Walter “Jack” Rollins

A few weeks ago, we told you the story of Walter “Jack” Rollins – a Pennsylvania-born songwriter who spent his formative years in the hills and hollers of West Virginia. And while Jack Rollins sadly passed away in 1973, as this is Christmas week, we thought this was the perfect time to recognize and honor him for the holiday magic he left behind for the whole world to enjoy. 

Rollins wrote the words to “Frosty the Snowman,” the cherished holiday classic, in 1950. And although he was living in New York City at the time, Rollins discovered his love for song-writing during his early years, in Keyser, West Virginia. Also remembered for the timeless songs “Peter Cottontail,” and “Smokey the Bear,” Rollins is a 2011 inductee of the West Virginia Husic Hall of Fame, and is buried at Queen’s Point Cemetery, in Keyser. 

For the legacy which he has left behind, and for spreading West Virginia’s holiday joy around the world, The RealWV is pleased to name Walter “Jack” Rollins as the certified Real West Virginian of the Week. Have someone you’d like to nominate? Email us at news@therealwv.com.