The West Virginia Music Hall of Fame and Museum of Music present…
Blue Skies Will Haunt You In The End - a mini retrospective of the artwork of Daniel Johnston
Where: The WV Museum of Music in The Charleston Town Center
Hours: Thursday-Saturday 11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.; or by appointment 304/342-4412

Daniel Dale Johnston was born on January 22, 1961, in Sacramento, California, but spent his formative years in West Virginia. He found cult fame in Austin, Texas, after landing there with the carnival in the mid-eighties. Daniel was primarily known for his home recorded lo-fi songs, and his distinctive art. They were both recognized for their raw and vulnerable insights and expression.
After a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, his struggles became a profound influence on his artistic voice, allowing him to connect deeply with audiences worldwide. Johnson gained even more prominence in the 1990s when Kurt Cobain of Nirvana often wore his “Hi, How Are You” album t-shirt featuring Jeremiah, his frog of innocence character. His artwork is full of quirky comic book-inspired creatures, dreamlike landscapes, and friends and enemies which often represented his inner battles and triumphs.
Daniel had a long and fruitful art and touring career before he passed away of natural causes on September 11, 2019. He still inspires generations with his powerful imagery, enduring spirit, and incredible songs. Daniel was inducted into The West Virginia Music Hall of Fame in 2025.