Charles "Edward" Davisson

The West Virginia Country Music Hall of Fame has announced that Charles “Eddie” Davisson will be inducted as a 2026 Performing Artist Inductee, recognizing a lifetime of extraordinary musical contribution, deep family legacy, and unwavering dedication to the people and culture of West Virginia.
Born on August 31, 1953, Eddie Davisson was raised in Big Rock Camp, West Virginia, one of ten siblings in a household where music was not just encouraged — it was a way of life. His father, Wade Davisson, played guitar, while his mother, Francis Davisson, played ukulele. The family home was filled with music, singing, and tradition. Eddie’s grandfather, Alec Davisson, along with generations of Davisson ancestors, were old-time fiddlers, cementing music as a defining part of the family’s heritage.
Eddie’s early musical foundation was shaped through the Olive Church in Rock Camp, WV, where he attended Sunday school faithfully for twelve consecutive years — walking to and from church — earning special recognition for perfect attendance. He sang lead tenor in the church choir and developed his skills as a guitarist at a young age.
Naturally left-handed, Eddie faced a unique challenge growing up in rural West Virginia during a time when left-handed guitars were unavailable. Forced to learn to play right-handed, he developed a distinctive playing style that became his unmistakable signature — marked by a slower right hand and a fast, expressive left hand. To this day, Eddie Davisson’s sound is immediately recognizable.
Eddie graduated from Victory High School in Clarksburg, WV, in 1971 and was awarded a music scholarship to West Virginia University. Choosing to pursue music full-time, he declined the scholarship and began performing six nights a week throughout the Clarksburg region, launching a professional career that has spanned decades.
In 1975, Eddie married his wife of more than 50 years, Donna (Webb) Davisson. Eddie fathered five children: Danielle Davisson, Mikie Davisson, Donnie Davisson, Chris Davisson, and Nickie (Hannah) Fortney. His sons Chris and Donnie Davisson would later become known nationally as the Davisson Brothers Band, continuing the family’s musical legacy.
Eddie Davisson joined the Musicians Union at the age of 17 and has spent a lifetime crafting his own brand of music — rooted in country, while seamlessly blending blues, rock, and mountain music. Over the years, he has performed on many of the region’s most respected stages and supported countless national acts.
Eddie’s professional journey began at just 13 years old as part of the original Davisson Brothers Band, performing square dances with Harold Jr. Davisson, P.G. Davisson, Denny Davisson, and Maynard Davisson. He later fronted the successful Country Rock Trio alongside Sherman Kesling and Spence Nichols, with occasional guest appearances by his youngest brother, Pete Davisson. Eddie would go on to perform with acts such as Jim Bunch, Justin Case, and Special Delivery, and today continues as the frontman of the Eddie Davisson Band.
During his children’s early years, Eddie traveled and performed with his four-year-old son Donnie Davisson as a father-and-son duo, a tradition that continued throughout Donnie’s childhood. Eddie’s oldest son Chris Davisson joined the act at age 11, with performances billed as “Eddie Davisson & Sons.”
Today, Eddie Davisson continues to perform shows and regularly appears alongside his sons and grandsons as part of the Davisson Brothers Band. He is featured on the band’s recent album Home Is Where the Heart Is, performing alongside his sons Chris and Donnie Davisson, and grandsons Nick Davisson, Gerrod Bee, Landon McFadden, and Andrew Davisson.
The album achieved global success and includes contributions from Grammy-winning and All-Star artists such as Tim O’Brien, Stuart Duncan, Rob McCoury, Brent Cobb, Dave Roe, Russ Paul, Shad Cobb, and Vince Herman. The project was produced by legendary producer David “Fergy” Ferguson (Johnny Cash, Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson, Del McCoury Band) and co-produced by Brent Cobb. The lead single, “Home,” features Eddie on backing vocals and in the accompanying music video alongside actress Joyce DeWitt.
In West Virginia, the name Eddie Davisson is often spoken alongside the words “living legend.” His love for music and people is unmatched. Beyond the stage, Eddie has consistently used his talents to bring people together — celebrating life’s highest moments and offering comfort during its lowest. Through decades of dedication, he has touched tens of thousands of lives, passing down tradition, wisdom, and opportunity to future generations.
The stories and music of Charles “Eddie” Davisson will continue to echo through the hills and hollers of West Virginia for generations to come.
The 2026 West Virginia Country Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on April 18, 2026, at the Sagebrush Roundup in Fairmont, West Virginia.
Statement from Charles Edward “Eddie” Davisson
“This truly warms my heart more than I can put into words. On my worst day, music brings happiness. I’ve spent my entire life performing and entertaining the people of West Virginia, and to be recognized for that means everything to me. After all I’ve been through lately, this moment is a blessing I never expected.
I’ve poured my heart and soul into making music — music meant to bring joy, comfort, and hope to people, and maybe make a small difference along the way. To have that work recognized is an incredible honor and something I will always be grateful for.
Most of all, I want to thank my wife, Donna Davisson, and my children and grandchildren. They’ve walked beside me through every long night, every hard mile, and every turn in the road this life has taken. They believed in me when times were tough and carried the weight of the sacrifices. None of this would be possible without their love and belief in me.”