HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 42
(By Delegates Beach, Boggs, Paxton, Pethtel,
Perry, Stephens, Argento)


Declaring that bluegrass music is the official state music of West Virginia.
Whereas, Bluegrass music was introduced to West Virginia by early settlers as they began to spread out into the Carolinas, Tennessee, Kentucky and the Virginias. These settlers composed new songs about day-to-day life experiences that reflected rural life on the farm or in the hills; and
Whereas, Bluegrass music developed further in the rural south after World War II fusing hillbilly, folk and various types of country music that was popular with the "plain folk" farm families and blue-collar workers; and
Whereas, Bluegrass music is now performed and enjoyed around the world. Present day bluegrass bands reflect influences from a variety of sources including tradition and fusion jazz, contemporary country, Celtic, rock and roll, old time and southern gospel music; and
Whereas, Bluegrass music incorporates songs and rhythms from string band, gospel, work songs and "shouts" of African American laborers, folk, popular, homeland, country and blues music repertoires; and
Whereas, Bluegrass music has experienced over a 100% increase since 2000 in consumers and growth in popularity unprecedented in recent genre history; and
Whereas, Bluegrass consumers are a diverse section of our population, throughout the United States as well as internationally. Compared to the average consumer, bluegrass listeners are more likely to participate in recreation activities such as overnight camping, bicycling, skiing, hunting and playing golf, which constitutes a major part of West Virginia's tourism and recreation attraction; and
Whereas, Bluegrass music has long been associated with the Appalachian Region and is a vital part of West Virginia's heritage and history; and
Whereas, In the Spirit of West Virginia, listeners of bluegrass music take an unconventional approach to life, enjoy taking risks and in turn are happy with life; and
Whereas, Bluegrass music continues to be a celebrated part of our culture; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the official state music of West Virginia be declared bluegrass music; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Legislature declare bluegrass music to be the official music of the State of West Virginia.