Tommie Branch

WMRA | By Martha Woodroof

Published May 12, 2009 at 5:28 PM EDT

By Martha Woodroof

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wmra/local-wmra-836710.mp3

Harrsonburg, VA – Tommie Branch grew up in Franklin County, one of seven children who slept in one bed.

An African American, he lived through grinding poverty and blatant racism that he now writes songs about.

Martha Woodroof

Marth Woodroof has retired from WMRA and is now spending her time as a full-time writer and published author.