West Virginia, I was born a West Virginian song by eddy bailes

[buddy13275]

My former country was the P.I. I always admired the West Virginia beautiful people and beautiful country road.Of course,this was my ex-husband home town I always respect this land of mountainer peope I adore.

[MrWVFordGuy]

Gotta love wv.

[kjlamp331]

Thank you proudtobefromwv. I am so very proud of my daddy, he was my best friend and my hero. I wish he was still here but I find comfort knowing he is singing for God.There are other songs but they have never been made for the public. You can e-mail me and I can see what I can do for you.Thank you for your warm words about my dad, I had sang in his band for many years and that is one of the greatest gifts he gave me.

[wwllbaby1944]

Beautiful...well done video! From Parkersburg but lived in Midwest for several years - back home now. Sometimes you take for granted those wonderful daily blessings you have in your own backyard. God bless.

[123sexxyass]

west virginia, <3. i live there.

[kjlamp331]

Merry Christmas Daddy, Im so proud of your song and you know there will be people with opinions that wont.like it. I just remember what you always said about opinions. I know your singing with the angels in heaven but your sadly missed by your little girl. You will always be my hero and i will always be your little girl. Love you Daddy KJ

[proudtobefromwv]

@kjlamp331 . You will not get a bad opinion from me. I love this song. I do not know anything about your father, but I am going to search and see what I can find. I was born in WV 68 years ago, and when I die, I will be buried in WV. I am located in the Northern Panhandle. Does your Dad have any more songs? You should be proud of him, he is a very very good singer. I know for sure, God is enjoying his songs. May your family find peace after the departure of your father.

[diacony]

i love a man from virginia! can anybody tell me if i am wrong?

[oysterjoe]

@diacony Virginia is a pisshole full of the descendents of traitors.

We're talking WEST Virginia here, lady. Members of our blessed Union in good standing.

Got it?

[kjlamp331]

@oysterjoe I don't know if you can see that his children and grandchildren watch the comments. Not to mention he has passed away. I guess not everyone is taught to respect the deceased. I don't know if you are aware but there is a silence button on every computer next time please use it in more than one way. Have a lovely holiday with your living family. God Bless. P,S I hear Tide is wonderful at removing coal stains from stockings. ~~ Jodi -Eddy's granddaughter

[schs1977]

I am a native of Charleston, living in Perth Australia. It is 11,500 miles, across NUMEROUS time zones and 35 hours for me to come home. I cannot wait to come home to WV on December 19th for a week. You cannot imagine how much I love and miss WV, the mountains, its people and my family. NEVER take any of them for granted!

[Dan97LHS]

My folks are from Greenbrier County, West Virginia. I think WV is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. It is Almost Heaven and Its a pleasure to have some WV in me. Even though I was born and raised in Maryland, I love WV.

[chronomax1]

Thanks for this very nice song.

[fngrpkn06]

Nice post. Lived in Wv and consider it home.

[samanthad221]

Eddy Bailes is my grandfather. He is dearly missed and will always be remembered. May he rest in peace.

[pinkfawns]

Born, Raised, And This Is Where Ill Stay!!(: Wv Is Honestly The Most Beautiful Place I Have Ever Been. You Would Have To Be Crazy To Think This Place Isnt Absolutely Stunning. Yes We Are Rednecks And Hill-Billys But You Know What...Were Proud. Never Say Sorry For Who You Are..Especially The Hill-Billy You Are. Pride And The Feeling Of Home Flows Here. You Just Have To Be Open To Letting It Be That Way. God Bless You All && Wv!<3

[proudtobefromwv]

June 20, 2011. West Virginia is 148 yrs. old. We are proud of our state and what it stands for. Montani Semper Liberi, "Mountaineers Are Always Free." The state motto of West Virginia.

[RuthF717]

I remember hearing Eddie play with the Cadillacs in a club in Marietta back in 1966-1967 time period. The song that I liked the very best was TARZEN, which he had just recorded. There would be a group of girls (?) 6-8 of us, he would come sit with us and gave all of us a 45, and I still have mine. He had a beautiful voice and was a gentlemen at all times. So sorry he isn't with us anymore but that video brought back some fantastic memories.

