49 Winchester might be traveling the world and delivering their blend of country and Southern rock to countless fans today but not too long ago, they were just kids with a dream. The entire band hails from the small town of Castlewood, Virginia. They grew up together and formed the band. However, one cannot say they never looked back.
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The band still has deep roots in Castlewood with some of the members still living in their hometown. The song “Russell County Line” from Fortune Favors the Bold is about the country where they grew up. Now that they’re able to do so, the band gives back to the community in any way they can. For instance, they sponsor little league baseball in the area. Earlier this week, they partnered with Fender to give seventh graders at Castlewood Elementary free guitars.
49 Winchester Gives the Gift of Music to Hometown Kids
The guys in 49 Winchester personally handed the kids their new Fender acoustic guitars, signing the boxes for those who asked. According to press materials, they chose to give the instruments to seventh graders because that’s when they started taking a serious interest in making music.
It’s amazing to have a group like 49 Winchester come back and want to give back to the community they came from,” said Adam Pagett, principal of Castlewood Elementary School. “We’re very thankful for them.”
49 Winchester frontman Isaac Gibson spoke about his hometown in a 2022 interview. “No. I’m still here in Castlewood,” he answered when asked if he lived in Nashville. “I live just a couple of miles from where I grew up in Russell County,” he revealed. “I have no intention of relocating. It’s cool to be a professional musician in a time where you don’t have to live in a city like that to have a music career. You can do it from here. You can do these interviews from the middle of central Appalachia. I’m thankful for that,” Gibson added.
All told, the group gave away 50 guitars to kids who can now start their musical journey.
Featured Image by Erika Goldring/Getty Images
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