It’s around 10:30 Saturday night, and I’m squeezed in backstage at the WV Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Luke Bryan and his wife, Caroline, are next to me on the right, there’s a wall to my left, and Kathy Mattea, Ray Benson, and Juliana Soltis are in front of us. Oh, and Michael Valentine is sitting behind me in what looks like a really comfortable chair; meanwhile I’m trying to keep from accidentally spooning with the Grand Ole Opry all-star team.

I’d also like to point out that Ray Benson is approximately eleven-and-a-half feet tall – twelve feet with the cowboy hat – and I am very much not.

Adam Harris says they need waters on stage, and Mary Hott goes downstairs to grab more since Luke Bryan just took the last bottle. I give him credit, though. It was Kroger bottled water, and ol’ Luke didn’t think twice about chugging it down. I woulda’ thought he’d want some kind of designer water with crushed diamond flakes in it, but he was perfectly happy with the store brand.

But then I think I’m thinking way too much about how tall Ray Benson is and the kind of bottled water Luke Bryan drinks. Moving on…

Anywho, we all just watched as Jeff Stevens became the newest inductee into the Hall of Fame. During his acceptance speech, Jeff talked about the bond that’s formed between him and Luke during the two decades they’ve spent making music together.

From the corner of my eye, I see Mike Lipton walking toward us. He leans in close to Luke with a little smirk on his face and says, “He’s doing ‘this is your life for you.’”

They share a laugh, but Mike is wrong. This isn’t Luke Bryan’s life – it’s his. Mike built the Music Hall of Fame with his bare hands, and he spent the last 20 years raising it, nurturing it, and growing it into something that guys like Luke Bryan want to be a part of, and every single West Virginian can be proud of. It’s his legacy, and it’s his gift to all of us.

Larry Groce present Mike Lipton with the “Founders Award.” Photo by Matthew Young, RealWV.Mike Lipton, Sherry Hobbs, and Mike’s daughter, Lou. Photo by Matthew Young, RealWV.The Founder’s Award – Michael Lipton

“West Virginia is a wonderful and wacky place to live, and contrary to what the national press thinks, it’s a place where you can create your own reality and opportunities. It may not be easy, but nothing worth doing is easy. I stumbled into Calhoun County when I was 19, and as Larry Groce likes to say, I got to West Virginia as soon as I could. I have to say it was the best decision I ever made. West Virginia has some rare and magical mojo.”

Those were Mike’s words to the packed house in Charleston’s Culture Center Theatre at the start of the ceremony. Then he said a few more words…

“I’d like to read a quote by one of West Virginia’s most revered musicians and songwriters – Bill Withers. ‘The challenge is to get young people who grow up in places like West Virginia, to take the limits off of themselves, and realize there’s no magic that somebody else has in the world that they don’t.’”

Mike founded the WV Music Hall of Fame in 2005. In the 20 years since then, More than 80 of the state’s most influential and celebrated musicians have been inducted, including the eight inductees who make up this year’s class. But beyond simply acting as gatekeepers for the artists of the state’s musical past, Mike and the Hall of Fame staff are also tireless advocates for the next generation of West Virginia musicians, and partner with schools throughout the state on numerous educational programs.

On top of that, the Hall of Fame serves as both curator and guardian of the state’s musical legacy through the operation of the West Virginia Museum of Music – an ever-evolving cultural mecca in the heart of West Virginia’s Capital City.

It’s humbling for me to be able to say that Mike is my friend. I’ve learned from him, I’m inspired by him, and I’m a better person for knowing him.

On Friday, as is tradition the night before each induction ceremony, a special dinner was held to give guests the opportunity to interact with the inductees. But after 20 years and 10 induction ceremonies, it was Mike who finally got to be the bell of the ball.

And who better to ring Mike’s bell than the friend that he looks up to?

“Now for the part of the show that Michael doesn’t know about,” Founder of Mountain Stage – and bonafide West Virginia Legend – Larry Groce said during dinner. “There is one person without whom this could not have started, and could not have gone on for 20 years. A lot of folks want to commemorate that with a special award.”

“His (Mike’s) vision and his ideas permeate the whole thing,” Larry continued.” Because of the breadth and the width both of Michael’s knowledge of music – and love of all kinds of music, not just what you might think – it has broken stereotypes of West Virginia.”

The two friends have been making music together since Mike joined the Mountain Stage house band shortly after the show began, and the pride on Larry’s face was unmissable as he presented the “Founder’s Award” to his longtime creative partner.

As is typical of the Mike Lipton I’ve gotten to know, he shared the credit with those around him.

“Today I was struck – really struck – by the people who participate in this thing,” Mike said. “From the technical end, to every end, to all the musicians who came here. They’re incredible musicians, every one of them.”

