Former Dobro™ player with the Kentucky Colonels (early 1960’s). He appeared on the Andy Griffith TV show and is a favorite at the annual “Mayberry Days” reunions in Mt. Airy, NC.
For more than 20 years, he performed with a Los Angeles area gospel group called The Born Again Bluegrass Band.
He never gave up his day job (until retirement in 2004). A devout Christian, he led an organization called Businessmen for Christ.
1978, released Hound Dog Ramble album (Sierra/Brier) with Vince Gill (guitar), Byron Berline (fiddle) and John Hickman (banjo).
A singer/songwriter who has performed rhythm and blues and rock music during the bulk of her career. Her first band was a group called the Flashcats (Pittsburgh). She also worked as a singer and songwriter in New York City.
Her last name is Giejda (pronounced “Gayda.”
2012, released her first bluegrass album Road (Blue Road). She plays mandolin and guitar on the album.
2013, won Best Bluegrass/Country Act at the Jersey Acoustic Music Awards (New Jersey).
2015, released Jail Break album (Blue Road), produced by Jim VanCleve.
2018, released “Moonshiner’s Daughter” album (Blue Road), also produced by VanCleve.
From Minneapolis, Minnesota. Born in Mason City, Iowa. Grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
1981-1995, performed with her band Stoney Lonesome.
She made frequent appearances on Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion” (PBS) both as a member of Stoney Lonesome and as a solo performer. She was a member of the original Hopeful Gospel Quartet with Keillor, Chet Atkins and Linda Williams.
1995, formed the Kate MacKenzie Band with mandolinist Chris Silver, also a former member of Stoney Lonesome.
1995, won “Best Country or Bluegrass Recording” at the Minnesota Music Awards for her album Let Them Talk (Red House).
1996, formed a new band called The Pocket Fishermen.
From Landenburg, Pennsylvania—about fifty miles southwest of Philadelphia.
Danny’s father Bob Paisley formed the Southern Grass in 1979. Prior to that he played with Ted Lundy in a band called Bob Paisley, Ted Lundy and the Southern Mountain Boys. Lundy passed away in 1980. The band became Bob Paisley and the Southern Mountain Boys.
After Bob Paisley’s death in 2004, Danny took over leadership of the band. The new Southern Grass includes Bob and T.J. Lundy (sons of Ted Lundy) and Dan’s brother Michael.
In their words, they play “unadorned, intense traditional bluegrass. There is no hybrid or genre-bending music here.”
2015, released “Weary River” album (Patuxent). Band lineup: Danny Paisley (vocals and guitar), Mark Delaney (banjo), T.J. Lundy (fiddle), Eric Troutman (vocals and bass), and son Ryan Paisley (mandolin), just 15 years old.
Formed in 2002 by Bryan Simpson (mandolin, fiddle, lead vocals), Matt Menefee (banjo), Mike Jump (guitar), Clint Sturgeon (bass), and Ross Holmes (fiddle).
2003, released first album “Talent Show,” produced by Pat Flynn.
2005, Andy Moritz replaced Sturgeon on bass.
The band name was inspired by a place called Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo, Texas where a row of old Cadillacs are stuck nose-down in a cow pasture along I-40.
Simpson has written songs recorded by artists such as George Strait, Gretchen Wilson, Joe Nichols, Diamond Rio, Jo Dee Messina, Neal McCoy, Brad Martin and Kenny Rogers. In 2009, his song “I’ll Just Hold On” (recorded by Blake Shelton) reached #5 spot on the Billboard Country chart.
Fiddler Ross Holmes spent time in Josh Turner’s band.
Banjo player Matt Menefee won the Winfield Banjo Championship at age 17.
Since 1978, has owned a night club called “Bobby Mackey’s” where he performs and hosts other country acts. Cincinnatti’s classic country radio station (WAOL) broadcasts live music from there on Friday nights.
Bobby Mackey’s (the night club) has also received national attention because of ghosts that are said to inhabit the building.
2002, formed a bluegrass band called The Pine Hill Pickers.
2004, released Ten Shades of Green album (no label) with Rhonda Vincent, Sonya Isaacs and other guest artists. Produced by Adam Steffey.
He is not the same John Kahn who played bass with Old and In the Way (and the Grateful Dead).
He is a screenwriter and country musician who has worked in the Hollywood film industry. His credits include a film called “The Chili Con Carne Club” and the movie “Girl” which was released in 1998.
He also has a country band called The Color Green, with three albums to their credit.
2009, he wrote a song called “American Heart” which became an anthem embraced by the conservative wing of the Republican party (The Tea Party Movement). To protect his identity, he changed his name to Jon David.
2016, after performing the song in Washington D.C. with The Blinky Moon Boys, he decided to release a bluegrass version of it (produced by Aaron Ramsey at Mountain Fever Studios).
Play “Amphibious Bluegrass,” a blend of bluegrass, folk and rock.
Formed in 1991 by Andrew Kinsey (guitar), Rani Arbo (fiddle), Jeff Kelliher (mandolin), Tim Farnham (banjo). Tony Furtado played banjo in 1995, Dave Dick (formerly with Southern Rail) in 1997.
Got their name from a unique New England phenomenon: Every spring, yellow spotted salamanders make their way from a local hillside to a nearby bog, and must cross a road in the process, a huge media event.
Group owes its existence to John Hartford, who failed to show up at a music workshop he was going to conduct in Massachusetts (1991). Workshop participants decided to just do some impromptu jamming, and that’s when Salamander Crossing was born.
Formed in 2013 by Geoff Union (guitar) and his wife Christina (vocals). Other band members: Jordan Ramsey (mandolin), Chris Elliott (banjo), Pat Hoeper (fiddle) and Andrew Bonnis (bass.)
Formed in 2001 by Andy Groessling (banjo), Tim Carbone (fiddle), John Skehan (mandolin), Carey Harmon (percussion), Dave Von Dollen (bass), Todd Schaeffer (guitar).
They are a jam band specializing in roots & Americana music with bluegrass, folk, celtic, rock and jazz thrown into the mix.
Their name was derived from a short story by Jack Kerouac titled “October in the Railroad Earth.”
Lead vocalist Schaeffer was a founding member of a band called “From Good Homes.”
Groessling and Carbone formerly had a group called “The Blue Sparks from Hell.”
Formed in 2016 by Katelyn Ingardia (guitar/lead vocals), Travis Tucker (Dobro™), Louise Hughes (mandolin), Zachary Carter (banjo) and Jason Belue (bass).
2017, won the band contest at Renofest in Hartsville, SC.
2017, released debut album “Carolina” (no label).
2017, released “A Thousand Wishes” album (Poor Mountain)
A family band featuring Jack and Anne Abeel and their two daughters Amanda and Charity.
Jack and Anne are graphic artists who met in art school. Jack is owner of Jack Abeel Custom Millwork in Disputanta.
1995, released their first album Snowflakes & Diamonds (no label) produced by Missy Raines.
After the family band broke up, Jack Abeel formed a duo with fiddler Margaret Graham and released one album Edging the Grass (no label) with Eddie and Martha Adcock.
A celtic/Americana group featuring siblings Dave and Louise Holden (guitar, vocals), Adrian Hart (fiddle), Colin Derham (banjo) and Konrad Liddy (bass).
Members: Ricky Stroud (mandolin), Blake Johnson (bass), Mike Johnson (guitar), Cliff Smith (banjo), David Nance (Dobro™). Nance formerly played with Jimmy Martin’s Sunny Mountain Boys.
2010, released Forever Yours album (Mountain Fever).
Brother and sister duo; have sung together since childhood.
1967, won a talent contest in Wheeling performing as “Hardship and Perseverance.” The following year, they won it again as “The Katzenjammer Kids.” Next year, they won it a third time as the “Campbell Soup Kids.”
Tim is a well-known bluegrass artist (best known for his work with Hot Rize and The Earls of Leicester). Mollie studied voice in college and has performed opera and musical theatre.
A veteran Southern California fiddler who has been a performer and studio musician since the early 1970’s. He has taught music, owned a music store and has fronted several bands including the Phil Salazar Band, the Acousticats, The Rincon Ramblers and Phil Salazar and the Kinfolk.
He has also toured with John McEwen and Bob Weir (of the Grateful Dead).
1982, released “Down at Evangelina’s” album (The Acousticats, no label).
A band featuring the lead vocals of Tianna Lefebvre. Other members of the group include Mike Sanyshyn (fiddle, mandolin), Charlie Frie (bass) and Eric Reed (guitar, banjo). Sanyshyn and Lefebvre are husband and wife.
They have three times won the BCCMA Gaylord Wood Traditional Country Award (British Columbia Country Music Association).
Lefebvre has also won female vocalist of the year at the BCCMA Awards. She has also worked with Shania Twain.
Sanyshyn was a top 3 finalist at the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Championship and has won the BCCMA award for Fiddle Player of the Year.
Formed in 2006 by Scott and Elizabeth Hopkins (banjo/bass). Other members: Tony Califano (mandolin) and Morrie Safford (guitar), Brig McCutcheon (guitar)and Joe Gumpper (fiddle).
The band is named after the street the Hopkins live on.
Hopkins is a public school band teacher. He plays the tuba.
From the Virginia-North Carolina-Kentucky-Maryland region.
Formed in 2016 by four bluegrass music veterans: Shayne Bartley (mandolin), Darren Beachley (bass), Greg Luck (guitar) and David Carroll (banjo). Former bands include Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, IIIrd Tyme Out, American Drive, Unlimited Tradition, the James King Band and the Darrell Webb Band.
Luck also performs with Alan Bibey and Grasstowne.
At age 12, performed on stage with Alison Krauss and Union Station.
1996, sang with an Oregon band, Blue River.
1997, formed group called Severin and Bailey.
After moving to Nashville, she made guest appearances with Larry Cordle and Lonesome Standard Time, The Sidemen, The Roland White Band, The John Cowan Band and others.
From Philadelphia, Mississippi. Lives in Nashville.
Best known for his virtuosity on banjo and guitar, he is also a very successful vocalist, songwriter and record producer.
First band: The Country Partners with his father Lee Jackson, his Uncle Pete and Uncle Sock.
1967, began his professional musical career at age 14, playing banjo with Jim and Jesse.
1971, joined the Sullivan Family gospel group.
1972, moved to Columbus, Ohio to form The Country Store with Keith Whitley and Jimmy Gaudreau.
1973-1985, worked with Glen Campbell, replacing Larry McNeeley on Campbell’s TV show. He was billed as “The Greatest Banjo Player in the World” in Campbell’s live shows.
