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22
Take Me Home: Happy Birthday, West Virginia
"Almost heaven, West Virginia." Residents of the Mountain State, including our real estate agents, have long recognized the truth of that sentiment. Today, thanks to an iconic song by John Denver, people around the world know about the glorious beauty of West Virginia.
June 20, 2020, marked the 157th birthday of West Virginia. While the annual celebration in Morgantown is postponed, this is a good occasion to take a look back at the story behind "Take Me Home, Country Roads" and how it became a state anthem.
A Legend Is Born
Ironically, husband-and-wife songwriters Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert had never been to West Virginia. Originally inspired by the winding roads of neighboring Maryland, the pair decided "West Virginia" was a better fit with the song's rhythm.
After opening a club date for John Denver, Danoff and Nivert played "Take Me Home, Country Roads" for the up-and-coming musical star. Denver was captivated, and the three of them stayed up through the wee hours of the morning creating the final version.
On December 30, 1970, all three took the stage at the Cellar Door in D.C.'s Georgetown to perform "Take Me Home, Country Roads" for the first time in public. The audience responded with a five-minute standing ovation. Denver included the song on Poems, Prayers, and Promises, his 1971 breakthrough album, and the single hit #2 on the Billboard charts.
The Public Reacts
Not surprisingly, students at West Virginia University, not far from Morgantown homes for sale, were among the first to adopt "Take Me Home, Country Roads" as their anthem. Beginning in 1972, the song was a pregame staple at football games and has since been played at numerous athletic events and university functions. Fans are encouraged to sing along, especially with the chorus.
September 6, 1980, was another momentous date in the song's history. For the dedication of WVU's new Mountaineer Field, Governor Jay Rockefeller invited Denver, Danoff, and Nivert to perform "Take Me Home, Country Roads" live during pregame festivities. The game was also the first for longtime Mountaineer coach Don Nehlen.
While "Take Me Home, Country Roads" resonated specifically with West Virginia residents, its vivid imagery and soothing melody captured the imagination of musicians and listeners everywhere. The song has been covered in 19 languages by more than 150 artists, including Olivia Newton-John, Ray Charles, and Toots and the Maytals.
West Virginia Embraces "Take Me Home, Country Roads"
At the time, West Virginia already had three official state songs: "The West Virginia Hills," "This Is My West Virginia," and "West Virginia, My Home Sweet Home." But there was no denying the natural fit of "Take Me Home, Country Roads." The West Virginia Legislature's resolution to designate the tune as a state song was signed into law by Governor Earl Ray Tomblin on March 8, 2014.
Three years later, the West Virginia Tourism Office acquired the rights to "Take Me Home, Country Roads" for use in its marketing campaigns. The lyrics, "Almost Heaven" have been featured prominently as their slogan. In addition, Mountain State Brewing Company in Thomas, WV, has produced an amber ale under the same name.
Are the country roads of West Virginia leading you to a home in Morgantown? Contact us at Heritage Real Estate to learn why living here is "Almost Heaven."
Bill Porter, Broker
(304) 612-3746207 Aurora Dr
Morgantown, WV 26508
WEST VIRGINIA LICENSES BROKER WVB240300963
AGENCY 010271-00
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Office License No. 010271-00