Galax Musical Legends, Part 1: Ernest Stoneman

Galax, Virginia, has earned its title as “The World Capital of Old-Time Mountain Music.” One name, however, stands as the cornerstone of this rich tradition—Ernest “Pop” Stoneman. Known for his pioneering spirit, Stoneman was more than just a musician; he was a trailblazer who helped carve out a space for traditional Appalachian music on the national stage. From humble beginnings to recording some of the earliest country music hits, Stoneman’s influence on the development of country music remains undeniable. His story is one of persistence, innovation, and lasting cultural impact.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Ernest Stoneman was born in 1893 in what is now Galax, Virginia. Growing up in the Blue Ridge Mountains, he was surrounded by the sounds of fiddles, banjos, and traditional Appalachian ballads. Old-time music was already echoing through the mountains: the sounds, the harmonies, the instruments. These influences shaped his early interest in music. Like many in the area, he learned to play by ear, teaching himself instruments like the autoharp, guitar, and harmonica.

Stoneman wasn’t a fancy instrumentalist. He wasn’t a talented singer. But he captured the mountain sound, touched hearts, and took the music from the mountains to the world. He was a bridge between the past and the present, proving that the music of the hills could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with any other genre in America. His willingness to embrace the recording industry and take traditional tunes to a broader audience was a bold move that continues to benefit Appalachian music today. For modern musicians in Galax and beyond, Stoneman’s work is a source of inspiration.

Ernest Stoneman’s First Recordings and Rise to Fame

In 1924, Stoneman recorded “The Sinking of the Titanic” for Okeh Records—a song that became an unexpected commercial success. Based on the Titanic tale, the tune resonated with listeners across the country and put him on the map as a serious recording artist. This early success validated traditional Appalachian music in a commercial setting. It also opened the door for Stoneman to pursue more recording opportunities.

One of his most significant achievements came just a few years later when he was invited to record at the now-famous Bristol Sessions in 1927, often called the “Big Bang of Country Music.” Alongside legends like the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers, Stoneman’s participation in these sessions cemented his place in country music history. These recordings are still seen as the genre’s bedrock. Stoneman was right there at the beginning, bringing the sounds of the Blue Ridge to a national audience.

Personal Struggles and the Great Depression

While Stoneman’s career took off, life presented other challenges. Like many families during the Great Depression, the Stonemans were hit hard financially. He had a large family—23 children, 13 of which lived to adulthood. The music industry was not immune to the effects of the economic downturn, and record sales plummeted. With a large family to support, he had to put music on the back burner.

To make ends meet, Stoneman moved to Washington, D.C., and took a job at the Navy Yard. The federal government anchored the local economy, which made jobs available in the public and private sectors. Consequently, other mountain families moved to D.C. as well. Pop Stoneman’s music provided a taste of the mountains for homesick immigrants, so he often found side work as a musician.

The Stoneman Family Band’s Revival of Tradition

Stoneman’s passion for music reignited in the 1950s when he made an unlikely comeback. By this time, several of his children had inherited their father’s musical talents, and together they formed the Stoneman Family band. Their blend of old-time, country, and bluegrass music quickly gained attention, and they soon found themselves performing at the Grand Ole Opry.

The family’s success extended to television appearances in the 1960s, where they became regulars on popular country music programs. This resurgence allowed Stoneman to pass on his mountain music heritage to another generation, ensuring his legacy would continue and thrive in a modern era. It was a fitting continuation of his life’s work, blending tradition with the evolving world of country music.

Legacy and Lasting Influence

In 1967, Ernest “Pop” Stoneman was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame for his immense contributions to the genre. But his influence stretches beyond awards and accolades. His recordings remain an essential part of the old-time and bluegrass canon, particularly in Galax, where the annual Old Fiddler’s Convention still celebrates the musical traditions he helped bring to the world’s attention.

Why Ernest Stoneman’s Influence Still Matters

Ernest “Pop” Stoneman’s rise from the hills of Galax to the Country Music Hall of Fame highlights the enduring power of old-time mountain music. With its raw emotion and simple beauty, this music has long been the heartbeat of Appalachian culture, and Stoneman played a crucial role in bringing those sounds to the broader world. By recording and promoting traditional tunes, he helped preserve the music’s authenticity while proving its universal appeal. His efforts laid the groundwork for future generations of musicians in the Blue Ridge Highlands and beyond. Despite his hardships, Stoneman’s unwavering dedication to the music of his roots ensured that the spirit of old-time mountain music would live on, continuing to inspire and resonate with new audiences.

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Wayne Jordan is a Galax-based writer and storyteller. His Scots-Irish ancestors settled in the Blue Ridge Mountains in 1760, and he has deep roots there. The author of four books, Wayne is a retired Senior Editor for WorthPoint Corporation, a long-time columnist for Kovels Antique Trader Magazine, and a contributor to regional newspapers and travel publications. He blogs at BlueRidgeTales.com.