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She was born in South Charleston, West Virginia. Most of you are aware of another country music star referred to as "Coal Miners Daughter" because of a motion picture of the same name. Well, Kathy Mattea can claim the title, "Coal Miners Grand Daughter"! Both her grandfathers were coal miners in West Virginia. The only reason her father was not a coal miner was because her uncle paid for her dad, John, to go to college. Thus he escaped being a coal miner.
Kathy has two brothers, Joe and Mike. Her mothers name is Ruth. Her favorite food is Italian. She loves to go sailing, snow skiing and jog. She also enjoys cooking and gardening. She graduated from Nitro High School. The Wildcats! After graduating high school she attended West Virginia University with a major in engineering. The reason she chose engineering was because she was very good at math and science. Because her parents grew up in the depression, there was a lot of emphasis on education in the Mattea household. Kathy figured that because there were quotas for hiring women in those days, she thought that as an engineer she would be able to find a job. There were not a lot of female engineers back then. However, she dropped out of school and beckoned to the call of Nashville. There she offered her talents to songwriters needing a demo record and worked as a waitress and tour guide at the Country Music Hall of Fame. She was in her element and worked hard to achieve her dream. It was about that time she met her husband, Jon Vesner. Jon was a staff writer at a publishing house on Music Row. Kathy lived in an apartment upstairs. One day her car wouldn't start, the battery was dead. The person who came to her assistance and got her car running was Jon.
Most reviews written about Kathy Mattea as well as biographies claim her to be a country music and bluegrass singer. However, that classification maybe "how she got there" but personally I believe her talent transcends the obvious and includes all forms of music, regardless of classification. Her persona has been around long enough to define her as an amazing talent. Her earthy renditions, progressive attitude and dedication to the world she lives in makes her very special. She is, and should be accepted as an All-American talent and, regardless of who you are and the music you may favor, Kathy Mattea can please as well as surprise the most critical music aficionado.
Perhaps her upbringing created a talent that reaches out to everyone. If you doubt this, just share some of her music and renditions with a person who has not been told of her classification. Yes, she is a true original and yes, she should not be classified in any field of music. Kathy Mattea is to be enjoyed, shared and appreciated. She is one of a kind!
She has been singing since 1983. She has recorded 17 albums and 30 of her singles reached Billboards hot track chart. A dozen of her singles topped the Billboard chart. When her third album "Watch The Way The Wind Blows" was released in 1986, Kathy Mattea got noticed and became even more popular. Her song "Eighteen Wheels And A Dozen Roses" became a solid number one and stayed there for several weeks. She was the second female to make it to the top of the charts. The first was Dolly Parton. In 1990 she won her first Grammy for Best Country Vocal. The song was co-written by her husband, Jon Vesner. The song was "Where've You Been". She has also repeatedly won the County Music Association Female Vocalist Of The Year.
She now has two Grammy's and has been nominated this year for a third. It is for her newest album "Coal"! Kathy claims the album was a re-education in music for her. That also may be applied to the listener as well. The album embraces the acoustic guitar and true to form, it's musically back to basics. The album is the first for Kathy's own record label "Captain Potato" records. Yes, she has come a long way. Not bad for a young girl who discovered her love of singing at a Girl Scout Camp.
Perhaps it is most appropriate that I parallel the continued success of Kathy Mattea to the mountains of her home state, West Virginia. The special, all encompassing talent has and continues to climb many mountains! For us, we can't be more grateful than to realize that she has not yet reached her peak. For in pursuing new challenges, the benefit becomes all ours. Kathy told me "Presently, I'm in the song-gathering and planning process for a new album of Appalachian-based songs. I'm taking a little time off next year in order to focus on and finish that project."
She also credits her continued popularity "because of some great songs that have held up well over many years and that have really touched people." When I asked her who was her greatest motivator or influence in her life and career was, she simply said "So many, I couldn't say."
However, she did mention Phoebe Binkley, a voice teacher who she studied with for over 30 years. "She's helped me tremendously. I started with her when I was just 19 years old."
For a little over 700 people who had the privilege of seeing and hearing her in person this past Saturday evening - how lucky you were. In the first half of the show she offered a review of her music and then, after a 20 minute break, came back to fill The Foundation with music of Christmas! Her "Songs & The Season" concert was more than one might expect. She left many in awe!
The Foundation Performing Arts Center has had many great acts. This Kathy Mattea show was above and beyond. It is indicative of what we have in our mist. With the Christmas season upon us, I cannot think of a better gift than giving a loved one a ticket to a show that will result in their having cherished memories for the rest of their life. Another idea is to give Kathy's "Coal" album as a gift.
When you think of the great performers that have graced the stage at The Foundation, I can say without any hesitation, The Kathy Mattea Show - a pleasant surprise and definitely one of the best!
