Travis Stimeling

Charles and David on a departed friend and colleague

We were deeply saddened to hear of the death of Travis Stimeling. They were one of the great country scholars, whose books include a discussion of the Austin music scene of the 1970s, a collection of historical primary sources, a series of profiles of West Virginia songwriters, a co-written autobiography of harmonica player Charlie McCoy, the culture and politics of the opioid epidemic, and a history of Nashville studio musicians. This last one, the award-winning Nashville Cats, has proven essential to both of us in our own work: a remarkable examination of the musicians who made “Music City,” Nashville Cats reflects the mixture of close listening, deep research (including interviews with musicians), and big context that characterizes Stimeling’s work more broadly. It’s beautifully written, carefully argued, and filled with analysis both loving and critical. Stimeling also edited the Oxford Handbook of Country Music, a fantastic collection of essays of which Charles is honored to be part. Charles particularly thanks Travis for their support during that process and more broadly, a warm and encouraging spirit that extended to many others who were lucky enough to work with Travis over the years.

Beyond their remarkable scholarship, Travis was a great teacher, a fine musician, and a passionate advocate for students at West Virginia University. They helped build innovative curriculum, founded an Appalachian Studies Association scholarship for BIPOC scholars, supported student journeys through college and beyond, and was a constant champion for the Morgantown-based university and the communities it served. (Recently, as the institution faces outrageous cuts to its programming and faculty, Travis’ voice was crucial in pushing back against the destruction.) They were also a lovely person, who both of us got to know at the International Country Music Conference – where they were a constant presence – and through the too-small word of country writing. This world now feels much smaller because of their departure.

We’ll miss you, Travis – happy trails until we meet again.

Please check out their remarkable books, which belong on the bookshelf of any music lover. And please support the work of the Appalachian Studies Association, the West Virginia University Music Department and the West Virginia Folklife Apprentice Program. We’ll post additional things to support, and more celebrations of Travis Stimeling, in the future.