Bill Cox (folk musician)

Bill Cox (1897-1968) was an American old-time country and folk musician, singer, and songwriter. He was known for his high tenor voice and his skill on the guitar, banjo, and fiddle.

Born William McKinley Cox in White Oak, West Virginia, he began performing professionally in the 1920s, initially as part of a duo with his wife, Clara Cox. Later, he often performed with Cliff Hobbs as "Cox and Hobbs." He also recorded solo under his own name.

Cox's repertoire included a mix of traditional Appalachian folk songs, ballads, religious numbers, and original compositions. Some of his best-known recordings include "Coal Creek March," "Rose Garden Waltz," "The Dying Soldier," and "I'm Going That Way."

He recorded extensively for labels such as Gennett, Brunswick, Vocalion, and ARC (American Record Corporation) in the 1920s and 1930s. Although his recording career slowed down after the 1930s, he continued to perform locally and remained a respected figure in West Virginia's folk music scene. His music has been reissued on numerous compilation albums, preserving his legacy as an important early country and folk artist.