On this West Virginia Week, food banks face challenges as SNAP benefits are delayed and the government shutdown continues. Also, an influx of cash may help lift people in Mercer County up out of poverty. We also explore the roots of Halloween.
Home » July 9, 1923: Singer Molly O'Day Born in Pike County KY
Published
July 9, 1923: Singer Molly O'Day Born in Pike County KY
Listen
Share this Article
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
/
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.
The Huntington Homeless Services Hub (The Hub) will offer overnight shelter for homeless men. This place is different from other homeless shelters in that the men aren’t required to be sober or commit to treatment.
The Marshall University Student Government Association and Student Affairs have started their annual food drive by placing donation drop-off boxes in all of the main Marshall campus buildings.
We hear from Huntington-based Facing Hunger Food Bank CEO Cyndi Kirkhart on meeting the challenges faced in getting nutritional food to families in need amid the government shutdown. Also, students in Jefferson County will now have an easier time continuing their education after graduation, and we learn about historic preservation grants available in West Virginia.
For decades, Rob McNurlin has played in hole-in-the-wall bars, clubs and coffee houses throughout central Appalachia. After McNurlin announced plans to retire, filmmaker Colonel Steven Middleton asked if he could tell the singer’s story. He made the documentary, The Cowboy’s Boot Heel: The Musical Journey of Rob McNurlin.