[westchesterny]

Born and bred. What an amazing song and voice. The media's day will come for its portrayal of appalachian people and culture, the lies. So much talent is there, and so many good people.

[tpaigeme]

and can't leave a video....

I Just Can’t Sing Country Roads Today

T. Paige

tpaigeme@aol.com

hWhen I think of how her waters have been poisoned and condemned

When I think of how her mountains have been blown into the ditch

The halo that rested high above her head has been stripped

And trampled by the madness of the bastard coal execs…

[proudtobefromwv]

Born and raised in Northern West Virginia. Love this state! Three Cheers for all Mountaineers!

[BobbyGStewart]

I would very much like to add this song to my iTunes library. Is there a download available?

[fyrefighter814]

I was born in Virginia, and moved here during the summer before my second grade. I may not have been born here, but I am a West Virginian by choice.  I love this great state. Also, I had never head that song before today. I absolutely love it. Can it be bought anywhere?

[TheMowmow1]

born n raised in wv right near the bridge

[wvquiltlady]

I'm a Braxton County born West Virginian and very very proud of my state! Moved to FL for a few years but came back where the air is breathable and the people not neighbors but FRIENDS....Like an earlier post I saw on here, I plan to be here in Fairmont in my little white house until God calls me home. .... Barbara Frame-Love

[mstombstone8]

WWII meant I was born at Walter Reed in DC but came home to WV at 6 weeks. One mistake of living in the midwest for 3 years only proved WV to be home. What a blessing to live here.

[captaingary100]

Wheeling Island boy here.. loved growing up on the Island and West 'By God' Virginia is still on my mind.

[country01gal]

i also live in west virginia, and like the songs says I will be a west virginian till i die

[selenabarton]

I was also born in West Virginia. I like the video and the song.

[vetojack]

A great entertainer that did not make the "bigtime' but lived his life entertaining others. A great talent! Gone but not forgotten.

God bless the memory of Eddie Bailes

[abbagoochie]

Born and raised in WV. Lived in Midwest toooooo long and came back "home" a couple years ago- very grateful! Great pictures! Thanks for sharing them!

[baybay27440]

MORGANTOWN WV BABYYY

[rayfl502]

Guys I am from Ga. and now live in the screwed up state of Fl.. I must say that I have visited your country and you guys are very lucky to have such a beautiful home.

[sandcrab4]

I was born in Huttonsville, and raised in Elkins. I love WV. I'm now living in FL

[antman833]

im 14 born and raised here in the best state west virginia, im a full on west virginian and this is the only place i wanna live and die at. god bless WV and all those coal miners who work so we can have a better life.

[sailboat20]

Very nice however I noticed he did include a statue of a coal miner but no photos of the mountain top removal nor the acid mine run off that is ruining a lot of the waterways.

[RUDYNATACHA]

I was born in South Charleston and lived in Nitro, but I have lived away for a LONG time :-(

[Valdora56]

Great song, with great words....I think the State, especially on hill tops where i grew up running the ridges, is a special playground. I grew up playing on rocks, climbing through crevices, and playing alongside crystal clear spring water. The State has hidden secrets that only old men can remember, tell stories about, and ponder their creation. Thanks! Luke

[snuggleupisus]

Excellent! Wonderful! Fantastic!

[jackied2010]

I was born a west virginian and I am proud of it-I was born in Clarksburg Harrison County-W VA I love my State and this is where I will die when the time comes God Bless West Viriginans

[samleigh15]

@jackied2010 Upshur County here

[sandygaynell]

I love this song. I was born in Pineville, WV. I live at Rock Creek, WV. now. I am very proud to be a West Virginian. I was born here and will probably die here. Love our state.....Almost Heaven ....WV

[mygod07]

This is great!!!! I too was born a WV. No other state can take it's place.