Crescendo Lifetime Achievement Award – Randall Reid-Smith

The last time Randall Reid-Smith and I were in the same room together, he let his personal dislike for my profession get the better of him. Over the course of his 19-year-run as head of the state’s Department of Arts, Culture & History, Randall developed the reputation of being – on rare occasions – somewhat difficult.

Quite frankly, Randall was difficult, stubborn, and often simply unpleasant to deal with. But he’s also someone who consistently ensured that West Virginia ranked amongst the top states in funding for the arts, and worked doggedly with VH1 to secure more than $6 million worth of free instruments for our school kids.

So yes, Randall’s reputation for being a difficult person to deal with was well and fairly earned…

But so was his 2025 Crescendo Lifetime Achievement Award from the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame.

Ray Benson. Photo by Joe Severino, RealWV.Barbara Nissman presents the “Crescendo Lifetime Achievement Award” to Randall Reid-Smith. Photo by Joe Severino, RealWV.Spirit Award – Ray Benson

Nine-time Grammy winner Ray Benson formed the band “Asleep at the Wheel” during a 1970-stint farm-sitting in Paw Paw. And while the Philadelphia-native’s time spent living in the Mountain State may have been short-lived, the impact that time has had on Benson’s life and music was invaluable.

Among the many accolades of his very long career, Benson is a 10-time Academy of Country Music Award-winner, a 12-time Country Music Association Award-winner, a 28-time Grammy-nominee, and a mainstay on both the Grand Ole Opry, and Austin City Limits.

Benson is also approximately eleven-and-a-half feet tall – twelve feet with the cowboy hat – and the 2025 recipient of the Spirit Award from the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame.

WV Music Hall of Fame Class of 2025

Cameron Lavelle Mullins – accepted by his daughter Karen Mullins, and son Cam Mullins, II

“Our mom and dad were both born in West Virginia, and grew up right here in Charleston,” Karen Mullins  said from the podium. “Our dad was a very humble man. I don’t think he ever thought that what he did was very special. But it was always what he loved, and it was such a part of him.”

A multi-instrumentalist, composer, and conductor, Cam Mullins would go on to be known for his successful arranging projects. Highly sought after by the biggest musicians of the day, Cam’s list of clients included Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Joan Baez, Tom T. Hall, Marie Osmond, Tammy Wynette, George Jones, and many others. Mullins passed away in 2001.

“I think our family may have always dreamed of my dad being honored for his contribution and great talent to the music industry,” Karen continued. “I know my mother and I sure did. But being one of the many talented musicians behind the scenes, and being so many years after his passing, we had given up that dream. It makes this award even more meaningful now than you could ever, ever imagine.”

“Thank you for this wonderful event,” Karen added. “Most of all, thank you for this family’s dream coming true.”

Karen Mullins and Cam Mullins, II accept the induction on behalf of their father. Photo by Joe Severino, RealWV.Friendly Womack, Jr., accompanied by his family members and John Ellison, accepts his induction. Photo by Joe Severino, RealWV.

The Womack Brothers/Valentinos – accepted by Friendly Womack, Jr.

“It’s an honor to be home.”

That’s what Friendly Womack, Jr. – the sole surviving member of the Womack Brothers (also known as The Valentinos), said while accepting his family’s induction.

“I was born right there in Maitland, West Virginia,” Friendly added.

One of the Mountain State’s most celebrated and cherished musical dynasties, the Womack Brothers helped shape the sound of American rock-and-roll music through the latter half of the 20th Century. The success of their 1962 hit “Lookin’ for a Love” led to successful collaborations with artists such as James Brown, Sam Cooke, and the Rolling Stones. Rounding out the band – and inducted along with their brother, Friendly – were the late Curtis, Bobby, Harry, and Cecil Womack.

I had the opportunity to speak with Friendly for a few minutes on Friday night, and he couldn’t have been more gracious or welcoming. There is an unmistakable aura that surrounds Friendly, and his handshake is unwaveringly-firm for a man well into his eighties. Seeing Friendly surrounded by his family, and belly-laughing with John Ellison over a shared meal was pure magic.

Jeff Stevens – accepted by Jeff Stevens

Now one of the most successful songwriters in country music, Jeff Stevens began his life in the humble Lincoln County town of Alum Creek.

“It means the world to me to be able to share this moment with my family, and my friends,” Jeff said while accepting his induction. “When I began songwriting in my teens, it was pure artistic expression, without any craft of logic. Over the years […] I’ve learned that my best songs come from shooting from the hip, without any concern for who might record them, or if they’ll be recorded at all.”

Stevens’ unconcerned-songwriting style has proven to be a strong suit for the former frontman of “Jeff Stevens and the Bullets,” as his words have been recorded by artists such as George Strait, Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw, Alabama, and Luke Bryan – for whom Stevens has also spent the last two decades producing.

