Kathy Mattea

Kathy Mattea is a Grammy-winning singer and songwriter who has been the host of Mountain Stage, the long-running live performance radio show produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting, since September 2021.

A native of Cross Lanes, West Virginia, Mattea has enjoyed a distinguished career in country and folk music since the early 1980s. She has earned two Grammy Awards and was twice named Female Vocalist of the Year by the Country Music Association. Her chart-topping hits include “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses” and “Where’ve You Been.”

Over time, Mattea’s musical focus has embraced Appalachian and bluegrass traditions, as reflected in albums like Coal (2008) and Calling Me Home (2012). Mattea’s connection to Mountain Stage spans decades. She has appeared on the show more than any other female artist and began guest-hosting in 2019 before becoming the full-time host.

In addition to her musical achievements, Mattea is known for her activism, particularly in AIDS awareness and environmental causes. She was honored with the Minnie Pearl Humanitarian Award in 2001 and received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from West Virginia University in 2007.