BY PHILL BARNETT
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
TOMAHAWK — James E. Webb Musical Repair and Sales, a cornerstone of the Tomahawk community, is the latest subject of KET’s “Kentucky Life” series. The episode, titled “String Mountain Music: James E. Webb Musical Repair and Sales,” shines a spotlight on the shop and its significant role in nurturing the musical culture of the region.
The segment profiles James L. Webb, son of the shop’s founder, who has seamlessly stepped into his father’s shoes. Despite living in Frankfort with his family as a retired state computer systems engineer, Webb dedicates nearly every weekend to the family business in Tomahawk, continuing the legacy of repairing and selling musical instruments and accessories.
Under Webb’s stewardship, the shop has become a hub for musicians from across the region, including skilled teachers from the Cowan Creek Mountain Music School and renowned Old Time, folk and bluegrass musicians. Webb’s commitment to fostering a vibrant musical community reflects his dedication and passion for the arts.
“The Webb shop has been an important institution in eastern Kentucky since the 1970s,” one of the segment co-producers, Zach Curry, told the Mountain Citizen. “For this segment we wanted to share the story of the shop, the community that has formed around it, and examine the pivotal role of the luthier in the tradition of mountain music.”
The Kentucky Life segment delves into the history of the Webb music shop, including a harrowing moment in 2022 when a devastating fire struck the shop. The story of its recovery is one of resilience and community support, illustrating how the shop was restored to its former kitschy, folksy glory, much to the delight of locals and visitors alike.
Webb has taken his commitment to music and the community a step further by founding the Stidham Old Time Music Association. This nonprofit organization hosts an annual Old Time music festival on the same property as the shop. The festival celebrates the rich musical heritage of the region and seeks to increase music education and participation in the arts.
The feature on KET’s “Kentucky Life” recognizes the importance of the Webb music shop to the musical landscape of eastern Kentucky and the broader region. It highlights the profound impact that one individual’s passion and dedication can have on preserving and promoting cultural heritage.
With the continued efforts of Webb and the support of the Stidham Old Time Music Association, the legacy of the Webb music shop is set to inspire future generations, ensuring that the music of the mountains continues to resonate far and wide.