In Honor Of 50 Years, Here Is West Virginia’s State Song 5 Ways

West Virginia's favorite state song has a huge birthday this year: the big 5-0. And good news! You're invited to the party. Crank up the volume, we've got some music to share.

On April 12, 1971, something happened that would change West Virginia forever; we just didn't know that yet. John Denver released a single called "Take Me Home, Country Roads."

It soon became apparent that Denver had a hit on his hands. By August, it was #2 on the charts. It was certified "Gold" in 1971 and "Platinum" in 2017.

By now, 50 years after that first release, we think it's safe to say that just about everybody knows it, and just about everybody loves it... especially in West Virginia.

"Country Roads, Take Me Home" has easily become the Mountain State's anthem and rallying cry. Even the state nickname "Almost Heaven" derives from the song.

In light of all this, and in honor of the fiftieth anniversary of the song's release, here's "Country Roads" five ways:

This one is from West Virginia Tourism's Youtube channel and features some of the most gorgeous views in the state.

That was native West Virginian Brad Paisley singing at a WVU game, courtesy of WVUsports's Youtube channel.

Which of these five versions was your favorite? Do you have another version that you like even more? Please share it with us! Here's one more just in case you haven't quite had enough for today: a dozen or so famous West Virginians who have scattered all across the world come back together (via video) to sing the state song.