Woody Simmons

Fiddler Woody Simmons was born on Becky's Creek, Randolph County, WV.

At age 13, Woody Simmons bought his first fiddle--for $15--from Smith Shreve.

Woody Simmons won the fiddle contest at the first Mountain State Forest Festival in Elkins, WV.

Woody Simmons married LaVerne Tacy, who accompanied him on mandolin for several years. They were married until her death 60 years later.

Woody Simmons started his radio career -- with Randolph County natives Jake Leary and his daughter Wilma Lee Leary (Cooper) --in Harrisonburg, VA.

Woody and LaVerne Simmons's only child, William, was born.

Woody Simmons put together a touring band with his son William on guitar and Arnold Selman on banjo.

LaVerne Simmons opened a restaurant in Mill Creek, WV, and Woody Simmons opened a Pure Oil Station down the street.

Woody Simmons was partially paralyzed and nearly killed in a truck accident.

William Andrew Simmons died at age 41.

Woody Simmons had a massive heart attack.

Woody Simmons, recovering from heart surgery, won the fiddle contest at the Mountaineer Days Festival in Morgantown, WV.

Woody Simmons received the third-ever Vandalia Award, West Virginia's highest folklife honor.

LaVerne Tacy Simmons died in Philippi, WV, at age 79.

At age 91, Woody Simmons won the over-60 banjo competition at the Vandalia Gathering in Charleston, WV.

Woody Simmons died in Elkins, WV, at age 93.