1990, won IBMA Award for Song of the Year for his composition, “Little Mountain Church House.
1991, released Spring Training album (Sugar Hill), a collaboration with former Seldom Scene vocalist John Starling and Emmy Lou Harris’ band, The Nash Ramblers.
1992, won the Grammy Award for best bluegrass album (for Spring Training).
2004, won IBMA award for Recorded Event of the Year as producer of “Livin’ Lovin’ Losin: the Songs of the Louvin Brothers.” This album also won Carl a second Grammy Award the same year.
As a songwriter, he has written dozens of hit songs for other artists including “Against the Grain” (Garth Brooks), “Real Ladies Man” (Vince Gill) and “Letter to Home” (Glen Campbell). His songs have sold more than 40 million records.
He is a collector of baseball memorabilia, cars (like his 1957 Ford T-Bird given to him by Glen Campbell) and claims to be the “biggest Ole Miss Rebel fan in the world.”
Mid-2000’s, played in a band called Allegheny Blue.
Grew up in a musical family. His great uncle played steel and Dobro™ with such artists as Tom T. Hall and Eddie Rabbit.
With his bluegrass band, he performs as Caleb Bailey and Paine’s Run. They are: Bailey (guitar), Rob Slusser (banjo), Brandon Kyle (bass), Joe Showalter (fiddle), Chandler Beavers (mandolin) and Wyatt Wood (guitar).
2021, released solo project “Poplar and Pine” (no label) featuring his original songs, produced by Gaven Largent.
Began his music career in Nashville working at Opryland USA doing impressions of country stars like Roy Acuff, Jimmie Rodgers, Eddy Arnold and Lester Flatt. His partner who impersonated Earl Scruggs was a young Steven Curtis Chapman, who later became a well-known Christian artist).
Best known as a songwriter. His original songs have been recorded by such artists as Loretta Lynn, the Oak Ridge Boys, Patty Loveless, Reba McIntyre, Brad Paisley, Toby Keith, Chris Stapleton, Doyle Lawson and many others. One of his gospel songs “His Strength Is Perfect” has been published in several church hymnbooks.
As a solo artist, he has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry, Late Night with David Letterman, The Today Show.
2004, he performed on the IBMA Award-winning “Livin, Lovin’ & Losin’: Tribute to the Louvin Brothers” CD (in a trio with Carl Jackson and Larry Cordle.)
2003, won the SESAC “Country Music Songwriter of the Year” award.
2007, released New Songs Old Friends album (Mountain Home) featuring guest artists Vince Gill, Del McCoury, Doyle Lawson, Ricky Skaggs, the Oak Ridge Boys and Rhonda Vincent.
Plays bluegrass, jazz, pop, country and rock, all on the banjo.
1991, earned his doctorate in music from the University of Kentucky. His dissertation was titled “An American Concerto for 5-string Banjo and Orchestra.”
1993, performed his concerto with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
Formed in 2007 by Jamie Dailey (a former member of Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver) and Darrin Vincent (a former member of Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder).
Darrin Vincent is the younger brother of Rhonda Vincent. As youngsters, they performed together in their family band The Sally Mountain Show.
2008, released first project Dailey & Vincent (Rounder Records) and made their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
2008, won an unprecedented six IBMA awards in their first year of eligibility: Entertainer of the Year, Emerging Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Vocal Group of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year (Jamie) and Gospel Recording of the Year (for “By the Mark”).
2015, began hosting “The Dailey & Vincent Show” on RFD-TV.
2016, made their 100th appearance on the Grand Ole Opry on December 30th (also the 10th anniversary of their forming their act) on December 30th. It was also announced that evening that they would be inducted as members of the Opry.
2017, were officially inducted as members of the Opry on March 11.
From Emory Gap, Tennessee, near Knoxville. Lives in Upstate New York.
Full name: Franklin Delano Roosevelt Wakefield.
Known for his technical virtuosity on the mandolin. Influenced David Grisman and many other mandolin players. One of the first to play jazz on the instrument.
Learned to play music in rural pentecostal “snake-handling” churches around east Tennessee.
Grew up on a farm and never went to school. He learned to read and write when he was 28 years old.
Hidden talent: he can talk backwards.
1957, at age 19, moved to Dayton, Ohio and met Red Allen. They formed a group called the Blue Ridge Mountain Boys.
1958, worked for a short time with Jimmy Martin.
1958, he and Red Allen formed The Kentuckians.
1959, briefly worked with the Stanley Brothers.
1960, with Red Allen, re-assembled the Kentuckians, this time in Baltimore. Other personnel included banjo players Bill Keith, Don Reno, Bill Emerson, Pete Kuykendall, Eric Weissberg; also fiddlers Chubby Wise, Scott Stoneman, others.
1964-68, joined the Greenbriar Boys. While with the Greenbriar Boys, he was seriously injured in an auto accident, putting him in a coma for more than a month.
He has recorded several albums as a duo with Red Allen.
1972, released self titled album (Rounder) and began performing as a solo artist.
1978, released “Frank Wakefield and the Good Old Boys” album (Flying Fish).
1980, released “End of the Rainbow” album (Bay).
1997, released “That Was Now … This is Then” album (Rosewoodl).
2000, released “Midnight on the Mandolin” (Patuxent).
Born in Fort Monroe, Virginia; grew up in the San Antonio, Texas area.
1974, moved to Nashville to write songs.
Mid-80’s, recorded for Epic Records, scored several hit records, including “Guitar Town (1986),” and “Goodbye’s All We Got Left” (1987).
He has won three Grammies and has had songs recorded by Travis Tritt, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, many others.
1988-1994, went rock and recorded several albums which were generally ignored by country radio. He became something of a cult figure. He has had several run-ins with the law, including a drug charge.
1998, recorded a bluegrass album called Mountain and toured with the Del McCoury Band. This was his only foray into bluegrass music.
Leader of the Nashville Bluegrass Band since its inception (plays banjo).
1974, began performing with James Monroe and the Midnight Ramblers.
1979, joined The Front Porch String Band.
1982, was a member of The Bluegrass Band, a project band led by Butch Robins.
1984, formed the Nashville Bluegrass Band.
Among his songwriting credits: “Those Memories of You” was recorded by “The Trio” (Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris).
Trademark singing style: holds the head of the banjo up near the microphone while he sings “into” the banjo. According to O’Bryant, he originally did it to get the weight off his diaphragm, thus giving him more vocal control. But he noticed that the “echo” effect also helped him to stay on pitch.
1995, received the Heritage Award from the Charlotte (NC) Folk Music Society for his role in preserving his home state’s traditional music.
A banjo player with a remarkable ability to play Scruggs-style banjo despite a birth defect which left him with no fingers on his left hand, just a thumb and several partial digits.
1993, joined Silver Creek.
1994, joined Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver.
1997, joined IIIrd Tyme Out.
1998, was a founding member of Mountain Heart.
2014, left Mountain Heart to strike out on his own.
2016, had surgery to repair nerve damage in his neck, which hindered his playing.
2018, teamed up with Darrell Webb (guitar/mandolin) to form Appalachian Road Show.
2019, he and his wife adopted a pair of siblings from a foster care facility including a youngster with the same birth defect on his hand as Barry. The story of the Abernathy family was then featured in a 2020 story on NBC’s The Today Show and also on the syndicated Mike Huckabee television program.
Moved with her family to California in 1933 in search of a better life. They traveled by hitching rides in empty railroad boxcars. When they arrived in California, the only work they could find was as migrant “fruit tramps” working the fields and orchards up and down the fertile valleys of California.
1937, began performing with her brothers as “The Maddox Brothers and Rose,” one of country music’s most successful acts (broke up in 1956).
Voted best female country vocalist by both Billboard and Cashbox magazines. She became known as “The Queen of the West.”
After launching her solo career, she formed a band called The Foggy Notion Band. In her words, “I never had the foggiest notion that I would ever have my own band.”
1962, recorded Rose Maddox Sings Bluegrass (Capitol) which is widely believed to be the first bluegrass album released by a female vocalist. Side musicians on the album included Bill Monroe, Don Reno and Red Smiley.
1980, released This Is Rose Maddox album (Arhoolie) with the Vern Williams Band.
1983, released Beautiful Bouquet album (Arhoolie) with the Vern Williams Band.
Began as a family band in 1995 called The Gospel Bluegrass Boys. In 2007, after some band member changes, the name of the group was changed to LakeSide.
Members in 2019 include: Greg Blankenship (mandolin), Lucas Blankenship (percussion), Jackie Cummings (bass), John Robert Freels (banjo), Walt Williamson (guitar).
2019, released Moving On album (Morning Glory), produced by Aaron Ramsey.
A husband-and-wife duo who perform old-time country duets.
1964, Barry formed a rock band called Barry and the Remains, a successful group that opened for the Beatles final U.S. tour.
Became friends with the late Gram Parsons, fell in love with country music.
1970’s, Barry and Holly sang together in an electric country band called The Outskirts.
1980-89, Barry replaced Ricky Skaggs in Emmylou Harris’ Hot Band.
Have performed on the Grand Ole Opry and Garrison Keillor’s “Prairie Home Companion” radio show.
Barry and Holly grew up in Westport, Connecticut, went to the same high school and double-dated together—each dating someone else. They married in 1972.
Formed in 2012 by Lauren Stovall (guitar/lead vocals), Dusty Rider (banjo), Peter Sharpe (mandolin), and Leslie Ziegler (bass). Ziegler was later replaced by Jean-Luc Davis (bass). Joe Esposito (fiddle) also joined the group.
2018, disbanded temporarility. Stovall and Sharpe got married and moved to Costa Rica. Rider became a pilot for a charter airline. Davis worked with the Jeff Austin Band.
A bluegrass supergroup formed by Jerry Douglas to pay tribute to the music of Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys. They re-enact the songs of Flatt and Scruggs by performing them in similar costumes and choreography.
Band members (2013): Jerry Douglas (Uncle Josh Graves/Dobro™), Tim O’Brien (Curly Seckler/mandolin), Shawn Camp (Lester Flatt/guitar), Johnny Warren (Paul Warren/fiddle), Charlie Cushman (Earl Scruggs/banjo) and Barry Bales (Jake Tullock/bass.) Subbing for O’Brien (who is also a member of Hot Rize): Shawn Lane, Ronnie McCoury and Frank Solivan.
While the name of the band is a pun, there have been many actual Earls of Leicester in Great Britain, part of the English “peer system” of dukes and earls which bestows automatic membership in the House of Lords. The current “7th Earl of Leicester” is Edward Douglas Coke, b. 1936. His heir apparent is Robert Edward Coke, b. 1965.
