The musical community lost a prominent figure in Appalachian folk music with the passing of singer-songwriter Billy Edd Wheeler at 91 in Swannanoa, North Carolina. The Founder of the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame, Michael Lipton, pays tribute to the Boone County native, calling Wheeler’s career remarkable and his songs relatable.

Over 200 artists, including prominent figures such as Elvis Presley, Kenny Rogers, Neil Young, Johnny Cash and June Carter, have recorded Wheeler’s songs. The song Jackson, recorded by Cash and Carter, was a significant country hit in 1967.

Wheeler’s progression from humble beginnings to the Yale Drama School and finally to a full-time music career in New York City has been accentuated by his collaborations with big names such as Leiber and Stoller. Despite his success, Wheeler never forgot his roots, according to Lipton. He stayed connected to West Virginia, contributing to initiatives like the Appalachian Children’s Choir.

Lipton praises Wheeler’s versatility, pointing out that his songs lend themselves to many interpretations across numerous musical genres. Wheeler’s substantial portfolio includes songs like “The Coming of the Roads , “Ode to the Little Brown Shack Out Back , and “High Flying Bird . His career spanned over five decades and he released around two dozen albums.

Lipton said that Wheeler’s success as a songwriter lay in his ability to create relatable characters and situations in his songs. Wheeler was born on December 9, 1932, and sadly passed away on September 16, 2024.

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