How Charles Wesley Godwin Became An Indie Country Superstar

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Charles Wesley Godwin needs his own video on this channel. I've been a massive fan for almost five years, and he somehow doesn't have a video of his own?! Let's change that. From 'Hardwood Floors' to 'Jesse' to 'Jamie' to 'Strong' to 'Temporary Town' and 'All Again,' the man simply knows how to write great songs, and it's high time we talked about the West Virginian wonder that is CWG.
00:00 - Charles Wesley Godwin's Moment
03:37 - The 'Seneca' Era (2019-2020)
05:28 - 'How the Mighty Fall' (2021-2022)
08:04 - The Live Show Evolution + Zach Bryan
09:25 - Upcoming 3rd Album 'Family Ties'
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[@ethanfife6448]

His music is just so amazing. It’s u fortunate that not many people know about him. I’m happy you are spreading music to make him more popular!

[@0rtu_Solis]

Grady put his debit album at 2nd of his best albums of 2019. When I watched the video and subbed to him he had less than 1k Instagram followers and his KZbin uploads all had 2-3k views max. It’s insane how much he’s grown since then, but he’s still massively under appreciated. I think Zach Bryans tour boosted him an insane amount he had like 10k followers before the tour and now he’s at 100k

[@ethanfife6448]

Definitely agree

[@ajdoti1]

once everyone knows about him it will be 300 bucks a ticket for the nosebleeds

[@gmitchell5000]

I found Seneca Creek on a playlist a couple years back and was instantly hooked. Got to see him on the last two ZB tours and this guy absolutely kills it in stadiums. His voice can fill the biggest rooms

[@hunterosophy]

When I went to the Vegas show, he was a little quiet. Not sure if it was the equipment but the dude has 12/10 energy while performing.

[@ComedyBros5]

@@hunterosophy Definitely just the equipment cuz this dude has BELTED in every show I've seen him in!

[@aidanw9378]

I've always adored Sorry For The Wait. It has to be in my ten favourite songs of all time

[@jakeyates1541]

Same! That Canon in D line is chills

[@WVUStrick]

As a native WV'ian and proud mountaineer Charles is such a great representative of us all. His music and voice and stories just rip my heart out and then shows it to me and tells me story about. So difficult to explain how it resonates so much with me! Appreciate all you do for great music Grady. Montani Semper Liberi

[@wreyno]

Ever since Jamie we knew he’d blow up. Glad to see him get a video on the channel💪

[@MBustos828]

Ever since I first heard Hardwood Floors I have been absolutely enamored by his voice. It feels like every word he says has 10 words worth of meaning behind it.

[@imthesnakeking]

I saw him in concert just a couple weeks ago and he was incredible life. Truly hope he blows up. Love seeing these Appalachian artists getting the spotlight.

[@utahguy058]

I just saw Charles for the first time live, and I was transformed. I'm a changed man and forever fan. I love his lyrics and the traditions he holds near and dear. He definitely deserves for the world to hear him, even if it means next time I see him will be in a much bigger venue.

[@samlittle9596]

Got to see him open for Zach Bryan at The Cotillion in Wichita, KS. Didn’t know any of his songs but by the end of his set he had a fan for life. After the show I got to meet him and he was nicest guy you could ever meet hope to see him make bigger moves in the future!!

[@katiegurksnis160]

I’ve been a huge fan of his ever since you introduced us to Seneca way back when. Thank you for that, Grady.

[@yoda-yn5gg]

The importance of a healthy, lengthy beard can not be underestimated in Country music success. Beards have much power. They’re a power source. Beards create music. If you’re serious about a career in Country music, it is of the utmost importance to grow and maintain a healthy, lengthy beard.

[@leslierisner]

I LOVE CWG’s story telling ability. I get lost in his characters and also believe I’m firmly a part of his family.

[@stephenhamilton4224]

I've been to 5 shows so far since you introduced me to his music in 2021. The first one was $12 dollars in a restaurant with a meet and greet. He played the entire Seneca album regardless of the less than 100 people in the restaurant. He loves playing and putting on a show and enjoys the grind of the tour. I have never enjoyed someone's talent so much and share his music with everyone I know. A huge reason I put trust in you Grady! Thanks for boosting him in the community even if it hurts my wallet in the future.

