Liner Notes

Will Coppage is a native of the Mississippi Delta. His musical journey began at a young age, sitting side-stage while his father performed regionally. Starting on bass, like his father, Coppage grew his guitar chops and performance ability while service in the USAF in Okinawa, Japan. Performing to both US nationals and locals built Coppage's stage presence and energy. His enlistment  ended just four days after 9/11, and Coppage found himself exploring the music scene in Wilmington, NC.

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In NC, Coppage, along with MS Delta-native Ron Etheridge, found regional success in the group, Willie and Me. The band’s roots oriented rock n’ roll caught the attention of film and music producer Geoffrey Hanson, best known for his work with Widespread Panic (Live at Oak Mountain and The Earth Will Swallow You) and as the writer and producer of the cult film Scrapple. 

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By 2006, W&M had shared the stage and festivals with groups such as Widespread Panic, The Avett Brothers, Perpetual Groove, Joe Bonamassa, and Umphrey's Mcgee; been recognized by Honest Tune Magazine as Best New Band along with Best New Album; and even appeared in a major motion picture. However, like many things, W&M’s performance schedule ended as members explored different avenues of creativity.

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To strengthen his skills as a lyricist, Coppage completed both a BFA and MFA in Creative Writing/Poetry. Along with crafting songs, Coppage took up and became proficient on a number of instruments such as piano, mandolin, banjo, and lap steel.. Since then, Coppage has headed the project, My Heart Belongs to Buffalo. With a rotating cast of musicians, MHBTB blended soulful songwriting with raw power - as if Black Sabbath covered Chuck Berry. Coppage also performs with his wife, Missy, in the duo, Gasoline Letters. Over the years, other performers have utilized of Coppage’s experience and musical dexterity, hiring him as a session musician for the stage or studio. Coppage performed on banjo and square-neck resonator with the Delta String Band, a Mississippi Delta roots ensemble up until Summer 2023. 

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2024 has opened new doors, as Coppage has focused on performing his music solo. He stays on the road to reach new fans and audiences. Describing his music as "Y'allMusic," Coppage evokes the songster of the past. At the core, his original music is influenced by roots and Americana; however, from his fortunate past music opportunities, he has managed to fuse multiple genres together, which creates the voice of "Y'all Music." No matter what, Coppage's shows are about energy and connecting to the audience. This is music you feel pulled to move to; this is Mississippi music!