From Short Gap, West Virginia. Lives in Nashville, Tennessee.
Real name: Melissa Kay Raines Surratt (also plays a Kay bass!)
Has played bass with many bands including Stars and Bars, Cloud Valley, The Eddie Adcock Band, The Brother Boys, Claire Lynch and the Front Porch String Band.
1997-2007, worked as a duo with guitarist Jim Hurst, both of whom were also members of the Claire Lynch Band.
2000, released Two album with Jim Hurst (Pinecastle).
2007, formed her own band called Missy Raines and the New Hip (a reference to her recent hip surgery).
2009, released first “New Hip” album Inside Out (Compass).
2012, formed a band with David Grier, Mike Compton and Shad Cobb called The Helen Highwater String Band.
2013, released New Frontier album with The New Hip (Compass).
2018, released “Swept Away” (single, Compass) with “The First Ladies of Bluegrass,” Sierra Hull (mandolin), Alison Brown (banjo), Becky Buller (fiddle) and Molly Tuttle (guitar). Each were the first women to win IBMA Awards in their respective instrument categories.
2018, won the IBMA Award for Recorded Event of the Year (for “Swept Away.”)
Stage name used by the Vincent family bluegrass band: Johnny Vincent (banjo), Carolyn (bass); sons Darrin and Brian (guitar and mandolin respectively), and daughter Rhonda (lead vocals, mandolin and fiddle).
1967, began performing on their own TV show called “The Sally Mountain Show” which eventually became the band’s name. They were called The Sally Mountain Singers on their first album.
The name “Sally Mountain” comes from a mountain near Worthington, Missouri which the local people called Sally’s Mountain, named after Sally Mosely, an old time fiddler who lived on the mountain and claimed to have written the fiddle tune “Sally Goodin'”.
They performed at many prestigious venues including the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and the Lincoln Center in New York City.
Recorded four albums on their own label (Stardust) in the 1980’s.
2003, reunited to record “A Family Tradition” album. Rhonda and Darrin performed on the album as did Jamie Dailey and Stuart Duncan.
They host an annual bluegrass festival in Sally Mountain Park near Queen City, Missouri.
2014, Johnny Vincent died after a long illness at the age of 73.
1996-1999, played guitar and sang lead with The Water Street Blues Band (later WaterStreet) combining Blues, Funk, Jazz, R&B, Country, Gospel and Bluegrass.
2000-2004, worked with Buddy Merriam and Back Roads.
2004, joined Alicia Nugent’s band. Also worked with Bradley Walker, Malibu Storm, other bands.
2007, joined the Infamous Stringdusters, replacing Chris Eldridge (who joined Chris Thile’s band)
Formed in 1985 to compete in the East Coast Bluegrass Band Championship in Crimora, Virginia. After winning the contest, they just kept the name.
Members: Buster Sexton (banjo), Mike Andes (mandolin), Frankie Hawkins (guitar) , Darin Lawrence (guitar), Bill Ledbetter (bass), and Mitchell Davis (fiddle). Buster’s son Chris Sexton replaced Davis in 1997.
1986, won the Virginia Folk Music Society State Bluegrass Band Championship.
1998, released “Life’s Highways” album on Copper Creek Records.
2000, the group broke up. Andes and Davis (now playing banjo) continued to play with the group Nothin’ Fancy, which had formed in 1994.
Formed in 2017 as a pick-up band to play dates at Nashville’s Station Inn and eventually became a full-time band. They are regulars at Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge in Nashville.
Members: Cory Walker (banjo), Harry Clark (guitar), Maddie Denton (fiddle), Gaven Largent (Dobro™), James Kee (mandolin) and Geoff Sanders (bass).
2021, released first album East Nash Grass (Lamb Lyfe Records).
2023, made their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry on Halloween night.
1993, performed with best selling author and lecturer Robert Fulghum (All I Ever Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten) at such venues as Carnegie Hall in New York City. She “colors” his stories with the fiddle.
Calls her flamboyant style: “chrome on the range.”
1994, toured with Texas swing band Asleep at the Wheel.
Began performing at the age of 9, playing mandolin in his father’s band “Clayton Hale and the Bluegrass Mountaineers.”
Age 11, was invited to perform at the Grand Ole Opry with Bill Monroe.
Has been a band member with the Reno Brothers, J. D. Crowe and the New South (guitar, lead vocals), Livewire, Eddie and Martha Adcock (mandolin) and several other bands.
2000, founded Wildfire with Curt Chapman.
Played on two Dolly Parton albums: “Halos and Horns” and “For God and Country.”
2012, released first solo project Pure & Simple (Pinecastle).
2020, released Blue Haze album (Pinecastle) with his “8th Wonder Band” including Scott Vestal, Missy Raines and Shawn Lane.
A family band (the Moore Family) featuring siblings Kyndal (mandolin), Morgan (guitar), Parker (banjo), Daniel (fiddle), Norah (fiddle) and Garrett (bass).
2017, they ranged in age from 11 (Norah) to 21 (Parker).
They began performing together as a band in 2014.
While they are not exclusively a gospel-singing group, their band name comes from the Bible (Matthew 5:13-16).
2017, released their second album “Second Course” (Whale Tone).
Played banjo in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s with the Lilly Brothers, Joe Val and the New England Bluegrass Boys and other New England bands. Also had his own group, Bill Hall and the Northwind Bluegrass.
Was also a prolific songwriter with more than 100 songs to his credit.
1984, released “In the Shadow of the Pines” album on Old Homestead Records.
Was recognized by the International Bluegrass Music Museum as one of the 200 original pioneers of bluegrass music.
From Northern Virginia; originally from Jolo, West Virginia.
1964-66, played with a group called the Page Valley Boys.
1967, began professional musical career with Bill Emerson. Emerson and Waldron recorded several albums for Rebel Records, and was the first to record the Manfred Mann song “Fox on the Run” in a bluegrass style.
Worked briefly with The Shenandoah Cutups before forming The New Shades of Grass (1968-74), a group that recorded seven albums for Rebel Records.
1974, went to work for the National Park Service.
1975, became a devout Christian and formed a gospel band.
1985, had severe health problems which resulted in a kidney transplant.
1996, retired from the National Park Service and returned to playing bluegrass music.
2001, recorded a gospel album with Paul Williams called “Higher Ground.”
2021, he was presented with the IBMA’s Distinguished Achievement Award.
As a sideman, he has performed with Bill Monroe, Roland White, Vassar Clements, Loretta Lynn, Chet Akins, Larry Cordle, Laurie Lewis, Dale Ann Bradley and many others.
As a session musician, he has recorded with Kenny Rogers, Michael Martin Murphy, Johnny Cash, Tammy Wynette, Ronnie Milsap and many others. He has played at Carnegie Hall and on Austin City Limits..
Has been a member of The Cluster Pluckers, Kathy Chiavola Band, the Roland White Band, The J.T. Gray Band and several others.
From Martinsville, Indiana. Lives in Georgetown, Kentucky.
At age 11, learned banjo and began performing with his brother Taylor (mandolin) as The Baker Boys.
2007, at age 16 took his first professional job with Karl Shiflett and Big Country Show. He also spent some time with Wildfire, The Wildwood Valley Boys, Marty Raybon and Full Circle, David Peterson and 1946, Avery County, Melvin Goins and Windy Mountain.
2008, joined Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper. While with this band, they won the IBMA Award for Instrumental Group of the Year.
When Gary Waldrep retired, original members Wayne and Jerry Crain (father/son) relocated to Florida and changed the name of the group to Sand Mountain.
2000, Waldrep began touring with his own group, The Gary Waldrep Band.
A singer/songwriter, he played guitar for many years with a band called Signal Mountain. Bandmates included Shawn Camp, Tim and Dennis Crouch, Donnie Catron and others.
His father, Freddie Sanders produced the Sanders Family Bluegrass Festival in McAlester, Oklahoma, one of the largest in the region.
Songwriting credits: “You Could Be Me” (Del McCoury) and “Down Where the River Ends” (Kix Brooks and Wayne Toups), co-written with Shawn Camp.
2018, released “Fast Train to Lonesome” album (Rural Rhythm).
Not primarily known as a bluegrass artist, but recorded an album called “The Bluegrass Sessions” in 2007. Bluegrass legend Ronnie Reno was a member of his band in the mid-1970’s and bluegrass bands such as the Osborne Brothers and Brush Arbor often toured with him.
Has had 40 number one country hits, including “Okie from Muskogie”, “If We Make It Through December” and “Daddy Frank.”
1970, won CMA award for Album of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Single of the Year. Has won dozens of CMA and ACM awards, three Grammies including the Lifetime Achievement Award.
1994, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
1996, toured with Patty Loveless, playing guitar and singing harmony. While with Patty, she appeared on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with David Letterman, Hee Haw, other TV shows.
1995, returned to the New Coon Creek Girls.
1996, embarked on solo career.
1997, released first solo album Long Road (Vanguard).
1999, was a final nominee for IBMA’s Emerging Artist of the Year award.
2001, joined staff of OMS Records, doing promotion.
Hobby: Reading and studying naturopathic nutritional healing and theology
2002-2007, sang and played with Porter Wagoner on the Grand Ole Opry.
2009, released solo project Benefit of Doubt (Home Sweet Highway).
Features brothers Jessie (banjo) and Taylor (mandolin) Baker. Taylor is 2 years older than Jessie.
Began performing in 2002 as youngsters, age 12 and 14. Mom and dad, Anna and David, performed with the boys on bass and guitar.
They won several band competitions and performed regularly at festivals like Bean Blossom and Ralph Stanley’s Memorial Weekend Bluegrass Festival in Coeburn, VA.
2006, performed at the Grand Ole Opry with Mike Snider.
2007, at age 16 Jessie began his career working as a sideman with other top bluegrass bands (see Jessie Baker).
2008, The Baker Boys released their only CD on Patuxent Records.
Formed in 1975 by Jack Tottle (mandolin), Robin Kincaid (guitar), Paul Kahn (bass), Bela Fleck (banjo) and Stacy Phillips (Dobro™). Pat Enright (guitar) and Mark Schatz (bass) were later members of this band.
A fiddler who worked in the late 1930’s with Roy Hall and His Blue Ridge Entertainers (with whom he made the very first recording of the Orange Blossom Special.)
1940, joined Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys and appeared on some of Monroe’s earliest recordings.
1946-47, worked with Roy Acuff’s Smoky Mountain Boys. While with Acuff, he made the first recording of the Black Mountain Rag.
1947, formed the Orange Blossom Boys.
