BECKLEY, W.V. (LOOTPRESS) – Bill Withers, a Grammy-winning singer and songwriter who grew up in Raleigh County and attended Stratton High School, will be honored with a Historic Marker Dedication by the Raleigh County Historical Society at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 15, and is open to the public, where everyone is invited to attend. The marker will be located across from Stratton Elementary School.
Over a relatively short career of 15 years, Withers had several hits, including “Ain’t No Sunshine” (1971), “Grandma’s Hands” (1971), “Use Me” (1972), “Lean on Me” (1972), “Lovely Day” (1977), and “Just the Two of Us” (1981).
The artist won three Grammy Awards and was nominated for six more. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005, the WV Music Hall of Fame in 2007 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.
Withers died on March 30, 2020, at the age of 81.
The marker project was spearheaded by Annie and DJ Morgan, along with the Raleigh County Historical Society.
The dedication ceremony will include remarks by Historical Society President Tom Sopher, Dennie Morgan, Pastor Hightower and Mayor Rob Rappold.
“The ceremony was initially planned as a simple marker dedication by invitation for the marker donors and the historical society (due to limited space in the lot beside the marker); with a public celebration of concerts during the afternoon at the Beckley Intermodal Gateway,” Sopher explained.
“However, since other residents may want to show support for Withers at the marker, the City is going to station police officers to help with traffic control, allowing the general public to attend the ceremony. Neighborhood residents are welcome to walk to the event, and attendees can bring a chair. It will be a special day.”
According to Police Chief Lonnie Christian, South Fayette Street will be completely blocked off between F and G streets beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. Officers will allow cars through the barricades to event parking, and the roads will reopen following the event.
Those attending the event will be permitted to park on the street in front of and to the side of Stratton Elementary School.
Following the dedication, attendants will be directed to the Beckley Intermodal Gateway where, between noon and 6 p.m., several local musicians will perform Bill Withers songs.
For more event information about the marker dedication contact, Tom Sopher with the Raleigh County Historical Society at 304-253-8441
Stratton Elementary School is located at 1129 S Fayette Street in Beckley.
One of Bill Wither’s lifelong friends, Cornelious Thompson will be speaking.
