The newest addition to our Appalachian Artists Oral History Project is Marshall Page. Marshall is a quiet and unassuming man who works here at Radford University, and I always enjoy talking to him- and I am always surprised at the new things I learn about him when I do. He is a kind and humble person who has had a very interesting and often enviable musical life. Marshall sat with us here in the library on October 22, 2025 and told us many interesting stories about his life, his music, and his inspirations. Two of the most fascinating parts of his story were about him playing the Grand Ole Opry, and playing the Bluegrass Hall of Fame (numerous times!).
Growing up in the small town of Parrott, Virginia proved beneficial to Marshall because in high school, he was approached by a teacher, Becky Hancock, who was forming a club she called The Appalkids. This club was one in which the students ended up touring schools and other venues to share a program that included singing, dancing, telling stories, and generally sharing and celebrating aspects of the Appalachian culture that they all grew up immersed in. (Applekids and Apple Pickers)
From the Appalkids, Marshall and a few of the others formed a band they called The Apple Pickers, and in many ways this band is still together some 40 years later. (Sam Leary, Keith Webb, Marshall Page)
Being a part of the Applekids and Apple Pickers provided much in the way of experience and education and truly paved the way for a lifetime of musical adventures. At around the same time that he was a part of the Applekids, Marshall met and got to know two very particular musicians who saw something special in Marshall. The two, John Viers and Butch Robins (both very well known and established musicians), taught him much about music and life, included him in bands they were in, and also introduced him to many influential people. One of the people he was introduced to was the man responsible for booking acts on The Grand Ole Opry- an introduction that led to him playing on the stage of the original Ryman Theatre.
During the past five years or so, Marshall has played many venues and festivals, recorded several albums, made countless friends in the music business, won awards, and had his music on the radio. He is a fascinating person and we captured some of his stories in our oral history interview. Have a look!
Marshall Page- Living the Dream