Kathy Mattea Is a Perfect Pick for “Mountain Stage” Host

There are a few fundamental reasons the music from West Virginia, Kentucky, and surrounding areas is all the rage currently in country and roots music, and one of them can be drawn back directly to the 37-year-old program often broadcasting from the Cultural Center Theater in Charleston WV called Mountain Stage. Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson, Sierra Ferrell, John R. Miller, and so many more started sowing their grassroots through appearances on that stage, while artists from across the music world have also had the honor to appear on the program.
Mountain Stage’s longtime host Larry Groce is not going anywhere just yet, so there’s no call for misty eyes and career retrospectives. But after having co-founded and hosted the show since 1983, it was announced last week that Larry will be seceding regular weekly host duties to none other than Kathy Mattea. Groce will still host upon occasion, and stay on as an artistic director.
Meanwhile, this feels like a big deal for Kathy Mattea, for Mountain Stage, and for the many artists that appear on the program. The pick is a natural fit. Mattea is from South Charleston herself. She has appeared on the show more times than any other woman, and is only out-tenured in appearances by fellow West Virginia native Tim O’Brien. Kathy has also hosted the program in the past.
Of course country fans know Kathy Mattea well after her major run in the late 80’s into the early 90’s, minting four #1 singles, and a pretty incredible string of 15 Top 10’s, turning songs like “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses” into bonafide standards. But when the big radio hits gave out, she didn’t give up, she just kept on doing her thing, and is considered invaluable to the roots scene in Appalachia.
“Kathy’s been coming on the show for more than 30 years now, and in all that time and with all her success, she really hasn’t changed who she is at her core,” says Larry Groce. “She embodies the best of West Virginia the same way Mountain Stage does, and that’s how I knew she’d be the perfect person for this job.”
Mountain Stage has also broadcast from remote locations upon occasion, including from Canada and other locales. Produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting, the program primarily lives on NPR station WVPB, but is carried by many other affiliates, and can be found online as well.
“There’s something quintessentially West Virginia about Mountain Stage,” says Kathy Mattea. “Beyond the world-class performances, beyond the collaborative atmosphere, beyond how much fun it is, I think the show offers a really important insight into the people and the culture that makes West Virginia so special, and I’m always thrilled to help share that with the world.”
September 12, 2021 @ 8:30 am
Now there is a name i have not heard In a long time. Good for her. Would love to hear new music from her. If she is still recording.
September 12, 2021 @ 4:13 pm
She was the keynote speaker at my college graduation. Still remember how she described practicing a Linda Ronstadt song over and over to develop passion in her voice.
Also her song “Number Nine Coal” is art reflecting west virginia about as talented as anyone has ever created. Definitely qualified to host this show.
September 12, 2021 @ 11:15 pm
She is the perfect match for hosting My. Stage. She has been filling in as host quite often the past year or more. The show”s home is Charleston, W. Va. where Kathy is from so it’s the local hometown girl now the show’s host.Kathy is still recording and touring with her band and next year will be touring with fellow artist and friend Suzy Bogguss. Mt. Stage is a great show and Kathy Mattea is a great artist so each are fortunate to be together now.
September 13, 2021 @ 8:51 am
Thanks, glad to hear that. SUZY is also one of my favorite singers. So thanks for the info.
September 14, 2021 @ 5:28 pm
The double album “Coal’ and “Calling Me Home” (yeah I call them a double album) are two of my all time favorites. Kathy is an underrated treasure.
And thanks to SCM I am now hearing about this Mountain Stage and will have to tune in.