[@rex8958]

His cover of Chris Knights The Jealous Kind is just top notch, easily one of my favorites this year

[@meghan4183]

Thank you so much for introducing me to CWG's music a few years ago, Grady! It's been awhile since I've been this excited about an artist who combines such artistry, storytelling, and just plain HONESTY in their music. Going to see him in Morgantown in December and cannot wait!!

[@robertsasso]

I started listening to him after you recommended him in 2019, so glad to see him blow up. I got to listen to him before he was cool. Thanks, Grady.

[@TheWdayton]

Through Twitter I’m connected to many singer/songwriters and others embedded in the alt-country and Americana scene. CWG is already a star in that world, and I’m so glad you are here to bridge the gap between radio country and the indie world. He deserves to be a world wide star, and it’s people like you who are often instrumental in that transition. You’re a positive influence in music and henceforth the world at large. I’m so glad I found your content.

[@kellenlambert5380]

Charles is my absolute favorite artist, and being from West Virginia, it is so special to me to have his music as a representation of our state and culture. Seeing him live in his hometown of Morgantown was electric, and I can't wait to see him again in December!

[@kilo-watt]

First watched him live with Ian Noe back in 2019 in Pineville, KY. Love seeing his success.

[@kathrynhendricks2264]

I had no idea his band was from the burgh! CWG is really bringing great representation to northern Appalachia. Thanks for the video Grady!

[@jeremiahunderwood2855]

Thank you for making this video and giving coverage to him. He feels like one of the most humble, down to earth people in music. I think you are spot on with you predictions of what he wants to do with his career. I saw Charles Wesley Godwin open for Cody Jinks this past May. That was my introduction to him. He was incredible. I dove into his library after that and have become a huge fan. All Again is going to be a favorite of mine for a long time. Such a beautiful song.

[@Kahscho]

Totally agree on Appalachian Country being the center of independent country today. It’s good to see a video on CWG. He has so many great songs, but my favorites are “Hardwood Floors,” “Over Yonder,” “Needle Fall Down,” and his cover of “Country Roads.”

[@trevorkinder6892]

I will not stand for the West of Lonesome hate. I think it might be his best song yet.

[@GradySmith]

hahaha it was simply slightly less enthused but not hate, I promise 😩

[@rjsfarm2534]

For Turnpike I was pumped for Mean Old Sun but less enthusiastic about Chipping Mill which was a polar opposite for Grady. We all have different taste. PS, Heads Carolina is still a terrible song Grady😂

[@BeqYT]

cwg is crazily underrated. love his stuff from union sound treaty. found it on spotify a couple years ago. crazy how much he’s blown up.

[@TheJakeAddis]

I found CWG due to this channel and my love for his music has only grown over the past few years. I had the opportunity to have a conversation with him backstage at a ZB show last year, and we just talked about family (we both have young kids). As awesome as his music is, I walked away thinking that he’s an even better person. Family Ties has quickly become a favorite and I can’t wait to hear the rest of this album! All this to say, thank you Grady for introducing me and thank you Charles for your songs.

[@altoear6523]

Got to seem him and chat at the first rebels & renegades opener in monterey, CA last year. Super introverted guy and it was an amazing performance. By far my favorite artist.

[@jenswoody4683]

I have been loving “The Jealous Kind” in the Live from the church. Beautiful fit for an upbeat song from him

[@BasedCowboyGun14]

I feel like The Last Bite doesn’t get enough love and recognition from Seneca. I personally love that track. My only gripe with it is the electric guitar solo. I think could be a lot better if a trumpet was used instead, like how it was in Gas Well. I think it would invoke a different feeling through the unique sound of a trumpet.

[@BasedCowboyGun14]

@@0rtu_Solis No, Gas Well very clearly has a trumpet between 3:18-3:36. The Last Bite *may* feature a trumpet during some point in the last minute and a half of the track upon re-listening to it. But if it is, it’s almost drowned out (assuming there is one) by the electric guitar, which is audibly used in the aforementioned part of the song. I’ve admittedly debated over the years whether or not there is a trumpet used in The Last Bite, but it’s honestly too hard to tell. An electric guitar is definitely playing in the last part of the song. But I’m still not able to determine if a trumpet is used in conjunction with the electric guitar. Assuming there is one, I would prefer if the trumpet was the sole instrument. But, I feel as if this makes me sound like I don’t like the song. The Last Bite is one of my very favorite songs from CWG. So, definitely not a knock on the song, just a little preference thing with the inclusion of the trumpet in both CWG’s and Zach Bryan’s songs recently.

