Bristol, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Ernest V. "Pop" Stoneman

Photographed by Mark Parker, October 4, 2024

1. Ernest V. "Pop" Stoneman Marker

Inscription. In 1924, Ernest V. "Pop" Stoneman (1893-1968) of Galax, Va., first recorded his self-penned song, "The Sinking of the Titanic", in New York for Ralph Peer at Okeh Records. It was his early commercial and financial success that lured Ralph Peer, the Victor Talking Machine Company, and many talented mountain musicians to the historic, 1927 "Bristol Sessions". Mr. Peer began the recording sessions with his star, Ernest V. Stoneman and his "Dixie Mountaineers", consisting of his wife, Hattie Frost "Mom" Stoneman (1900-1976), with friends and relatives.

Using various names, "Pop" Stoneman recorded for 24 record labels. In 1928, because there were so many family members, he named the band, the "Stoneman Family".

According to the Library of Congress, Hattie "Mom" Stoneman was to become the first woman of importance in Country Music.

The Stoneman Family was awarded the first C.M.A. "Vocal Group of the Year", in 1967, with their father. The Smithsonian Institution, The Library of Congress and the B.C.M.A. have also honored them.

Fifteen of their children, Eddie, Grace, John, Patsy, Nita, Billy, Jack, Gene, Dean, Scott,

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Donna, Jimmy, Rita, Roni, and Van were to continue the musical heritage and legacy left them by their parents, making the Stoneman name the longest continuously active name in Country Music.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1924.

Location. 36° 35.709′ N, 82° 11.14′ W. Marker is in Bristol, Virginia. It is at the intersection of State Street and Stoneman Family Drive, on the right when traveling west on State Street. The marker is attached to a stone slab at ground level at the southeast corner of the parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 705 State St, Bristol VA 24201, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Tri-Cities Area,

in Southwest Virginia,

and in the Blue Ridge Highlands.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and

Ernest V. "Pop" Stoneman Marker looking towards the parking lot image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, October 4, 2024

2. Ernest V. "Pop" Stoneman Marker looking towards the parking lot

the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 629 State Street (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); WCYB's "Farm and Fun Time" (about 400 feet away); 614-618 State Street (about 500 feet away in Tennessee); Bristol, Tenn-VA/Birthplace/Country Music (about 500 feet away in Tennessee); Evan Shelby's Fort (about 500 feet away in Tennessee); The E.W. King Building (about 500 feet away in Tennessee); Isaac Shelby (1750-1826) (about 600 feet away in Tennessee); Ralph S. Peer (about 600 feet away in Tennessee). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bristol.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Birthplace of Country Music (was about 400 feet away in Tennessee but has been permanently removed).

Photographed by Mark Parker, October 4, 2024

3. Ernest V. "Pop" Stoneman Marker

View is towards the Tennessee side of State Street. Intersection sign of State Street and Stoneman Family Drive is in the background.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 5, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 4, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 164 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 4, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.