Norton has produced important musicians for a century. Songwriter and ballad singer Kate O’Neill (later Kate Peters Sturgill) grew up here, began a string band in 1914, taught hundreds to play guitar, and was a pioneer on radio. Norton barber Byrd Moore was a premier country guitarist of the 1920s, recording with a half dozen prominent bands.
Blues banjoist Dock Boggs lived here, and recordings he made 80 years ago are still in print. Pioneer bluegrass musicians the Stanley Brothers and Jim and Jesse McReynolds got their start on Norton radio station WNVA. Black string bands directed by Carl Martin performed on the streets of Norton. The Cooke Family of gospel singers are from here, as is bluegrass musician, Jack Cooke.
In addition to the music, the Norton area offers many outdoor recreation opportunities. On a clear day from the summit of High Knob, you can view majestic Appalachian peaks in Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, West Virginia and Tennessee.