1951, formed Tommy Magness and His Tennessee Buddies, which included Don Reno and Red Smiley. They recorded several juke box hits for King Records.
Southern California-based band featuring Byron Berline, Dan Crary, John Moore, John Hickman and Steve Spurgin.
Formed in 1991. They were formerly called B-C-H (Berline, Crary, Hickman). Changed name to California when Spurgin and Moore were added to the group.
While the group was called California, John Moore was the only California native.
1992, 1993, won IBMA award for “Instrumental Group of the Year.”
Broke up in 1996. Crary and Spurgin left to pursue solo careers. Moore performed with his trio “Bluegrass Etc.” and also trained horses. Berline formed his own “Byron Berline Band” with John Hickman on banjo in Guthrie, Oklahoma. Berline also owned a music store and concert venue called “Byron’s Double Stop Fiddle Shop” and promoted an annual bluegrass festival in Oklahoma. Both Berline and Hickman are now deceased.
A songwriter whose songs have been recorded by Garth Brooks (“Two Pina Coladas”), Brooks and Dunn (“How Long Gone”), George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Josh Turner, Patty Loveless, Randy Travis, Del McCoury, Ricky Skaggs, many others.
1987, moved to Nashville at age 20, worked with Osborne Brothers, playing fiddle.
1991, signed with a major label (Reprise) and recorded first album which was never released.
2004, recorded a live bluegrass album at the Station Inn in Nashville, Live at the Station Inn (Oh Boy Records).
2007, he and rockabilly singer Billy Burnette released an album called “The Bluegrass Elvises” featuring bluegrass covers of Elvis Presley hits.
2013, formed a Flatt and Scruggs tribute band called Earls of Leicester.
2017, won his second IBMA Award for Male Vocalist of the Year (he also won in 2015).
From Jenkins, Kentucky. During much of his career, he lived in Gallatin, Tennessee.
1957-1984, played fiddle with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys on four different occasions. His longest stint was 17½ years from March ‘67 to October ‘84.
Bill Monroe frequently called him “the greatest bluegrass fiddler in the world.”
First pro job: Don Gibson’s band (1953).
1990-91, recorded and toured with a group called “The Masters” (Kenny, Josh Graves, Byron Berline and Eddie Adcock).
1990’s, performed and recorded as a duo with Josh Graves.
1993, received a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Formed in 1995 as “Deep River” by John Lowell and Nancy Padilla, formerly with Wheel Hoss. Lowell also worked with the Wyoming band Loose Ties.
1998, added Jerry Nettuno (formerly with Highstrung). Former Wheel Hoss and New Vintage banjo player Julie Elkins also joined the band.
1999, changed name to Kane’s River because they found that another group was performing under the name Deep River. Named after an eccentric mountain man in Montana named Kane Fisher.
He also worked with the Cumberland Highlanders and the Sidemen. He appeared on an album by the Sidemen Almost Live at the Station Inn (Grave Records).
2003, died at the age of 40 from carbon monoxide poisoning while sleeping on a converted school bus near Clarksville, Tennessee. Rosie Carter Nix, granddaughter of Johnny Cash and June Carter, also died in the accident. He was playing fiddle in her band at the time. Drug abuse was apparently a contributing factor.
Formed in 1973 by Lawrence Lane (guitar), Keith Lane (mandolin), Radford Vance (banjo) and Ray Sonaugle (fiddle).
1974, released “Washington’s Files” album (Rome).
1976, released “1776-1976” album (Rome).
Lane also promoted several bluegrass festivals in Kentucky.
Jimmy Olander of the group Diamond Rio was once a member of this band (playing banjo).
2017, the group Carolina Blue recorded Sounds of Kentucky Grass (Poor Mountain), a tribute to Lawrence Lane and the Kentucky Grass. Lawrence Lane is the great uncle of Carolina Blue’s mandolin player, Timmy Jones.
Born & raised in Fort Blackmore, Virginia. Lives in Walhalla, South Carolina.
An original member of Blue Highway. Plays mandolin.
1990, worked with Lou Reid.
1991-1993, worked with Doyle Lawson.
1993-1994, worked with Ricky Skaggs.
1995-present, Blue Highway.
Early days: performed at a Johnson City (TN) club every 1st Thursday of the month with country singer Kenny Chesney.
Has a degree in Machine Tool Technology; graduated on the President’s List of his college and was selected for “Who’s Who” of American Students in 1994.
2003, released solo project All For Today (Rebel Records).
2014, released solo project Mountain Songs (Cat Town Records).
2014, filled in for Tim O’Brien with The Earls of Leicester.
2019, released an EP with guitarist Richard Bennett called “Land and Harbor” (Bonfire).
From Weaverville, North Carolina. Lived most of his life in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
A country music pioneer whose mountain string band music of the 1930’s helped lay the foundation for bluegrass which developed in the 1940’s.
He and his older brother J.E. Mainer began performing together in 1927. They were first known as J.E. Mainer’s Crazy Mountaineers. Wade played banjo; J.E. played fiddle. In 1935, they recorded 14 songs for the RCA Bluebird label, including their biggest hit “Maple on the Hill.”
1936, formed his own band, Sons of the Mountaineers with Zeke and Wiley Morris, Clyde Moody, other musicians. From 1935 to 1941, they were one of the most heavily-recorded country artists of that era.
1953, left the music business and moved to Flint, Michigan where he worked for General Motors, retiring in 1972.
1975, began performing again with his wife, Julia May (stage name “Hillbilly Lilly”), who sings and plays guitar. They performed exclusively Gospel music.
Mainer played banjo in the two-finger style popularized by Snuffy Jenkins (who inspired Earl Scruggs to develop his three-finger style.)
2002, appeared at the Grand Ole Opry and was Grand Marshall for the Uncle Dave Macon Days parade in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
A family band featuring three siblings: Will Jones (guitar), Laura Leigh Jones (mandolin), Ashley Jones (bass), dad Phillip Jones (guitar), Rick Allred (banjo).
Allred previously worked with the Country Gentlemen, Larry Stephenson Band, McPeak Brothers.
2010, released “No Expectations” CD. At the time of recording, Will was 18, Laura Leigh 20, Ashley 23.
BUTCH BALDASSARI (See also WEARY HEARTS, NASHVILLE MANDOLIN ENSEMBLE)
From Scranton, Pennsylvania. Lives in Nashville.
A mandolinist who grew up listening to the music of Frank Sinatra, Louis Prima and other classic pop stars. He was converted to bluegrass after attending the 1972 Philadelphia Folk Festival.
1977, moved to Las Vegas, Nevada. Worked as a croupier, running craps tables in the El Cortez and MGM Grand Casinos.
1986, joined the Arizona-based band Weary Hearts with Ron Block, Mike Bub and Chris Jones.
1989, moved to Nashville with Weary Hearts. The group disbanded shortly thereafter.
Formed in 2014 by Matt Thomas (bass) and Matt “Roy” Royles (guitar). Other band members: Dan Whitener (banjo), Matthew Hiller (mandolin), and Eric Lee (fiddle).
Confined to a wheel chair since childhood, he was born with Muscular Dystrophy.
Began singing as a child. At age 3, attended an Oak Ridge Boys concert and backstage, sang “Elvira” with them. They were so impressed they invited him to sing on the Jerry Lewis Labor Day telethon, and he has appeared and performed on that annual broadcast many times.
1996, graduated from high school and fell in love with bluegrass
1998, formed a band called the Trinity Mountain Boys.
2001, joined Lost Horizon, an Atlanta-based group, as their lead singer.
2002, first appeared on the Grand Ole Opry as a guest of Third Tyme Out.
2006, released Highway Of Dreams album (Rounder), produced by Carl Jackson.
2007, won IBMA Award for Male Vocalist of the Year.
2008, his video for the song “A Little Change” reached #1 on CMT.
A singer/songwriter, known best for his gospel songs.
His song “Listen to the Word of God” appeared on the Lonesome River Band’s award-winning Carrying the Tradition album.
Owns a lumber company in New Hampshire called “Highland Hardwoods.”
Has recorded several albums under the name “Rick Lang and Friends.”
2010, released an album of his songs featuring special guests Russell Moore, Dale Ann Bradley, Barry Scott, Junior Sisk and other well known bluegrass musicians. He himself did not perform on the album.
2018, released The Undertow album (RLM) featuring songs about the ocean.
2018, released Gonna Sing, Gonna Shout album (Billy Blue), produced by Jerry Salley and featuring gospel songs with vocals by Dave Adkins, Marty Raybon, Claire Lynch, the Cox Family, Kenny and Amanda Smith, High Road, the Whites, Bradley Walker, Jerry Salley, Larry Cordle and others.
2019, won the IBMA Award for Gospel Recording of the Year for the song “Gonna Sing, Gonna Shout,” sung by Claire Lynch.
2018, his band included Zink (guitar/lead vocals), John Roc (mandolin), Dan Menzone (banjo), Keith Edwards (bass), Doug Bartlett (mandolin) and Gary Pomerleau (fiddle).
2019, moved to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and was signed by Sound Biscuit Records. He is a regular performer at Dollywood. He also formed a “classic country” band to expand his audience.
2021, released singles “Bein’ Country” and “Best of Her” (Sound Biscuit).
A duo featuring sisters Shaunna (fiddle) and Tina (mandolin) Larkin. They began performing together as children in their family band “The Larkin Family.” They were regulars at Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
2001, first appearance at the Grand Ole Opry.
2003, released first album Larkins (Audium) with guest Dolly Parton.
From Troutman, North Carolina. Lives in Nashville.
A successful Nashville singer/songwriter who has written hits for Patty Loveless, Mark Chesnutt, Kathy Mattea, George Strait and many others.
Lived in New York City for several years, played bluegrass there and appeared in several musicals (“Pump Boys and Dinettes,” “The Cotton Patch Gospel,” etc). He has also lived and worked in Texas and California.
Has played in bands with Dwight Yoakam, Darden Smith, Carlene Carter and Lucinda Williams.
1998, released I Feel Like Singing Today, a collaboration with Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys.
2002, released second collaboration with Ralph Stanley called Lost in the Lonesome Pines (Dualtone) which won the Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album (in 2003).
They are brothers who began performing together in their teens. Cory plays banjo, guitar and resonator guitar, Jarrod plays mandolin. Their brother Tyler also plays guitar. Ages (June 2006): Cory, age 16; Jarrod, age 14; Tyler, age 10.
2003, Cory appeared on the IBMA Awards Show with the “Young American Bluegrass Idols.”
2004, appeared with Keith Urban on a CBS TV special.
