This Kentucky-born folk singer, storyteller, and coal miner grew up and spent most of his life in Mingo County. He learned traditional ballads from his family and wrote his first song at age 10. He worked in coal mines for over 40 years, creating songs underground, and later became active in labor struggles, including the Battle of Blair Mountain.

After retiring due to mining-related illnesses, Workman gained national recognition as a performer, singing at festivals and advocating for black lung disease awareness. He recorded albums, appeared in films like Coal Miner's Daughter, and in 1986 became the first West Virginian to receive a National Heritage Fellowship. His legacy as a voice of Appalachian culture was further honored in 2025 when his recordings were added to the National Recording Registry.