John Ellison

It’s been a “Some Kind of Wonderful” August for John Ellison. Not only did the living legend wrap up a tour of the midwest just before celebrating his 84th on Monday, but Ellison is also poised to be the newest inductee into the West Virginia Hall of Fame next Saturday. 

Even though the Kanawha County-born, McDowell County-raised musician found his first taste of commercial success in Rochester, New York, before going on to conquer the world of FM radio, John remains a true Mountaineer through and through. He returns to his West Virginia home often to play music and spread his message of positivity, and serves as a “north star” for the state’s musically-inclined youth. John is proud of where he came from, and he makes each of us proud to call him one of our own. 

For everything he has done – and continues to do – to help make the Mountain State a “Some Kind of Wonderful” place, we are pleased to name John Ellison as the certified Real West Virginian of the Week. Happy birthday, John. And congratulations on your much-deserved place in the West Virginia Hall of Fame!

Have someone you’d like to nominate? Email us at news@therealwv.com.