2005, appeared on the IBMA’s “Kids on Bluegrass” video and were part of the band “Juvenescence” that performed on the IBMA’s Fanfest stage.
2005-6, appeared on the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Award ceremony, opening for Alison Krauss & Union Station and Diamond Rio.
2005-6, performed together as “The Bluegrass Parlor Band with Cory and Jarrod Walker.”
2007, Cory joined Sierra Hull and Highway 111, playing banjo.
2007, released “New Branches” album (no label).
2012, Jarrod joined Missy Raines and the New Hip, playing mandolin and guitar.
2014, Cory worked with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, replacing Justin Moses.
2015, Jarrod joined The Claire Lynch Band, playing mandolin.
2015, Cory and Jarrod both joined Bradford Lee Folk and the Bluegrass Playboys.
2019, Cory joined The Dillards. Jarrod joined Billy Strings.
2020, Cory joined East Nash Grass (while also working with the Dillards and other bands).
2023, Cory released School Project album (Mountain Fever).
Formed in 2001 by Michael Smith (mandolin) and Casey Cook (guitar).
Won “Best Bluegrass Band” in Atlanta’s “Creative Loafing” magazine.
Had several of their songs played on MTV.
Smith has performed and toured with the country band Sugarland.
Cook had a Florida band with his brother called “Special Cookin'” and was inducted into the North Florida Bluegrass Hall of Fame as the youngest professional bluegrass band in Florida. He has also been featured in “Flatpick Guitar” magazine.
A “Dappled Gray” is a type of horse (with gray spots).
Other members of the band: Leah Calvert (fiddle), Keith Morris (bass), Greg Earnest (banjo.)
2012, they were featured in the Clint Eastwood movie “Trouble with the Curve.” They appeared in a scene with cloggers at a night club in Athens, Georgia. They performed two songs: “The Long Waltz Home” written by guitarist Casey Cook and the traditional tune “Cotton-Eyed Joe.”
2015, released “Last Night Tomorrow” album (no label).
A bass player who is best known for his tenure with Alison Krauss and Union Station (since 1990).
He was also worked as a sideman on albums and performances by other artists including Merle Haggard, Shania Twain, the Civil Wars, Elvis Costello, Dolly Parton, the Chieftains, Del McCoury, Vince Gill, Kenny Chesney, and Willie Nelson.
He also is a songwriter and producer. He has produced albums by Adam Steffey, Sierra Hull and Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out.
An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys any form of wing shooting. He is most passionate about duck hunting, traveling North America in pursuit of waterfowl, as well as managing his own duck club.
2001, played bass on the soundtrack to the movie “O Brother Where Art Thou.”
2007, worked with the Dan Tyminsky band.
2013, formed a part-time Flatt and Scruggs tribute band with Jerry Douglas called The Earls of Leicester.
2014, won his third IBMA Award for Bass Player of the Year (also won in 2008, 2013).
2017, won two Grammy Awards, one in the Best Folk Album category for Undercurrent album (Sugar Hill) and another in the Best American Roots Performance category for “House of Mercy” from the same album.
2017, began touring and recording with Sara Watkins and Aoife O’Donovan as “I’m With Her.”
Began playing music at age 8. He is an elite Dobro™ (resonator guitar) player, but he plays all the bluegrass instruments.
1982, at age 12 performed at the 1982 World’s Fair in Knoxville, Tennessee.
1987, at age 17 began performing with Bill Keith and Frank Wakefield.
Since then he has worked as a sideman with Del Reeves, Bill Harrell, The Gibson Brothers, Wheeler Creek, Bill Anderson, Boxcar Willie and James King.
2016, worked with the Dave Adkins band.
2018, released first solo project Raising the Bar (Bell Buckle), featuring guest artists Dave Adkins, Rick Faris, Greg Cahill, Valerie Smith, Cia Cherryholmes, Alecia Nugent, Jim VanCleve and others.
2018, signed with Mountain Fever Records.
2021, signed with Turnberry Records.
2022, released Susquehanna Line album (Turnberry). Darou plays all the instruments on the album with vocal performances by guest artists.
A newgrass band formed in 1999 featuring Ty Bennett (guitar) and Chris Emerson (mandolin), who also perform together in a duo called Natty Boh.
Candlewyck is the name of the neighborhood where Bennett and Emerson grew up. They lived down the street from each other
Bennett is a songwriter, producer and music instructor in Charlotte. Originally from Hampton, South Carolina.
Emerson is originally from Lansing, Michigan, but has lived in NC since the early 80’s. Taught himself mandolin.
2001, released first album with guests Don Rigsby, John Cowan, Terry Baucom, Shawn Lane, others. A song from that album “Firemen” won an “Indy” award for best bluegrass song of the year.
Formed in 2015 by teens Liam Purcell (mandolin) and Tray Wellington (banjo) who are both from Deep Gap (home of Doc Watson). Also in the band: Elliott Smith (bass) and Casey Lewis (guitar).
2017, released first album Five Speed (no label), produced by Cathy Fink and Tom Mindte.
2019, released Gap to Gap album (Patuxent). The members of the band have to drive between Deep Gap, NC and Rocky Gap, VA (a distance of about 100 miles) in order to play music together.
2019, won the IBMA Momentum Award for Band of the Year. Tray Wellington also won the Momentum Award for Instrumentalist of the Year.
2020, the group disbanded.
2021, Mandolinist Liam Purcell re-formed the band with Rob McCormac (guitar), Jacob Smith (bass), Colton Kercher (banjo) and Sam Stage (fiddle).
2021, Purcell released solo album Roots (Trailhead) writing all the songs and playing all the instruments.
2023, fiddler Stage was replaced by Ella Jordan (formerly with Mile Twelve).
Formed in 2006 by Steve Spurgin (bass and lead vocals), Mark Miracle (mandolin), Dick Brown (banjo), Charles Edsall (guitar) and Bruce Johnson (fiddle).
Spurgin previously was the lead singer with California and Bluegrass Etc. and was also known as a hit songwriter.
Johnson previously worked with Byron Berline & the LA Fiddle Band, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver and the Laurel Canyon Ramblers.
Edsall previously worked with Feather River, High Strung and Ron Spears & Within Tradition.
Miracle previously worked with such bands as Shady Creek and Mountain Therapy.
Brown previously worked with the Lynn Morris Band, Traditional Bluegrass and Lost Highway.
2007, released first album Sawmill Road (no label)..
2008, Johnson was replaced by fiddler Doug Barlett, formerly with Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver.
2009, released “Fire on the Kettle” album.
2010, broke up.
2018, reunited to perform on an occasional basis, with guitarist David Dickey replacing Edsall.
The only bluegrass band to get its start in a barbershop. “Jack’s Barbershop” in Norfolk, Virginia held jam sessions on Friday nights. A bar owner across the street asked them to play (for free beer) and they came up with the name, based on one of the songs they had learned, “East Virginia Blues.”
1977, released “The Winds of East Virginia” album (Major).
1977, released “Sings of Witches and Whippoorwills” (Lark).
1979, released “New Sounds, New Seasons” album (Rounder).
1980, released “Pathways of Tradition” album (Rounder).
1981, broke up but re-united in 1999 to record “Back Home in East Virginia” album (Copper Creek).
Formed in 2008 by Stacy Wilcox (banjo), Chris Smith (guitar) and Dave Prater (mandolin). In 2014, Joe Robinson (bass) joined the band. In 2017, Prater was replaced by Mitch Meadows (mandolin).
Their name comes from a little creek in southeast Kentucky, near Pikeville. There is also a song by the Dillards called “Caney Creek.”
2017, released first album Cool Kentucky Rain (no label).
2019, released The Tale of Willie Tackett album (9 Lives).
Daughter of legendary country music songwriter & producer Buddy Cannon (Kenny Chesney, Reba McIntyre, Mel Tillis, George Jones, etc).
Her sister Maria Cannon-Goodman is also a successful songwriter (“Ten Rounds with Jose Cuervo,” etc.)
Started recording at age 14 (with Dean Dillon). Also worked as a teenager with Vern Gosdin, Bill Anderson. Recorded duet “Cry Cry Darlin'” with Sammy Kershaw at age 16.
Did a stint in the U.S. Army. In her own words “I had a wild streak that needed to be tamed.” The Army helped her learn self-discipline and self-respect. She was discharged for medical reasons, but the experience changed her life.
2004, released debut bluegrass album Melonie Cannon, produced by Ronnie Bowman (Skaggs Family Records).
2019, released Burnt the Sawmill Downalbum (KDM) with his bluegrass band The Caleb Daugherty Band: Zion Napier (mandolin), Kyle Clerkin (banjo), Zach Collier (bass), Kyle Ramey (fiddle).
2020, released single “Daylight’s Burning” (KDM)
2021, was a guest artist on the album Industrial Strength Bluegrass (Smithsonian) performing a duet with Rhonda Vincent.
Have sung together since 1983. Had a band called “The Tractors.”
Emily is originally from Nankipoo, Tennessee; Al is from Seattle, Washington
Before moving to Montana, they lived and worked in Nashville as songwriters
Performed in the movie “A River Runs Through It” starring Robert Redford. When they performed for a cast party prior to the shooting of the movie, Redford liked them so much, he worked them into the movie. They appeared in the picnic scene.
A family of nine who travel the country singing and playing gospel music. Michael (dad on guitar) and Ramona (mom, bass) plus their seven kids: Kenny (guitar), Ben (mandolin), Jimmy (fiddle), Bonnie (banjo), Jenna (Dobro™), Nathanael and Joel (guitars).
2012, released album “Press Toward the Mark” featuring guest musicians Andy Leftwich, Jared Easter, Tony Mabe and others.
Formed in 2007 by Marc Pruett (banjo), Caleb Smith (guitar), Darren Nicholson (mandolin), Tim Surrett (bass and resonator guitar) and Buddy Melton (fiddle).
Pruett has worked with Ricky Skaggs (played banjo on Skaggs’ landmark “Sweet Temptation” album in 1979 and was a founding member of Kentucky Thunder in 1996) and James Monroe. Also had a gospel group called “Harvest.”
Nicholson previously worked with Alecia Nugent.
Melton was formerly with Rock Springs Reunion (gospel group) and Jubal Foster (country band).
Surrett is a former member of the Isaacs and the Kingsmen.
Their name (Balsam Range) is the name of the mountain range on the southern edge of the Great Smokey Mountain National Park, surrounding the area where the band members live.
2018, released Mountain Overture album (Mountain Home) with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra Ensemble.
2018, won IBMA Awards for Entertainer of the Year (for the second time). Buddy Melton also won for Male Vocalist of the Year (also for the second time) and Tim Surrent won the award for Bass Player of the Year (his first in that category).
