Perhaps you were introduced to Stephen Hollen at a festival, school or community event as he told stories, shared inspirational stories or shared his warm humor. Wherever you crossed his path, there is no doubt that he is a cheerleader. As he stands on a platform he makes you smile, makes you think, encourages you to come up higher.
When he talks about his "hometown of Beloved, Kentucky", characters like his Cousin Peanut, Uncle Billy Gilbert or Birdie Sue Poovey, you will grin with recognition because you have kin just like them. As he reads his ragged verse, his warm bass voice slowly weaves a picture of lightening bugs dancin' at dusk, of mist creepin' down a mountain like molasses on a cold plate... and you find yourself entranced, smiling at the memories he weaves around his audience.
Stephen Hollen is an unsung ambassador for Eastern Kentucky. You can see it in the twinkle of his eye, hear it in the richness of his voice as he asks you to come along and go with him back home... to the hills.