“When I moved to Nashville, I was overwhelmed by the talent everywhere, and struggled to trust my instincts,” Stevens said. “By 1992, my band was gone. Pawn shops had taken my guitars, and Sandy’s (Jeff’s wife) wedding ring. I was scared, broke, and confused.”

Stevens persevered throughout the 1990’s, but it would be a 2005 request to co-write with a “new, young writer” named Luke Bryan that would see Stevens’ career reach the pinnacle of its success.

“Luke, maybe because he was green, or just flat didn’t know any better, he took me on as his producer,” Jeff said. “It continues to be an incredible ride, and I’m so proud of the fun music we’ve brought to the world over.”

After Stevens performed a medley of his biggest hits, Luke Bryan joined his performance on stage.

On a side note, while we were waiting for Luke’s cue to join Jeff on stage, I attempted to make a really bad joke by referring to him as “Tim McGraw.” To answer your question, no – my joke didn’t land the way I had hoped it would.

Jeff Stevens accepts his induction. Photo by Joe Severino, RealWV.Jeff Stevens, Randy Gilkey, and Luke Bryan perform. Photo by Joe Severino, RealWV.

Daniel Johnston – accepted by his sister, Marjory Johnston and brother, Dick Johnston

For those of us from a certain generation, the significance of Daniel Johnston’s music and art were felt in almost every aspect of our culture growing up. From the songs we heard from guys like Eddie Vedder and Kurt Cobain, to the television shows we watched like “The Simpsons,” Daniel Johnston helped open our eyes to new artistic possibilities. After a long struggle with mental illness, Daniel sadly passed away in 2019.

“I’m here tonight as an ambassador for my brother, Daniel,” Marjory Johnston told the audience. “Daniel, in my mind, was a prophet, and a messenger for our world and for our time. His beautiful message was this simple: hope never ends, and love is the answer.”

“Dan always wanted to be famous,” Marjory noted. “He told us when he was very young, ‘I’m going to be famous.’ And we told him to get out of our room.”

“I think he would be thrilled tonight,” Marjory added. “How can you deny that he’s famous, when he’s being inducted into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame?”

Jeff Tweedy and his sons, Spencer and Sammy, along with Macie Stewart, perform “Walking the Cow.” Photo by Joe Severino, RealWV.I got to some some time backstage with the very cool Marjory Johnston. Photo by Mary Hott.

The West Virginia Music Hall of Fame’s 2025 induction ceremony would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of board members and staff, including Sherry Hobbs, Gavin Wissen, Ted Harrison, Jeremiah Hatfield, John Nelson, Lance Shrader, Mary Hott, Bob Brunner, Josh Barrett, Laura Alkire, Miles Cary, John Cuthbert, Patrick Donahoe, John Inghram, Lisa McCracken, Melinda Miesner, Rick Modesitt, Justin Southern, Bob Thompson, Charles Bockway, Todd Burge, Tim O’Brien, Vince Herman, John Lilly, and John Miesner.

The 2025 West Virginia Music Hall of Fame Induction ceremony will air on WV Public Broadcasting, on Monday, May 3 at 7 p.m., and will be available to stream on both YouTube and Passport the same day. The Daniel Johnston exhibit featuring original artwork and other artifacts will be on loan at the Hall of Fame Museum in Charleston through August.

For more information about the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame, including upcoming events and educational programs, visit wvmusichalloffame.com.

Photo Gallery

By Joe Severino and Matthew Young

Adam Harris and Michael Valentine.Ray Benson, Mary Hott, and Ann MagnusonJeff Tweedy performs.The Womack family performs.Kathy Mattea.Mark Bates and John Ellison.Jeff Stevens and Luke Bryan.Barbara Nissman performs as Randall Reid-Smith looks on.Mark Bates, Jupie Little, and Randy Gilkey.Mike Lipton and Mary Hott.Culture Center lobby before the show.Culture Center lobby before the show.Culture Center lobby before the show.Calm before the storm.Me and my buddy John Ellison. Try to guess which one is me.Co-hosts Juliana Soltis and Ray Benson.The grand finale performance.Kathy Mattea watching Luke Bryan watching Jeff Stevens.Ray Benson scheming with Kathy Mattea.Marsha Withers“Team Paw Paw” Mary Hott and Ray Benson, as Luke Bryan tries to photo bomb on the left.The Womack family performs with John Ellison.Co-hosts Juliana Soltis and Ray Benson.Barbara Nissman grooms Mike Lipton.Randall Reid-Smith with his brother.Culture Center lobby before the show.Culture Center lobby before the show.Culture Center lobby before the show.Friday night celebration dinner.Lou and Sal.Culture Center lobby before the show.Friendly Womack, Jr., Mike Lipton, and John Ellison.Green room before the ceremony,The Womack Family performs.Jeff Tweedy performsJuliana Soltis and Barbara Nissman.Friday night celebration dinner.Green room before the ceremony,