From Vista, California (near San Diego). Lives in Murietta, California (Riverside County).
Since 1980, plays banjo and fiddle with John Moore in the band Bluegrass Etc.
A busy sideman and studio musician in San Diego. Has performed on numerous TV commercials, films & TV shows. Credits include Back to the Future III & all of Kenny Roger’s “Gambler” movies. He has also appeared on the Martha Stewart TV Show, Cingular Wireless commercials and is a member of the Academy of Country Music’s house band.
Performs regularly with Tim Flannery (former San Diego Padres ballplayer).
Also produces many of CMH Records’ “Pickin’ On” series including tributes to Eric Clapton, Santana, Creed, The Rolling Stones, Led Zepplin, Bonnie Raitt, Jim Morrison, Queen, Neil Diamond, Dave Matthews Band, R.E.M., ZZ Top, Lynrd Skynrd, Black Crowes, Phish, Dolly Parton, Brooks & Dunn, Lonestar, Lee Ann Womack, Jo Dee Messina, Tim McGraw, Montgomery Gentry, Clint Black, Tracy Byrd, Counting Crows, Indigo Girls, LeeAnn Rimes, and Rod Stewart.
1994, formed Continental Divide (AKA David Parmley, Scott Vestal and Continental Divide) with Scott Vestal (banjo), Rickie Simpkins (fiddle), Jimmy Bowen (mandolin), Mike Anglin (bass) and Randy Kohrs (Dobro™).
2008, took a hiatus from performing because of health problems.
2010, returned to performing with his band Continental Divide.
2012, retired from music. Began driving and maintaining tour buses for various artists (such as Rascal Flatts.)
2015, began performing and touring again with his new band Cardinal Tradition.
2019, retired from music again. Several of his band members formed a new band called Fast Track: Ron Spears (bass), Dale Perry (banjo) and Steve Day (fiddle). Joining them: Jesse Brock (mandolin) and Duane Sparks (guitar).
2022, formed a new band with Larry Stephenson and Randy Graham called the Bluegrass Cardinals Tribute Band.
From Monticello, Kentucky. Also lived in California and Virginia.
Began playing banjo at age 12. After learning the Scruggs style, he performed with several groups including Carl Story and Hylo Brown.
1956, after his discharge from the Army (Korean war), he married and moved to Los Angeles, California.
1963, worked with the Golden State Boys in Los Angeles with Vern and Rex Gosdin. The group was also called the Blue Diamond Boys and later, the Hillmen (with Chris Hillman on mandolin).
1963, released “5 String Banjo with 12 String Guitar” album (Crescendo) with backing musicians Billy Strange, LeRoy McNees, Chris Hillman, Vern Gosdin, Rex Gosdin (bass) and Hal Blaine (drums).
1964-1973, played banjo for the TV Series The Beverly Hillbillies.
1974, formed The Bluegrass Cardinals with his 15-year-old son David (guitar), Randy Graham (mandolin) and Bill Bryson (bass). This group performed together in various configurations for 23 years.
John Hartford called him “The World’s Greatest Unknown Fiddle Player.”
1944, began musical career with Big Jeff and the Radio Playboys.
1946, Milton Estes and His Musical Millers (on the Grand Ole Opry.)
1947, joined Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys.
1947, worked with Roy Acuff.
1952-1954, worked with Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs.
1954, worked with Johnny and Jack.
1955, embarked on a solo career as a vocalist. Signed by Mercury Records. Act was called “Big Tige and the Little Tigers.”
1956, joined the Grand Ole Opry.
Had the same manager as Elvis Presley, Col. Tom Parker. He was a frequent opening act for Elvis.
Was a close friend and drinking buddy of Hank Williams, Sr.
Invented an 8-string fiddle which never caught on. The only other performer to use it professionally was John Hartford.
1976, released Tennessee Jubilee album (Flying Fish), produced by John Hartford.
1997, received an IBMA Distinguised Achievement Award.
1999, released The Big Tiger Roars Again album (OMS) with guests Tom T. Hall, Earl Scruggs, Vince Gill, John Hartford, Ricky Skaggs, Jim & Jesse, Johnny Russell and others.
From Binghamton, New York. Lives now in Nashville.
One of the top Dobro™ players in bluegrass music.
Early musical career, was a member of several New England bands: the Bag Boys, the Too High String Band, Boston City Limits.
A graduate of the Berklee School of Music in Boston. It was there that he met Chris Eldridge and Chris Pandolfi (who later joined him in the Infamous Stringdusters).
Moved to Nashville, arriving on September 10, 2001, the day before the terrorist attacks. First break was landing a job with Harley Allen.
2003, joined Ronnie Bowman’s band with Wyatt Rice (guitar) and Jesse Cobb (mandolin).
2004-5, toured and recorded with Dolly Parton, Earl Scruggs Charlie Daniels, Ronnie Bowman, Moody Bluegrass, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Alecia Nugent and his own band Short Life of Trouble.
1975, began singing with his family band The Cardwell Family (with his sisters Nancy and Susan). Nancy Cardwell is the former executive director of the IBMA.
1980’s, performed rock and reggae music, singing lead, playing keyboards and saxophone. Spent some time in Hollywood. Had a Missouri band called Resonance.
1992, returned to bluegrass with a group called Slick Nickel.
1994, joined the gospel group New Tradition. Moved to Nashville.
1996, returned to Springfield to spend time with his family and to pursue a degree in music education. Became a band and choral director, leading his students to win several national competitions. While teaching he also played with a rock/pop/reggae band called Squigglefish.
2016, moved to Nashville and formed a new bluegrass/newgrass band called Tennessee Moon.
Sheri is the daughter of Polly Lewis (Williamson) of the Lewis Family and Jeff is the son of James Easter of the Easter Brothers. Their marriage brought together the two most well known family groups bluegrass gospel music.
1984, they met at the Albert Brumley Gospel Sing in Springdale, Arkansas.
1985, they married and began performing together as part of the Lewis Family show.
1988, they struck out on their own.
Since then, they have become one of the most popular recording and touring acts in southern gospel music. They have won numerous Dove awards and are regulars on Bill Gaither’s “Homecoming” TV programs.
Nickname: “The Storyteller.” He is a member of the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.
Began playing guitar at age 4; wrote his first song at age 9.
Age 17, formed his first band The Kentucky Travelers.
As a recording artist he has had seven #1 songs: “A Week in a Country Jail” (1969–70), “The Year That Clayton Delaney Died” (1971),“Old Dogs, Children and) Watermelon Wine” (1972–73),” “I Love” (1973–74), “Country Is” (1974), “I Care” (1974–75), and “Faster Horses (the Cowboy and the Poet)” (1976). Other notable hits: “The Ballad of Forty Dollars” (1968), “Me and Jesus” (1972).
1968, his “Harper Valley PTA,” recorded by Jeannie C. Riley, became a huge international hit on both pop and country charts, selling nearly 2 million records in two weeks.
First bluegrass hit: “Fox on the Run” (1976, from the album Magnificent Music Machine (Mercury) with musicians Bill Monroe, J. D. Crowe, Jimmy Martin, Kenny Baker and others.)
A legendary mandolin player and singer who for most of his career led a band called the Stoney Mountain Boys in the Cincinnati, Ohio area.
1955-57, worked with Jimmy Martin’s Sunny Mountain Boys.
1958, moved to Baltimore, Maryland and formed the Stoney Mountain Boys.
1959, his was the first bluegrass band to perform at New York’s Carnegie Hall.
1960, relocated to the Cincinnati, Ohio area and played in night clubs there for several years.
1963, released his landmark “Blue Grass Taylor-made” album (Capitol Records) with his new band The Blue Grass Mountaineers.
1964-1967, disbanded his group and worked with Jimmy Martin, the Stanley Brothers and Flatt and Scruggs.
1967, returned to the Cincinnati area and re-organized the Stoney Mountain Boys with guitarist Jim McCall. He recorded several albums in subsequent years for Rural Rhythm and Vetco Records.
1974, poor health and the death of his son led to his retirement from music for several years. He resumed performing in the early 80’s with banjo player Vernon McIntyre.
Known as “The King of Country Music.” Originally called “The King of the Hillbillies.”
A man of many talents: he was a professional baseball player, an actor in a touring medicine show, a recording artist with several million-sellers to his credit, a member of the Grand Ole Opry for more than 50 years, a star of radio, television and movies, a co-founder of one of the most famous music publishing companies in the world, co-founder of a record company, candidate for Governor of Tennessee, owner of a recreational park, director of a museum, a Shriner, owner of a peacock hatchery, a songwriter, a musician, and the first living person elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
1962, elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
1936, first sang “The Great Speckled Bird,” at the Grand Ole Opry with his band “The Crazy Tennesseans” (The song comes from a passage in the Bible, Jeremiah 12:9).
1938, joined the Grand Ole Opry and was its first international star.1974, taught President Richard Nixon how to yo-yo on stage at the Grand Ole Opry.
Had a collection of more than 2200 miniature liquor bottles; also collected dolls, guns and musical instruments.
Died in 1992 at age 89.
RECOMMENDED: The Essential Roy Acuff (Columbia, 2008) A nice collection of his best-known songs including “The Great Speckled Bird,” “Wreck on the Highway” and “Wabash Cannonball.”
Formed in 1970 by Steve Waller (mandolin) and Mike Eisler (banjo). Before then, the two had a group called the Sawtooth Mountain Volunteers. They were both students at Oregon State University at the time.
The band was named after a mountain range in Idaho.
An early highlight of their musical career was performing with Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys.
2002, graduated from UCLA, both majoring in ethno-musicology.
2002, signed with Rounder Records.
2004, released an album (country) Malibu Storm under the name Malibu Storm.
2010, after a five-year hiatus from music to marry and have children, they returned to performing and recording as Dana and Lauren. First single: a cover of Tupac Shakur’s “California Love.”
From Seattle, Washington. Has lived in Nashville and San Diego, California. Currently lives in New York City.
He was a child prodigy. He could identify specific classical composers at age 3.
Began playing guitar at age 6. Began violin lessons at age 11. Seven months later, won second place at the National Old-Time Fiddle Championships in Weiser, Idaho.
Appeared on the Grand Ole Opry when he was 12 years old. He was introduced by Roy Acuff.
By age 14, had won two National Junior Fiddle Championships, One Grand Masters Fiddle Championship, and the National Guitar Flatpicking Championship (Winfield, Kansas). After his victory at Winfield the rules were changed—making contestants wait at least five years before they could win the championship a second time. (He did.)
