Exploring Musical Heritage in Mingo County's Kirk Community
Chris Haddox: Mining for music: Rhoda Browning Nelson
Coal Valley News | Wednesday, September 24, 2025
By Staff
In a recent piece published by Coal Valley News, Chris Haddox explores the musical heritage of West Virginia through the work of folklorist Louis Watson Chapell, who recorded local talents like Tom Whitt and Rhoda Browning Nelson in the 1940s. During his visits to Kirk, Haddox emphasizes the connection between these artists and their contributions to local culture. The narrative unfolds as Haddox seeks historical insight from residents on a journey to find Whitt’s resting place, intertwining the town's rich folklore with contemporary music research.