[@aidansmith24]

Charles is so different. He makes me reconsider every music decision I’ve ever made😂

[@ctreston22]

Saw him in SLC again and he was just as amazing as last time. Dude puts on the best concerts and his band are so fun to watch. My wife and I are addicted to his music. Also he's coming out with a new album in September and he gave us a few sneak pics during the concert. Watch out for that one cuz it's gonna be another hit!

[@jakeoneill1049]

I seen him open for Zach last September in Newport Kentucky I was immediately obsessed so I just bought tickets to see his Ryman show in December 🤘

[@tommyjohnson9035]

The Last Bite is an all time favorite for me…amazing

[@RyanBitler]

I’ve been waiting for this, you owe me a sorry for the wait

[@jaycee945]

Love this dude! I got introduced to his music through your channel when you talked about Seneca.

[@williamrobinson6492]

One of the coolest shows was seeing CWG in Dec. ‘21. My buddies and I drove 6hrs to Pineville KY and for a $15 ticket got to see Logan Halstead, Drayton Farley, Cole Chaney and CWG headlining. From his steel guitar player looking just like Duane Allman, and the rest of the band smacking our tits off, it’s up there with the best show I’ve ever seen

[@johndraginis6143]

He’s been my number one artist on Apple Music since 2019. The first time we saw Zach Bryan was just because CWG was opening. Best voice in country right now in my opinion.

[@annmarie3573]

Thanks, Grady, for introducing me to CWG back in Seneca days! He's been one of my very favorites ever since. I'm so stoked to see him getting wind under his wings!

[@devynfrost849]

I’ve been right there with you Grady with Hardwood Floors being a banger since you introduced me to Charles music on your channel back in 2019. Hard to believe I have been following you along for this long now. I got around to How the Mighty Fall way too late but instantly thought it was top tier. Slowly grew on me but Strong has been one of my most played songs this summer (my KZbin summer recap just told me this). Am so excited for Family Ties to come out I won’t delay the listen for this one. That first time hearing “Strike, me, down” melted me in my seat I was mesmerized by those lyrics. Thank you for being such a impactful source, you have grown my taste and reach in the genre exponentially since I first joined your community.

[@remingtonrorabaugh9250]

Became a follower of his b/c of you featuring him. Keep those deep dives coming on up and coming artists

[@597ryan6]

Had the pleasure of seeing Charles at a bar in Athens in 2019 and a few times since then at black swamp. Always a class act and puts on a great performance. Looking forward to see him play at the Ryman in December

[@MadGreek76]

Saw him a few months ago here in Chicago. CWG is amazing live!

[@darincrow8838]

Thanks for always putting WV and Appalachia in a positive light! I've been a fan of CWG since you introduced me to him back in 2019. I have tickets for Healing Appalachia coming up at the end of the month and he's the main reason i bought them. I can't wait to finally see him live! Really hoping to hear him play Cranes of Potter and Seneca Creek; two of my favorites of his and songs I can listen to over and over!

[@heidix1286]

Yeess! So glad you finally made a CWG video! I was lucky enough to see him twice this summer. He is by far one of the most talented artists there is right now.

[@TacticalGhost939]

I’ve been really getting into CWG lately. He’s just so damn good. Can’t wait for the full album. The sampler has been on repeat. I’ve listened to the new ZB album, but keep finding myself coming back to CWG.

[@knutolavhalseth6761]

I saw Charles Wesley Gordons gig at a bar in Trondheim here in Norway in January 2020, only he and his guitar. I had already been blown away by his "Seneca" album and he did the same to me at that gig. His music is just beautiful, and I'm so happy that you spreads the word about him Grady! So looking forward to his next album!

[@luket2532]

For those that don't know, Charles was in a group before Union Sound Treaty called Vandalia. They put out an album called "Come Back With Your Banjo, Or On It" with some great songs. "Hillman's Reflection" is my personal favorite.

[@ComedyBros5]

Yes! Hardly anyone knows this. My favorite from his time with them is "Hazleton."

[@luket2532]

@@ComedyBros5 great song!