1979, toured Japan with Dan Crary.
1980, joined The David Grisman Quintet, but left after breaking his arm in a skiing accident. 1981, joined an electric band called The Dregs—formerly The Dixie Dregs.
Has performed at Carnegie Hall with Stephane Grappelli, David Grisman and cellist Yoyo Ma.
1983, embarked on a solo career, performing and recording with a wide variety of artists in just about every musical category.
1991, won the CMA award for his album New Nashville Cats (Warner Brothers).
1991-1996, won the CMA award six consecutive years for Musician of the Year.
1991, wrote his first violin concerto.
1993, toured with Marty Stuart and Travis Tritt for their “No Hats Tour.” This tour marked his farewell to country music. He has focused on classical music ever since.
2015, released Duo album with his wife Maggie (OMAC).
2016, released Coming Home album (Rounder) by The O’Connor Band with Mark O’Connor featuring his wife Maggie (fiddle), son Forrest (vocals/mandolin) and Forrest’s partner Kate Lee (vocals/fiddle). The band also includes Joe Smart (guitar) and Geoff Saunders (bass).
2017, won the Grammy Award for Coming Home album (Rounder).
From Chattanooga, Tennessee (which is in Hamilton County).
Members: James Boulware (fiddle), James Kee (mandolin), Josh Hixson (bass), Roy Curry (guitar), Jim Pankey (banjo).
Curry (guitar) has won the Winfield National Flatpick Guitar championship three times. He also won the Minnesota and Tennessee State Flatpicking championships.
Boulware (fiddle) is a third generation fiddler. He has won the Tennessee State fiddle championship and has also been a featured soloist with the Murfreesboro Symphony Orchestra.
Pankey (banjo) has won the Tennessee and Georgia banjo championships.
Formed in 1989 by Jeff Weaver (guitar) and Jim and Alan Stack (guitar and mandolin). Other original members: Dan Brooks (Dobro™) and Calvin LePort (banjo)
The Stack brothers formerly had a family band called Frog and the Greenhorns.
Rob Ickes and Ned Luberecki are former members of this band.
Their band name is a spin-off of the “Seldom Scene.”
1991, won the “Bluegrass America” band competition in Milton, West Virginia.
1992-2003, winners of the SPBGMA award for “Entertaining Band of the Year.” They received the “Gold Masters” award in 2003 for ten consecutive years winning this award. They also hosted the SPBGMA Awards Show in 2005.
Formed in 2007 after the release of the album “Nothing So Blue” (no label) by Bobby Powell (guitar) and Tim Jones (mandolin). The album was produced by Woody Platt of the Steep Canyon Rangers.
Other members of the band: Reese Combs (bass), Seth Rhinehart (banjo) and Emma Best (fiddle).
Powell and Jones write much of the band’s original material. Jones’ song “Spring Will Bring the Flowers” was recorded by Balsam Range.
2011, won the South Carolina state bluegrass championship (band contest) at RenoFest. They also released an album “Live at RenoFest” (no label).
From Yinnar, Victoria, Australia (just east of Melbourne).
Features brothers Hamish (banjo/fiddle) and Lachlan (mandolin/fiddle) Davidson. They began performing together as teenagers.
Hamish is the younger brother. He won the Australian Bluegrass Fiddle Championship in 2000 and the Australian Bluegrass Banjo Championship in 2009. He is a chiropractor by trade.
Lachlan is a year older than Hamish. He won the Australian Bluegrass Mandolin Championship in 2008, 2009 and 2010. He is a mechanical engineer by trade.
2009, 2010, 2012, won Instrumental of the Year at the Australian Country Music Awards.
2010, won Group of the Year at the Australian Independent Country Music Awards.
2012, won Album of the Year at the Australian Independent Country Music Awards (for “Here to Stay” album).
2014, released “Wanderlust” album.
2017, they were inducted into the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame.
2018, won two CMAA Awards (Country Music Association of Australia) for Best Bluegrass Album (for their “Back Where I Started” album) and Best Instrumental Recording (for “Evelyn’s Kitchen”).
From the San Francisco Bay Area (She is originally from the Chicago area. Her Mom was a prominent folksinger there. She moved to the Bay Area in 1973.)
1975, co-founded (with Laurie Lewis) The Good Ol’ Persons (disbanded 1995). She also worked and recorded at various times with the Frank Wakefield Band.
1991, recorded a duet album with Laurie Lewis titled Together (Sugar Hill).
Formed in 2013 as “The Rambling Rooks” by Ronnie Bowman (bass), Don Rigsby (mandolin) and Kenny Smith (guitar). The three of them previously worked together in the Lonesome River Band (1995-2001)
2015, changed the band name to Band of Ruhks released their first album on 101 Ranch Records. “Ruhks” is Persian word that means “a warrior’s chariot.”
Has played harmonica around the L.A. area since the 1960’s (he taught harmonica at the famed Ash Grove).
2011, released Bluegrass Harmonica album (no label), the first ever bluegrass album featuring the “chromatic harmonica” (which differs from the diatonic harmonica used by such notables as Mike Stevens and Charlie McCoy).
From New York. Lived several years in Colorado before moving to Portland, Oregon.
Has played with several bluegrass bands from New York to Seattle, including The Virginia Mountain Boys, Del McCoury’s Dixie Pals, and Generic Bluegrass.
1983-1989, played banjo with Front Range.
1985, won the banjo, mandolin and guitar contests at Telluride.
Real name: Edward Garvin Futch. In 1962 he changed his name to Eddy Raven when he released his first single at age 17.
As a country artist he has had numerous hit records including “I Got Mexico,” “Shine Shine Shine,” “I’m Gonna Get You,” “Joe Knows How to Live,” “In a Letter to You,” and many others.
As a songwriter, he has written songs recorded by Elvis Costello, Johnny Cash, Kenny Chesney, Roy Orbison, George Jones, Toby Keith, Waylon Jennings, Lefty Frizzell, Carl Smith, Heather Myles, Brenda Lee, Don Gibson, Faron Young, Jack Greene, Gene Watson, Jerry Jeff Walker, Lorrie Morgan, Roy Acuff, Jerry Reed, Oak Ridge Boys, Connie Smith and Charlie Louvin.
He has 30 ASCAP song writing awards, 8 No. 1’s, 14 Top 10’s, 23 Top 100’s, and 24 Albums to his credit.
2017, recorded and released a bluegrass album with Lorraine Jordan and Carolina Road called All Grassed Up (Pinecastle).
A duo featuring Fred Carpenter on fiddle (formerly with Tony Rice Unit, the Dillards, Larry Cordle and Lonesome Standard Time) and Tim May on guitar (formerly with Mike Snider, John Cowan, Crucial Smith).
The original band featured mom and dad Dorene (guitar) and Phil (guitar) Bankester with daughters Melissa (bass), Alysha (mandolin & fiddle) and Emily (fiddle). Kyle Triplett (married to Melissa) is also a member of the band (banjo/guitar/Dobro™).
2009, released first video.
2011, released third CD on Blue Circle Records, featuring a guest appearance by Jamie Johnson of The Grascals.
2012, Emily Bankester won IBMA’s “Momentum Award” for Vocalist of the Year.
Formed in 2011 by Scott Tackett (guitar), father and son Dave and Chaston Carroll (guitar and mandolin), Brent Pack (banjo) and Doug Burchett (bass).
Dave Carroll is a prolific songwriter. His songs have been recorded by the Lonesome River Band, Junior Sisk, Lou Reid and Carolina, IIIrd Tyme Out, other artists.
2013, released Hammertowne album (Mountain Fever).
2015, Bryan Russell joined the band, replacing Burchett on bass.
2019 lineup: Dave Carroll (guitar), Dale Thomas (banjo), Scott Tackett (guitar), Doug Bartlett (fiddle), Chaston Carroll on (mandolin), and Bryan Russell (bass).
2019, Bryan Russell (bass) left the band due to health issues. Doug Burchett took his place on a temporary basis.
From Atlanta, Georgia. Lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Pronounced DAVE’S (not Davis or Davies).
Grew up in a musical family with bluegrass and country roots. Also studied music at Hampshire College (Western Massachusetts) and played there with a number of jazz, rock and Americana groups. His primary instrument is guitar.
2002, formed an old-time string band called Underbelly, opening for Bob Dylan in ’03.
2003, moved to Brooklyn, New York and began playing with several bluegrass bands including his own group The Bluegrass Mob.
He is a music teacher (private lessons) and also has a recording studio. He performs weekly at New York’s Rockwood Music Hall as a solo artist and also hosts a monthly bluegrass jam there.
2011, recorded an album of duets with Chris Thile called Sleep With One Eye Open (Nonesuch Records).
2013, formed a duo with fiddler Brittany Haas.
Has performed with Steve Martin, Tony Trischka, Rosanne Cash, Bruce Molsky, Sara Jarosz, many others.
2016, released Orchids and Violence album (Nonesuch), a two-CD set featuring the same songs on each CD, but performed in two different styles: bluegrass and alternative-rock.
From Dallas, Texas. Lived and worked in Levelland, Texas.
1974, formed Texas band called Roanoke.
1977-1982, worked with The Country Gazette (with Alan Munde and Roland White).
1984, joined the faculty of South Plains College (Levelland, Texas) as a “bluegrass specialist” in the commercial music program. He is founder of the school’s “Camp Bluegrass” which is held in July of each year.
1994, formed a duo with Alan Munde.
2003, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. He continues to teach music at South Plains College.
Has produced numerous instruction books for guitar and mandolin for Mel Bay Publishing. He also writes frequently for Flatpicking Guitar Magazine.
Breeds and raises race horses in Kentucky. His “Stone Farm” produced Sunday Silence, winner of the 1989 Kentucky Derby, the Preakness and the Breeder’s Cup Races.
Has played bluegrass since age 11.
A prolific songwriter, his songs have been recorded by such artists as Ray Price and Grandpa Jones.
A friend of Peter Rowan since 1965, who produced his solo album of original songs in 2001.
2014, his son formed a Kentucky bluegrass band called The Wooks.
Nicknames: “Mr. Good ‘n Country” and “The King of Bluegrass Music.”
1949, auditioned for Bill Monroe at the Grand Ole Opry and was hired on the spot. Worked with Monroe until 1951. He sang lead on Monroe’s first recording of “Uncle Pen.”
1954, formed Jimmy Martin and the Osborne Brothers (with Bobby and Sonny).
1955, formed The Sunny Mountain Boys, named after one of Jimmy’s songs, “Sunny Side of the Mountain.”
1972, won a Grammy award for his work on the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” album.
