Legendary Bill Withers to be inducted into Beckley’s inaugural ‘Hometown Hall of Fame’

Beckley’s Word Park will play host to the inaugural Hometown Hall of Fame on Saturday, an event which organizers hope will make an excellent companion to the 10-day, citywide Appalachian Arts and Crafts Festival.

Headlining the inaugural class of inductees will be Beckley-native, Bill Withers. 

From “Lean on Me” to “Ain’t No Sunshine,” Withers’ timeless music continues to inspire generations worldwide while keeping its deep roots in southern West Virginia. Withers is a 2005 inductee of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, a 2007 inductee of the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame, a 2015 inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and a 2025 inductee of the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. Withers received an honorary degree from West Virginia University in 2017. 

Join the community in honoring Bill Withers, alongside fellow West Virginia musical icons Hazel Dickens, Calvin Simon, Little Jimmy Dickens, and Everett Lilly. Matt Mullins and The Holler Generals will be there to provide live music, and the event will feature the unveiling of a very special Public Art Project Mural Banner. Food and beverages will also be available at several food truck options. 

The Hometown Hall of Fame event will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1, at Word Park. 423 Neville St. in Beckley.