Biography
Kathy Mattea, born June 21, 1959, in South Charleston and raised in Cross Lanes, West Virginia, is one of the most respected and versatile voices in American country music. She began her musical journey with classical voice training and guitar lessons in junior high, later joining the bluegrass band Pennsboro while attending West Virginia University. In 1978, Mattea moved to Nashville, where she worked various jobs—including as a tour guide at the Country Music Hall of Fame and a demo singer—before landing a recording contract with Mercury Records in 1983.
Mattea's breakthrough came with her third album, 'Walk the Way the Wind Blows' (1986), which produced her first major hits and established her as a leading figure in country music. Her subsequent albums, including 'Untasted Honey' (1987) and 'Willow in the Wind' (1989), yielded multiple No. 1 singles and gold certifications. Known for blending elements of folk, bluegrass, gospel, and Celtic music into her sound, Mattea has won two Grammy Awards and two CMA Female Vocalist of the Year honors. Her later work, such as the critically acclaimed 'Coal' (2008), explored Appalachian themes and social issues, further cementing her legacy as a thoughtful interpreter and storyteller. Over her career, she has recorded nearly a dozen albums, topped charts, and collaborated with a wide range of artists, earning a reputation as one of Nashville's finest song interpreters.
Fun Facts
- Kathy Mattea worked as a tour guide at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville before her recording career took off.
- She was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in October 2025, marking a significant milestone in her career.
- Mattea took a public stand against mountaintop removal mining and released the album 'Coal' in response to the 2006 Sago mine disaster.
- She became the host of the long-running radio show 'Mountain Stage' in 2021, succeeding Larry Groce.
Associated Acts
- The Red Hots
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Allen Reynolds - Independent producer who guided her early recording career and helped shape her sound. (Produced key albums including 'Walk the Way the Wind Blows' and 'Untasted Honey'.) [Mid-1980s to early 1990s]
- Folk-pop artists (Buffy Sainte-Marie, Joni Mitchell) - Major stylistic influences from her youth, inspiring her blend of folk and country. (General influence on her songwriting and vocal style.) [1970s onward]
Key Collaborators
- Marty Stuart - Produced her album 'Coal', which explored Appalachian coal mining songs. ('Coal' (2008)) [2008]
- Jackson Browne - Collaborated musically, reflecting her folk and Americana connections. (Collaborative performances and recordings.) [Various]
- Townes Van Zandt - Collaborated musically, contributing to her folk and singer-songwriter repertoire. (Collaborative performances and recordings.) [Various]
- Pennsboro (band) - Her first bluegrass band, which she joined in college. (Live performances and early Nashville work.) [1976–1978]
Artists Influenced
- Contemporary female country and Americana artists - Her blend of folk, bluegrass, and country, as well as her socially conscious songwriting, has inspired a generation of female singer-songwriters. (Artists cite her albums such as 'Untasted Honey' and 'Coal' as influential.) [1990s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Untasted Honey | 1987-01-01 | Album |
| Love Travels | 1997-01-01 | Album |
| Willow In The Wind | 1989-01-01 | Album |
| Walk The Way The Wind Blows | 1986-01-01 | Album |
| The Definitive Collection | 2006-08-29 | Album |
| Lonesome Standard Time | 1992-01-01 | Album |
| Walking Away A Winner | 1994-01-01 | Album |
| Time Passes By | 1991-01-01 | Album |
| A Collection Of Hits | 1990-01-15 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Eighteen Wheels And A Dozen Roses (Untasted Honey)
- 455 Rocket (Love Travels)
- Love At The Five & Dime (Walk The Way The Wind Blows)
- Romeo (with Billy Ray Cyrus, Tanya Tucker, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Kathy Mattea & Pam Tillis) (Slow Dancing With The Moon)
- Where've You Been (Willow In The Wind)
- The Battle Hymn Of Love (Untasted Honey)
- Walk The Way The Wind Blows (Walk The Way The Wind Blows)
- Goin' Gone (Untasted Honey)
- Standing Knee Deep In A River (Dying Of Thirst) (Lonesome Standard Time)
- Come From The Heart (Willow In The Wind)
External Links
Tags: #classic-pop-and-rock, #contemporary-country, #country
References
Heard on WWOZ
kathy mattea has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 17, 2025 | 22:05 | Love At The Five & Dime | Kitchen Sinkw/ Derrick Freeman | |
| Nov 3, 2025 | 21:30 | A Few Good Things Remain | Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr. |