Free receives recognition at Appalachian Heritage Lunch

Daily Times

heritage lunch award
Sen. Tim Schaffer (left), Steve Free (center) and Tom O’Grady are seen at the Appalachian Heritage

Local music legend Steve Free recently travelled to Columbus to attend the 15th Appalachian Heritage Lunch at the Statehouse on Tuesday, Dec. 16. The purpose of his trip was to receive recognition as an Ohio’s Hill County Heritage Area Appalachian Heritage Success Stories recipient.

“I’ve been at this a long, long time and I’ve been very fortunate to win quite a few awards, nationally and internationally, but to receive one from your home state, and, even better, from your home area?” Free said. “Well, that makes this one extra special.”

Free was recognized for “outstanding leadership and contributions toward the protections, preservation, and appropriate development of heritage, culture, and sense of place in Ohio’s Hill Country.”

“As a lifelong resident of Appalachia, with Shawnee and Cherokee roots, Steve Free and his music embody the enduring spirit of the southern Ohio hills,” the organizers said of Free. “Steve Free is a singer-songwriter who has made a successful career for himself as a musician on both the national and international music scenes. Through it all, he has maintained a strong connection to his local community. Steve Free can be found at charitable events across the region. He is a frequent performer at Main Street Portsmouth In-Bloom fundraisers and at farmers’ markets. Through his original songwriting, Steve Free brings positive attention to the beauty and traditions of Appalachia and Scioto County. Steve Free has been the recipient of many well-deserved awards, including the 2008 Ohio Governor’s Award for Individual Artist. His life’s work is a tribute to Appalachia and what it means to be Appalachian.”

Free is an internationally acclaimed and award-winning singer/songwriter and recording artist. Some of his awards include 9 ASCAP Awards, a Platinum Record and a Grammy nomination. He has charted over 30 songs on the National and International Americana, Country and Billboard Charts, including 15 #1 songs.

Many other awards back up an impressive resume, alongside performances on PBS, NPR, The Nashville Network and more. He regularly performs in regional venues, restaurants and at events as one of the most booked artists in Scioto County and surrounding communities.

When asked why music is important, Free stated, “Well, I don’t know if it’s important or not, but so many of my songs are about our area and the rich heritage, culture and wonderful people, as well as the natural beauty. I guess, in some small way, I can remind people of that.”

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After many decades of pursuing music and telling stories in big and small venues, Free appropriately defined his career with the word longevity.

 

“I think I’ve won a lot of awards because I just outlived all the really good folk singers. Folk icon Pete Seeger told me once that, if you decide to be a folk singer, you’ll never be rich, probably never be famous, but, if you stick with what you do, you can have a long career and touch a lot of people’s lives. Remember, there’s no such thing as a ‘folk star.’ So, I’ve always tried to stay close to my folk roots. Of course, that’s all I know how to do anyway. I’m just truly honored to represent your area with this award and to show people arts and Appalachia do belong in the same sentence! I thank everyone here for their support of my music through the years.”

 

Free was among many others getting recognition for their accomplishments across Appalachia.

 

Honorees included Ohio Hills Health Centers, Artcoz Artist Colony of Zanesville, Hidden Hills Orchard; Belpre Historical Society and The Farmers Castle Museum, Sam Miller of Buckeye Hills Regional Council, Steve Free, The Old Burying Ground Restoration in Highland County; Pike Heritage Museum; and Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals.

 

To learn more about honorees and the event, visit www.heritageohio.org.


 

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