[@hugocazares3935]

Had the opportunity to meet Charles when I saw Zach Bryan last October in LA in the receiving area for the venue and he is such a great guy! Signed my hat and he is such an amazing artist as well! Will continue to support his music and career as it progresses.

[@trailsandtopwater]

Charles is one of my all time favorites. When I first heard Coal County I got chills. Really want to see him live, I hope he comes to Upstate NY sometime!

[@kiwitealc5353]

I saw him live this year, it was great! wouldn't have gone if not for this channel!

[@Calebreth]

Great video man! Spread the word about the best in the industry!

[@77bargrill21]

I booked Charles and the Union Sound Treaty band about 7 years ago in a small bar I managed in Ohio. Blew me away. He stayed and played acoustic on the patio the next afternoon. He was around the area quite often for many months then it seemed like he started to catch a lot of attention and moved on to bigger projects. Great guy, wonderful music! Wish him the best.

[@seanobrien3173]

Happy for CWG and happy for you. Y'all are both crushing the game in 2023. Congrats again on the new house!

[@wendylee8755]

All of this 💯 So gifted! You just have to love an artist that can make references to Steve Prefontaine and rhododendrons work in his music! It's hard to pick a favorite, but Temporary Town and Strong are probably tied! Great video!!

[@tylercarrigan1443]

Charles is the real deal. He's one of the guys I'm pulling for the most!

[@howland30]

Loved him since Seneca in 2019 so was so happy to get to see him play Exit/in in September. Crossing fingers that he comes over the pond next year.

[@Courtnee92]

CWG is one of the best out there. His sound, the instrumentals, lyrics, emotions, everything. I literally listen to him every day. Excited to see him for the second time soon.

[@juancastellanos717]

Found this guy through you in like 2020 can’t thank ya enough

[@redroverredrover679]

The Magic Man of Morgantown. Cant get enough.

[@user-lk4ww2ox9b]

I got to see CWG beginning of June & he put on a great show. Drayton Farley opened & also did an amazing job. So glad you introduced me to him years ago.

[@Texastrue43]

Thank you. This guy needs way more attention.

[@treyhaddon2004]

I remember hearing Hardwood floors on this channel and I was hooked from there. It’s been great to watch him blow up!

[@smokey3696]

I’ve been listening to Charles since 2020 and he has since become my favorite singer. Temporary Town is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. It’s sad that wanting to raise a family has become “punk”.

[@kennethcollins1581]

Not related to the video but I just wanted to say that I found your channel a little while ago and you’ve become my favorite youtuber. Love you and your content ❤️

[@matthewbowman7318]

I've been to three concerts thus far two at small venues where I could touch the stage for under 30 bucks and he puts on the best concerts I've ever been to dude is electric

[@cvawesomevideos3746]

He has been my favorite artist for a few years now! I once drunkenly described to a friend his voice as 'a beautiful, wise mountain goat' and it made them laugh, but I meant it as a good thing lol. I think it's the rich tone of his voice with the haunting bravado and a slight lilt that provides the perfect palette for his lyrical storytelling. I love all the details, regional words and phases, and history he uses to really transport you into the song. I've literally looked up places/cities and the history I've heard in his songs, he's made me see the beauty and strength in the land he's from. I tend to 'see' music as I'm listening to(like my brain makes a music video without me even consciously trying to) and I appreciate how he tends to match his music to what's developing in the song- like West of Lonesome sound like a horse galloping or moving train the entire song as he's searching tirelessly for Annalee or the instrumental swell during the explosion in Last Bite(anyone else have to stop themselves from air punching each time he blows up that whole damn hill?😂) or even in Jamie how he sings 'the flash of red and blue..' in a choppy way that reminds me of a siren and lights of a cop car. I also really appreciate that he writes mature songs about love and relationships, it seems so much music is aimed at a younger audience. I'm not young and in a long, loving marriage with a family, not that is any better or worse anyone else's life path, but it makes me appreciate CWG's ability to capture that type of love and how it can feel to lose it not by choice, but death(Seneca Creek, Sorry for the Wait, Lost Without). Also that absolute loyalty and bound you create like on Family Ties, rather be struck down than lose his family for anything.

[@sadrebelfan4285]

Been waiting on this one guys a legend

[@bigarainman]

I found CWG when a local band in my area was playing the likes of Zach Bryan, Childers, Turnpikes and they started playing Strong. I was hooked instantly!

