Thompson, Bobby
BOBBY THOMPSON From Franklin, Tennessee. One of country music’s best known studio musicians of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. One of the first “chromatic” (or “melodic”) style banjo players. Influenced many others. Early 60’s, worked wi
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Williams, Josh
JOSH WILLIAMS From Benton, Kentucky. Lives in Dickson, Tennessee. Was one of bluegrass music’s child prodigies. Gained national recognition when he appeared on the 1993 IBMA Awards show in the “Bluegrass Youth All-Stars” band with Chris
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Gaudet, Jim (and the Railroad Boys)
JIM GAUDET AND THE RAILROAD BOYS From Albany, New York. A flat-pick guitarist, best known as a singer/songwriter. Began playing bluegrass (mandolin) with a New York band called the Lost County Ramblers. 2006, formed Jim Gaudet and the Rail
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Parton, Dolly
DOLLY PARTON From Locust Ridge, Tennessee. Began her singing career at age 11. Moved to Nashville in 1964 after graduating from high school. Was introduced to bluegrass music by the Brewster Brothers, Willie and Bud. 1967-1974, worked w
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Gilliams, The
THE GILLIAMS From Keysville, Virginia. A family band featuring Spider Gilliam his wife Bonnie and daughters Cheryl and Julie. Spider Gilliam has worked with the Country Gentlemen and the Seldom Scene. Spider is a bricklayer by trade. His wi
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Ramsey, Aaron
AARON RAMSEY From Morganton, North Carolina. Began playing mandolin when he was 12 years old in a Gospel bluegrass band called Damascus Road. His father Michael Ramsey played bass in that band. 2002, at age 17 played mandolin and guitar wi
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Sparks, Larry
LARRY SPARKS From southern Ohio. Lives in Greensburg, Indiana. Began singing and playing bluegrass when he was 5 years old, learning the guitar from his sister Bernice. 1965, first professional job (at age 18): guitarist with the Stanley Broth
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McAvinue, Patrick
PATRICK MCAVINUE From Hereford, Maryland. Began playing fiddle at age 7. At age 12, formed first band “The Salem Bottom Boys.” Won the Delaware State Fiddle Championship. 2006-2016, worked with Audie Blaylock and Redline. 2007, re
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Two High String Band
TWO HIGH STRING BAND From Austin, Texas. Formed in 2005. Core of the band: Billy Bright (mandolin), Brian Smith (guitar) and Geoff Union (guitar). Alan Munde (banjo) has been a part-time member of this band. 2003, released Insofarasmuch alb
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Bishop, Lawrence
LAWRENCE BISHOP From Monroe, Ohio. He is the founding pastor of the Solid Rock Church in Monroe. He played mandolin and wrote numerous bluegrass/country gospel songs. He recorded six bluegrass albums with his band and many top bluegrass mus
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Find an Artist
This web site contains short profiles of the best-known bluegrass artists and bands.
- Use the Search Band or Artist function located at the top of the sidebar on the right to find an artist by name.
- Or, utilize the Artist List drop-down below the search function in the right sidebar to search by the first letter of their last name if an individual – or – the first letter of a band name.
Check Out These Artists
Fields, Monroe
MONROE FIELDS From Berry, Alabama 1953-1963, played mandolin with Carl...
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Grier, David
DAVID GRIER From Laurel, Maryland. Lives in Nashville, Tennessee. An...
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Wyrick, Stuart
STUART WYRICK From Luttrell, Tennessee (“Tater Valley”) Began performing at...
Read MoreAccess the Bluegrass Calendar
In the navigation at the top of the website, choose a month and then scroll through the days.
Programming Suggestions
Need some music for holidays and other special occasions? Look to the right, I where you’ll find the occasion and some song suggestions to meet your programming needs.
Some Background
A great big howdy to ya, I’m Wayne Rice, a bluegrass radio programmer from San Diego, California. I began compiling this material in 1988 for DJ’s like myself who want to at least sound knowledgeable about bluegrass music on the air. Originally I published Bluegrass Bios® in a three-ring binder and sold it to DJs around the country … but now it’s here on the web and it’s free! Use it for your show prep, or just enjoy learning more about the amazing artists who play and sing bluegrass music. If you find errors or wish to make a suggestion, please contact me. Thanks!
