FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 25, 2021

For More Information:
Glenville State College
Public Relations Department
(304) 462-4115

GLENVILLE, WV – Back in 2013, members of the Glenville State College Bluegrass Band had the opportunity of a lifetime. They were invited to record an album with the help of bluegrass and country music legend Tom T. Hall at his personal recording studio. Band members were also invited to be guests of Hall and his wife Dixie at their home.

Now, nearly ten years later and following Hall’s passing in August 2021, some of those GSC Bluegrass Band members and alumni are remembering the experience of meeting and working with, “The Storyteller.”

“When I first took over the bluegrass band, I was on a mission. The invitation and opportunity to record at the legendary Tom T. Hall and Miss Dixie Hall’s recording studio was more than words could say. What an honor. And then, to top it off, they offered lodging at their farm for the students too. I will never forget our arrival to their large gated driveway where we had to punch in a code just to access their grounds. The vanload of students was silent and everyone seemed to recognize that this was a once in a lifetime experience,” remembers Dr. Megan McKnight.

“Tom T. played his guitar and sang for us, he walked around his yard with us. We got to know the gentle and common – the real side of him at his home. We will never forget such a wonderful man,” said Carol Belknap.

“I’m just so grateful to have had that opportunity to go visit and record at Tom T’s home studio. Also, I still think about that cornbread with jalapenos and cheddar cheese that Miss Dixie made us,” Ryan Spangenberg recalled.

“The trip to Tom T. and Miss Dixie’s will forever be fixed into my memory – it was such a great learning experience. Mr. Hall and Ms. Dixie were both so kind to the band, even going as far as to make us a lunch one day of chili and cornbread. They made us feel right at home in what could have been an overwhelming new experience, but instead a fond memory. The impact of these two people had on the country music and bluegrass world will be a powerful and lasting one, not soon to be forgotten,” said Laiken (Boyd) Blankenship.

Hall was a member of the Bluegrass Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame. He was 85 at the time of his passing.