, Caleb Caudle & The Sweet Critters, and The David Mayfield Parade.
Home » July 9, 1923: Singer Molly O'Day Born in Pike County KY
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July 9, 1923: Singer Molly O'Day Born in Pike County KY
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Singer Molly O’Day was born in Pike County, Kentucky, on July 9, 1923. She played guitar and sang, while accompanied by her brothers “Skeets” and “Duke” Williamson.
Credit E-WV / WV Humanities Council
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WV Humanities Council
While just a teenager, Molly played with Skeets on radio stations in Charleston, Williamson, Beckley, and Bluefield, where she met bandleader “Lynn” Davis.
While just a teenager, Molly played with Skeets on radio stations in Charleston, Williamson, Beckley, and Bluefield, where she met bandleader “Lynn” Davis. After getting married, O’Day and Davis moved frequently. Although they performed duets, it was Molly’s solo numbers that made her one of the pioneer female singers in country music. She signed with Columbia Records in 1946 and cut 36 recordings.
In 1950, Molly and Lynn gave up show business. After which, Molly sang only in churches, and Lynn became a minister. In 1973, they started a gospel radio program in Huntington. Here’s a clip of Molly singing the show’s theme song, “Living the Right Life Now”:
Molly died in 1987 at age 64, but Lynn continued the show until his own death in 2000.
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This week's premiere broadcast of Mountain Stage was recorded live at the Canady Creative Arts Center on the campus of West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV. Host Kathy Mattea welcomed SHADOWLANDS feat. S. Carey and John Raymond, Tae & The Neighborly, Damn Tall Buildings, Erin McKeown, and Ken Yates.