Where They're From: Walking in the Footsteps of Virginia's Great Musicians

A time machine would be handy, wouldn't it? Especially when it comes to the careers of legendary musicians, because only a select few fans get to see those first gigs that act as stepping stones toward stardom.

While time travel remains out of reach, there's good news: The options for exploring the history, hometowns, and early handiwork of Virginia's musical giants are everywhere, from Northern Virginia wine country to the hills of the Commonwealth's Southwest. Here are a few ways to walk in the footsteps of Virginia's musical greats.  

DICKENSON COUNTY

Dr. Ralph Stanley

Born in McClure, Ralph Stanley got his first banjo when he was a teenager, learning to play clawhammer-style from his mother. He pioneered his own quick and crisp style of playing (“Stanley style”) and gained renown for his distinctive singing, with the Stanley Brothers and the Clinch Mountain Boys. 

Southwest Virginia, Inspired by Ralph Stanley 

• Visit the Ralph Stanley Museum in Clintwood to learn more about Stanley's legacy.
• Attend the annual Hills of Home Festival to celebrate all things bluegrass and old time music. 
• Keep the musical journey going by visiting sites along the Crooked Road, Virginia's Heritage Music Trail.  

More Things To Do in Dickenson County

• Explore the natural beauty of Breaks Interstate Park. For the daring, plunge down the zipline through the park's centerpiece, the "Grand Canyon of the South." 
• Rent ATVs and get your thrills in on the Spearhead Trails. Find a trailhead for the Ridgeview section at Kiwanis Park in Haysi. 

HAMPTON ROADS

Pharrell, Timbaland, Missy Elliott

Several legends of hip hop call Hampton Roads home. The 757 has produced musical talents whose artistry has been recognized on the world stage, putting the collaborative artistic community on full display. 

Pharrell Williams grew up in Virginia Beach along with Chad Hugo, with whom he formed The Neptunes. Timothy Z. Mosley, aka Timbaland, was born and raised in Norfolk, while Missy Elliott hails from Portsmouth. 

Virginia Beach, Inspired by Pharrell

• Dine at Rose's, a hi-fi listening bar where the records inspire the menu. 
• See a show at the reimagined Dome by Rutter Mills, located right next to the Atlantic Park development backed by Pharrell. 

Norfolk, Inspired by Timbaland

• See a show at The NorVa, a 1920s vaudeville theater turned concert venue. 
• Get fed and see a variety of musical acts at a show at The Annex.

Portsmouth, Inspired by Missy Elliott 

• See a show at the Portsmouth Pavilion. 
• Explore the Olde Towne seaport area and relax during a Sunset Thursday concert by the water.

More Things To Do in Hampton Roads 

• Did you really go to Virginia Beach if you didn't walk the iconic Boardwalk along the oceanfront? 
• Explore the history and natural beauty of First Landing State Park along the coast. 
• The Chrysler Museum of Art is free and a must-visit for fans of art, particularly a visit to the Perry Glass Studio. 

For more, check out our complete guides to Norfolk and Virginia Beach. 

RICHMOND REGION

D'Angelo, Lucy Dacus Jason Mraz, GWAR

Richmond has born a diverse set of musicians, each contributing and making names for themselves in their respective genres. 

The late Michael Eugene Archer, known as D'Angelo, was a pioneer in neo-soul and R&B music, and was born in Richmond's Southside. A solo artist and member of the supergroup Boygenius, Lucy Dacus grew up in Mechanicsville and attended Maggie L. Walker Governor's School in downtown Richmond. Born and raised in Mechanicsville, Jason Mraz graduated from Lee-Davis High School before studying in New York City and making a name for himself as a musician in San Diego. 

And a Richmond band like no other, the heavy metal group GWAR formed in Richmond in 1984. The intergalactic thrashers are known for grotesque costumes, themes straight out of science fiction, and the buckets and buckets of fake blood that is sprayed during their live shows. 