[@sofianabbasi2735]

I just got to see him in concert in Seattle this year! Amazing concert. And Wyatt Flores is another great up and coming artist!

[@jakeyates1541]

He’s been my favorite artist for a year now. I can’t stop listening to the same songs over and over. The same with Cole Chaney as well!

[@Mattfri1]

I got to see him at a theater with just under 800 people and it was amazing. Super excited about the new album

[@ricematthewt]

saw him twice in the last month! Guy throws down and don’t forget about the Allegheny High so damn good !

[@CaptainTalion]

Been listening to him since you reviewed Seneca. Hooked ever since.

[@zakomaken3940]

Loved your last few vids, I like the variety of formats. Please do review of colter wall little songs

[@alexandercebela460]

Great video Grady!

[@kameronjones7158]

Grady is back!

[@Hander2324]

The psalm of David reference is a deeep cut. Nice.

[@cheyannechafin5476]

I’ve been a fan of CWG since Coal Country came out right before Seneca. It’s been amazing watching his rise! I saw him play at a Black Sheep in Morgantown playing all of Seneca during release week. I agree that we need justice for Hardwood Floors to be the song of the year. I also agree that watching CWG and the Allegheny High perform is an experience and they are really putting on a show. I think CWG is just going to be moving on the up and up!

[@jordanreisinger3587]

It’s about time CWG gets this we’ll deserved spotlight on your channel 😂😂

[@-bricemc-7956]

House looking good Grady

[@Braden_S]

CWG gonna be selling out stadiums as the headliner soon

[@scrook138]

I saw him and his band open for Cody Jinks recently and they blew Jinks off the stage.

[@ComedyBros5]

That's what I'm saying! He's opening when he and his boys are clearly headliners for 15k-20k seat venues!

[@bendurand7212]

I love the vids. Keep it up❤

[@ennylekalb]

He is amazing! I find myself being sad he’s not touring more and also sad he’s not home with his family. He makes you want both of those things.

[@CodyAlushin]

Blessed to know these dudes and can confidently say, if anyone deserves success in the music industry, its Charles & the guys.

[@dprobinson192587]

im seeing him in aspen next thursday and then in ft collins the next day! one of my favorite artist right now

[@edwinroyal9734]

Love your review of one of my favorite artists! No idea if this is relevant but The Steel Woods have a song called Anna Lee. I don't know if there is a connection there or not.

[@ParkerG397]

Family Ties is so good. He played it live when I saw him in April and I love it

[@titusbc]

He is one of my favourites on rotation these days. Love his music.

[@whyy__it]

It's in your best interest to see the man live... so damn good

[@AntiQuake]

My absolute favorite artist since you introduced him to me a few years ago. I also bought one of those Jesse paintings.Edit: you should check out the acoustic version of cue country roads, It is sounds amazing.

[@bellcountytourism3294]

Nicest dude in the business. He and his band and entire crew deserve all that's coming their way!

[@johnlennonaid6538]

This is a great video, just needed to let you know

[@jacobhatton2759]

I’ve never thought of the Charles and Hardy comparison but it feels dead on I found both of them from this channel actually and they’re two of my favorite artists while being completely different

[@user-me8hc3bs7i]

I want a proper studio recording of him and Zach singing country roads. The live version was fantastic.

[@will8939able]

Some day I'll be able to listen to Seneca Creek without crying. Best love song.

[@ThomasLiljeruhm]

I didn't know about him. Thanks for introducing him to me.

[@lanegentry6328]

Charles Wesley Godwin is gonna be one of the only artists that I’ll be able to say that I was into them before they were cool 😂 I finally got to see him in concert last year in Lexington and it was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen

[@lfish21.]

Been a CWG fan for awhile. Got super excited to see him at the Ryman and prices were horrible and sold out immediately. 😢 might try driving up to Louisville to see him at Mercury Ballroom.

[@Tuggernauts_]

I saw Charles open for Zach Bryan in Milwaukee and I gotta say he is awesome. I wish I’d known him sooner

[@kaileemarie5817]

I saw him in concert with Cody Jinx and seeing him again with Luke Combs. He seriously is an amazing performer as well as his band. His voice sounds the same as his records. His voice was definitely made for vinyl