[wvarag]

@mygod07 .....AB SO LUTE LY

[ckg1968ct]

I "love" this song - makes me cry every time. I am the youngest of six - a coal miner's daughter. I now live in CT - but am getting together with my sisters soon and need a copy of this to share with them. Please - anyone - can you help me get a copy of it. Thank you. I am so proud to be from WVA !!!

[Logan0047]

Where can I buy the mp3 of this song?

[1arealsimpleman]

This is wonderful and I love it! Listening again and again!

[lwjdnme]

Fantastic! I had several relatives and friends who lived and worked in the Parkersburg/ Belpre Ohio area and I recognized several scenes. "Parkersburg Big Reds" High School is unmistakeable.

As for Smiley's, I spent a lot of nights there from 1981 to 1986. That place was won and lost several times in poker games.

[RobinVHS1979]

I knew Eddy Bailes when he performed as Elvis at Smiley's in 1978. I worked there that summer and a coworker named Sherry and I visited with his daughters, Cathy and Dion. Cathy was in the band and Dion was visiting before school started. Dion and I were going to be seniors in the fall at our respective high schools. I still have a scarf he signed for me. I am really sorry to hear that he has since passed away.

[MrPopsshop]

Being born and raised in Parkersburg, WV I love this song AND recognize most of the pictures of places. Brings back a lot of memories. Class of 1958 PHS. GO BIG REDS

[MySharonlee]

I am not sure which one of the girls you are, but someone sent me this video and I think it is beautiful. I use to be married to Bill and use to come and see your dad play when he was in Parkersburg, maybe too much, but I always thought the world of him and still think of him often. LIked all kids too. Thank you for some good memories, and I will still sign it with Love to you, Aunt Sharon

[kjlamp331]

@MySharonlee Sharon this is Kathy, Im so glad that you liked the video of daddy It brings back such wonderful memories. Thank you for remembering daddy.

[afrashure100]

@kjlamp331 where can we get this CD

[larryjennings1]

very pretty

[MrFurnerman]

Very nice. Brought back some old memories of when I was very young looking at the picture's of the river and bridges. We used to play around them alot and I know the area very ,very well. I always thought it was kinda special to just sit and watch the river under a shade tree. Very relaxing. A nice addition to this video would have been some barges going up and down the river, they are such a un-noticed but big part of the river. Very nice song ,really nice !

[thegilker]

Beautiful song! I'm a West Virginian too!

[Logan0047]

Anyone know where I can buy an Mp3 of this song?

[BobbyGStewart]

A wonderful song. Brought tears to my eyes. I was borned in Jesse, West Virginia. I grew up in Wyoming County. Graduated from Oceana High School.

Bobby G Stewart

Kapolei, Hawaii

[Bigelowboy]

Happy Birthday Eddie.

I shared this song recently with my mother (who was born there) and that led me to search around the house today for the 45 record from 1975. After finding the 45, that lead me to this site, and on his birthday. Wow! According to the 45, it was produced by Scott Turner, which is also my last name and I have a nephew named Scott Turner.

Thank you Eddie for such amazing music !

Thank you kjlamp331 for sharing this special day.

[kjlamp331]

Happy Birthday Daddy,

Thank you to everyone who has left a comment. Its great that everyone still remembers my dad. A lot of them I remember.and all I can do is smile. He was very talented and loved. I worked in his band for many years and singing this song was one that he was very proud of. Thank you Daddy for bringing music into our lives and touching so many people lives. May you continue to sing with the angels. Your little girl is so proud of you. I love you KJ

[SuperDanny50]

I was born in Pargersburg, St. Vincent.

[RRRBNC]

I wasn't born in West Virginia but visited several times then lived there for a year. Sad circumstances led me to leave. I can only say West Virginia is God's finest work.

[rdover78]

I remember Eddie when he played at the Heart of Town Holiday Inn at Charleston,WV. in the Crown and Sword Room.They played six nights a week and he har two floor shows every night.We had the 45 disc of this song that was recorded at Nashville,Tenn..He played and sang it much better with his band ai the Heart of Town.I had wondered where he was.Sorry to hear of our loose. jack

[wed12697]

is there a way to get a copy of this on cd. I was born in Beckley, WV, my mom was born in Cabin Creek, and my dad in Kimberly. I would like a copy of this as my mom is in frail health (91 years old) and I would love to have this played at her funeral when she passes.