Richmond, Inspired by the Music 

• D'Angelo – The top jazz, soul, and R&B artists come to Richmond each year for the Jazz and Music Festival at Maymont. 
• Lucy Dacus – Head to The Byrd Theatre and you can not only see a film but also be in the spot where Dacus filmed her "Hot and Heavy" music video. 
• Jason Mraz – In his local days, Mraz spent time at the School of the Performing Arts in the Richmond Community, and still supports the organization 
• GWAR – Combine heavy metal and good eats and you'll get GWARbar, a staple of the Jackson Ward neighborhood created by GWAR's own BalSac the Jaws 'o Death (aka Michael Derks). 

More Things to Do in Richmond 

• For more music, see a show at an iconic venue like The National or The Broadberry, or an outdoor show on the river at Allianz Amphitheater.  
• Explore popular neighborhoods like The Fan District and Scott's Addition for corner restaurants, craft breweries, and live local tunes. 
• Spend a day on the James and see why Richmond is known as the true River City. 

For more Richmond picks, check out our capital city guide. 

CHARLOTTESVILLE

Dave Matthews

Though Dave Matthews was born in South Africa, he’s known as one of the most significant figures in his adopted hometown of Charlottesville. Matthews moved to Charlottesville with his mother in the mid-eighties, and what followed is the stuff of legend: A weekly gig at now-defunct local venue Trax, a breakout album, more than a dozen Grammy nominations, and a massive and loyal international following for his eponymous band.

Charlottesville, Inspired by Dave Matthews

• Matthews owns Blenheim Vineyards, a vineyard outside the city with a tasting room and live music events. 
• Explore the shops and restaurants of the Historic Downtown Mall (Matthews used to tend bar at Miller's)
• See a show at the Jefferson Theater or the Southern Cafe & Music Hall, both staples on the mall. 
• Head to an event at IX Art Park, an outdoor art and venue space where creatives of all kinds gather. 

More Things to Do in Charlottesville 

• Peaches, apples, and apple cider donuts are all available (seasonally) at Carter Mountain Orchard.
• Keep exploring the Monticello Wine Trail, a world-renowned wine country. 
• Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's mountaintop home, is right up the street from Charlottesville. 

Use our guide to visiting Charlottesville for trip inspiration.

WILLIAMSBURG

Bruce Hornsby

Known for his bright and nimble piano playing, his multi-platinum recording career producing iconic hits like “The Way It Is,” and his time spent as a sideman with the Grateful Dead, Bruce Hornsby is as beloved a figure in Virginia’s musical history as you’ll find. He grew up in Williamsburg and graduated from James Blair High School, where he proved to be a strong basketball player.  

Williamsburg, Inspired by Bruce Hornsby

• Take part in the Virginia Arts Festival, a regional arts festival with performances of all kinds hosted over several months. Williamsburg Live is the biggest weekend in Williamsburg. 
• Enjoy live music and a glass of vino at The Williamsburg Winery.

More Things to Do in Williamsburg 

• Shop, eat, and explore the streets of Merchants Square.
• Cruise down the Colonial Parkway and see the other sites that make up Virginia's Historic Triangle. 

Our complete guide to visiting Williamsburg has even more recommendations for where to stay, top restaurants, and what to do while you're in town. 

WINCHESTER

Patsy Cline

Born Virginia Patterson Hensley, the country artist who would gain renown as Patsy Cline was born in Winchester. She began to perform locally before making a television appearance to perform "Walkin' After Midnight," leading to her gaining status as a vocalist and country-pop crossover artist.

Winchester, Inspired by Patsy Cline

• At the top of your list should be the Patsy Cline Historic House, the former home of Patsy Cline and now a museum dedicated to her legacy. 
• See a show at The Monument or the Bright Box Theater. 

More Things to Do in Winchester

• Go all-in on history with a walking tour of Old Town Winchester, including sites like George Washington's OFfice Museum and the George Washington Hotel. 
• Visit during the annual Apple Blossom Festival to experience local traditions firsthand and fill up on all kinds of apple products. 

Use our small town guide to Winchester to keep filling out your itinerary.