This Bluefield native was a musician and songwriter who became famous during the 1920s Jazz Era. After graduating, he toured with his band and wrote hit songs like "Mammy o' Mine" and "Sweet Georgia Brown," which later became the Harlem Globetrotters' theme song. He wrote music for Broadway shows and helped set up Duke Ellington’s first recording. Pinkard’s songs were recorded by stars like Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday. In 1939, he was featured at the New York World's Fair. He was honored in the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame in 2008.