Proud West Virginian living in Illinois

[ralph5656]

Gee, Ya got me living the past. I knew him and also his brother Bill.

Ralph

[stevieboy59fi]

i remember hearing his song "big boat coming up the river" on the radio when i was 10 or so.

[4EVERWV1]

Is there a way to download this song to my personal pc?

[carolek09]

@4EVERWV1  You can download RealPlayer SP for free and then you'll be able to download this video.

[XTheBaileyFamilyX]

Great video.

[grrx3ariel]

Thanks Randy for answering my email. It was so great to hear from you. My dad's birthday is April 21st, and I will be waiting to celebrate that day once again. I am sure he would appreciate people celebrating his birthday and not mourning his death. I was daddy's little girl and always will be. Thanks for the video. Just to let you know, it was sent to jay rockefeller, joe manchin. Dion Bailes Smith

[grrx3ariel]

Thanks Randy for answering my email. It was so great to hear from you. My dad's birthday is April 21st, and I will be waiting to celebrate that day once again. I am sure he would appreciate people celebrating his birthday and not mourning his death. I was daddy's little girl and always will be. Thanks for the video. Just to let you know, it was sent to jay rockefeller, joe manchin. Dion

[grrx3ariel]

Unfortunately he passed away June 17th, 2002.

[Kharagh]

This is such a great song. Wow. I love it! It made me cry!

[stallingswv]

Eddie Bales And The Cadillacs! I used to play this song on 45 on WAJR-Morgantown.

[carolj791]

no I wasn't a waitress at heart of town, I was on the switchboard. I really liked to hear your dad sing. Is there anywhere I could get some of his music? Thanks for your time and for posting that song

[jennifergammon]

NICE!!!

[carolj791]

I worked at the Heart of Town when he sang there and went to see the show several times. I really liked his music and he was a very nice man, I'm so glad you posted that song by him and I used to live in Parkersburg, Thanks for the memories.

[kjlamp331]

@carolj791 I think that I might know who you are. Were you a waitress who worked at the heart o towm? Im Eddy;s daughter thats why I was asking

[Spiritslay]

What a beautiful clip. I was also born a West Virginian and it will always be my home, Thank you so much for sharing..

Joann

[carolj791]

Was he the Eddie Bailes who used to sing with a band at the Holiday Inn in Charleston, WV?

[kjlamp331]

@carolj791 Yes, he was the singer of the band that played in Charleston, WV. He mostly played at the "Heart of Town".

[msartist]

Is Eddie Bailes still alive?

[rfs304]

@msartist No, He passed in 2002

[kjlamp331]

@msartist He passed in June of 2002.

[kjlamp331]

Thank you for remembering my Dad, and his music.

[rfs304]

@kjlamp331 YW. I love this song. My mother in law, Nelva Knotts, let me listen to this song. She had it on a cd. It is awesome. I wanted to share it with everyone and thought that making a slide show with some pictures that I took in West Virginia, mostly Parkersburg, would kind of be cool. If it wasn't for my mother in law, who went to school with him, I would never have heard this song.

[BobbyGStewart]

@rfs304 I love this song and your dad does a wonderful job on it. I would love to get the cd. Is there any way I can purchase it?

[jhowell1903]

@rfs304

where can i purchase the cd?

[afrashure100]

@jhowell1903 how can i purchase the cd

L.k. frashure

[carolek09]

Thanks for posting this video. I'm from West Virginia but had never heard this song. It brought tears to my eyes. I love it!

[Dolores4rd]

@kjlamp331 Hi to Eddie's child....I remember your Dad so well. I was once engaged to his drummer, Frank Rankin, so got to know Eddie very well. Have lost track of Frank but if you know where he is, would like to get in touch with him. If he is married, it is important to know that I am happily married. I would like to have Frank as a friend. contact at russdolo@comcast.net PS is your mother still alive and where is she?

[wvnative]

Great job Randy.