Elaine Purkey

Elaine Moore (Purkey) was born in West Hamlin, WV.

Elaine Moore married third-generation coal miner Bethel Purkey.

The United Mine Workers of America went on strike against Pittston Coal. Elaine Purkey's songs inspired picket line marchers during the strike, which officially ended January 1, 1990.

Other events that happened on or around April 05, 1989

The bitter 20-month-long Ravenswood Aluminum Strike began. Elaine Purkey often performed her classic labor song "One Day More" on the picket line.

Other events that happened on or around October 31, 1990

Smithsonian Folkways Recordings included Elaine Purkey's "One Day More" on its compilation Classic Labor Songs along with labor songwriters such as Woody Guthrie and West Virginia native Hazel Dickens.

Elaine Purkey began hosting the Wallace Horn Friendly Neighbor Show on WVOW radio from the Big Ugly Community Center in Lincoln County, WV.

Elaine Purkey died of COVID-19 at age 71.