Favorite sport: coon-hunting. Over the years, he has kept a large stable of coon-dogs, most of them named after country-music stars.
He often credited himself with inventing the G-run, a guitar lick which is used widely in bluegrass music.
1964, he received a Distinguished Citizenship Award from Nashville’s Mayor Beverly Briley after Jimmy risked his life to pull a mother and her three children to safety from a flaming automobile that was involved in an accident.
1995, he was inducted into the IBMA’s Hall of Fame.
1999, he was the subject of book by Tom Piazza titled True Adventures with the King of Bluegrass published by the Country Music Foundation.
Formed in 1961 by husband and wife Leroy and Dottie Eyler. LeRoy died in 1995.
They have recorded more than a dozen albums on Zap, Adelphi, Fonotone and Alear Records.
2011, the band includes Bonnie Eyler (bass), Dale Eyler (fiddle), Steve Waldon (banjo) and Dave Dulaney (guitar). Bonnie and Dale are second generation Eylers.
2011, they celebrated their 50th anniversary.
2012, received a special proclamation from the State of Maryland for their contributions to the arts.
Band includes Bob and Michelle Faris (banjo and bass) and their four sons, James (fiddle/bass), Richard (guitar), Eddie (banjo/fiddle), and John (mandolin).
Bob Faris (dad) won the Iowa State Fiddle Championship at age 19. Played in numerous bands in Las Vegas, Nashville, Branson. Retired from full time music career in 1991 to become a full-time dad.
They have won numerous SPBGMA awards including “Entertaining Band of the Year.”
Performed regularly at their own “Bluegrass Barn Theater” in Ozawkie, Kansas.
2008, Eddie Faris joined Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, replacing Darrin Vincent on arch-top guitar. In 2018, he joined the Larry Stephenson Band, playing bass.
2009, Rick Faris joined Special Consensus, replacing Ashby Frank on mandolin.
2009, the Faris Family officially disbanded (as a performing act).
2018, Rick Faris signed with Dark Shadow Recording to release a solo project.
Began performing in high school in central South Dakota, performing at VFW and American Legion Halls. She also spent four summers as part of the “Mountain Music Show” in the Black Hills.
Born in Possum Trot, Georgia. Lived in Milledgeville, Georgia. Moved to Nashville in 1970.
Real name: Robert Arthur Taylor. He was nicknamed “Tut” by his parents when he was a child.
He was a studio musician, sideman, graphic artist and luthier, an acoustic music icon around Nashville for more than four decades.
He was best known as a Dobro™ player, and was often called the “flat-picking Dobro man” because he used a flat pick rather than finger picks on the instrument.
1962, recorded an album called “12 String Dobro” with Glen Campbell and the Folkswingers.
1963, appeared on the Kentucky Colonels “Appalachian Swing” album featuring Clarence White.
1964, released “Dobro County” album.
After moving to Nashville in 1970, he co-founded GTR Guitars with George Gruhn and Randy Wood (which later became Gruhn Guitars). He also owned Grammar Guitars and co-founded Rich and Taylor Banjo company.
He was also a sign painter and luthier. He did some custom work for Gibson in Nashville.
1971, appeared on John Hartford’s landmark “Aereoplane” album.
1972, released Friar Tut album (recently reissued by Rounder Records).
Best known as the lead singer for the successful country band Shenandoah (1984-1997).
1991, won ACM Vocal Group of the Year Award and had numerous CMA and Grammy nominations.
1975, began his musical career in Florida performing in a family band called American Bluegrass Express with his brother Tim, winning the Florida State Bluegrass Championship five years in a row. Their father Buck played fiddle.
1984, moved to Nashville to pursue career in country music. Formed Shenandoah the next year in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
Had eleven #1 hits, including “Ghost in this House,” “Next to Me, Next to You,” “I Want to Loved Like That,”
1996, won Grammy for his duet with Alison Krauss “Somewhere in the Vicinity of My Heart.”
1997, left Shenandoah to record with his brother Tim as the Raybon Brothers. They had a hit with “Butterfly Kisses.”
1998, began a solo career as a gospel singer and evangelist.
Southern Roots & Branches: Yesterday & Today (Rural Rhythm, 2012) Features the best from his debut “Full Circle” album (“Next to You, Next to Me,” “Ghost in This House,” etc.) plus several new tracks.
Hand to the Plow (Rural Rhythm, 2012) An all-gospel album. Includes “Beulah Land” (IBMA Award-winner).
He is credited as being the first country musician to play banjo using the three-finger style which was later refined and popularized by Earl Scruggs.
A humble man, he never wanted credit for inventing the style. Said he didn’t know where it came from—but admits he was probably the first to play banjo that way on the radio.
First band to have a three-finger style banjo: The Jenkins String Band.
1936, worked with J.E. Mainer’s Mountaineers.
1939, teamed up with fiddler Homer “Pappy” Sherrill and formed the WIS Hillbillies.
1948, formed The Hired Hands, a band name that he kept going until his death in 1990.
1960, he semi-retired from music and worked as a car salesman.
2013, the name of the band was changed to Hanalena, which is the name of the sisters’ flower business in Starkville. They released HanaLena, a 5-song album (no label).
His first band: the Pike County Boys (1948). He played mandolin.
His real name: William (Bill) Colleran. The Pike County Boys had three Bills in it, so he adopted the stage name of Mac Martin and the name stuck with him throughout his career.
Day job: he was an accountant.
1954, formed his own band The Dixie Travelers with Mike Carson (fiddle) and Billy Bryant (banjo). Bryant died in 1994. They were regulars at a Pittsburgh club called Walsh’s Lounge (19 years).
1972, retired from the band. Mandolinist (and bluegrass historian) Bob Artis led the Dixie Travelers until Martin returned in 1977.
2015, retired from performing at age 90. Played last concert with his Dixie Travelers on September 17, designated by the mayor of the city as “Mac Martin Day” in Pittsburgh.
From Washington, D.C. Lives in Richmond, Virginia.
Son of Charlie Waller (Country Gentlemen). When Randy was four years old, his father made a promise to give him his famed guitar, a promise which was kept on Christmas Day, 2002.
2003, joined his dad in the Country Gentlemen and has continued leading his own version of the band after Charlie’s death in 2004.
2004, released first solo project Randy Waller (no label).
2006, released Keeper of the Flame album (no label) by Randy Waller and the Country Gentlemen.
Formed in 2007 by three brothers: Mitchell (bass), Mark (banjo), and Scott (fiddle) Freeman. Also in the band: Mark’s son Justin (guitar), Jake Long (mandolin) and Casey Byrd (Dobro™).
Mitchell and Mark worked in the late 1970’s with Barry and Kenneth Barrier in a band called Interstate Exchange. They retired from music in the 80’s and returned to form Pathway after their children were grown.
2011, moved to Arizona and formed a west-coast version of the Barnstormers with Billy Parker (mandolin), Tyler James (banjo), Dan Meyer (bass) and Blaine Sprouse (fiddle). His east-coast version of the band includes Mark Farrell (mandolin/fiddle), Doug Nicolaisen (banjo) and Nick Sullivan (bass).
Formed in 1994 by Herb Pedersen and Bill Bryson (who worked together in the Desert Rose Band). Released first album Rambler’s Blues on Sugar Hill Records.
Other original members: Billy Ray Lathum (guitar), Kenny Blackwell (mandolin) and Byron Berline (fiddle). Lathum was replaced by Roger Reed. Berline by Dennis Fetchet, then Gabe Witcher. Bobby Hicks also played a few dates with this band.
Laurel Canyon is a well-known suburb of Los Angeles, famous for being the home base for many LA-area folk and rock musicians such as Joni Mitchell, the Byrds, the Dillards, Crosby Stills Nash and Young, the Mamas and the Papas, and many others. Laurel Canyon Blvd. is a major thoroughfare in the San Fernando Valley.
Mandolinist Kenny Blackwell actually drives a Rambler (an early 60’s Ambassador station wagon).
1996, Roger Reed (guitar) cut a finger off his left hand with a power saw one month after he joined the band. He continued to perform with Bruce Johnson playing guitar while Reed sang his vocal parts. Eventually he was able to play guitar again.
Galyean (pronouned Galleon, like the ship) is the son of Cullen Galyean, a legendary bluegrass musician from North Carolina. The band is named after him.
Formed in 2010 by Mickey Galyean (guitar), Rick Pardue (banjo), Brad Hiatt (bass) and Billy Hawks (fiddle).
Galyean and Hiatt formerly played with Rich In Tradition. Pardue has worked with several bands including Carolina Road, Long & Pardue and Rambler’s Choice. Hawks formerly worked with Big Country Bluegrass, Junior Sisk & Rambler’s Choice.
A multi-instrumentalist who has performed on recordings by Merle Haggard, Tim Stafford, Rhonda Vincent, Adam Steffey, Barry Bales, John Gardner, Rob Ickes, Charlie Daniels, Trey Hensley, and Doc Watson.
1986, began teaching music lessons on all the bluegrass instruments.
1999, became an adjunct professor in the Appalachian Studies Department of East Tennessee State University.
2004, released solo project “The Working Man.”
2014, released solo project “Cardboard in My Shoes.”
1984, the band was formed by Alan O’Bryant (banjo) and Pat Enright (guitar). They put together the band as part of a traveling show called “Grand Old Country with Minnie Pearl.” Original members included Mark Hembree (bass) and Mike Compton (mandolin). Blaine Sprouse was added early on to play fiddle and was later replaced by Stuart Duncan.
O’Bryant, from Reidsville, North Carolina, previously performed with The Bluegrass Band, a group that included Butch Robins, Ed Dye and Blaine Sprouse. He began his musical career in 1974 with James Monroe. Also worked with the Front Porch String Band (an Alabama group) and did some studio work in Nashville.
Enright formerly performed with Tasty Licks (a New England Band) and Phantoms of the Opry (San Francisco).
1985, released their first album My Native Home (Rounder), produced by Bela Fleck. Blaine Sprouse played fiddle on this album.
1986, released Idle Time album (Rounder), also produced by Fleck. This is the first album featuring Stuart Duncan on fiddle.
1986, became the first bluegrass group to perform in Red China.
1988, Roland White (mandolin) and Gene Libbea (bass) joined the group, replacing Mike Compton and Mark Hembree, who were seriously injured that year when the group’s bus was involved in a traffic accident. White had previously performed with the Country Gazette, Lester Flatt’s Nashville Grass, Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys and the Kentucky Colonels
1988, released New Moon Rising album (Sugar Hill) with Peter Rowan.
From Berkeley, California. Moved to Los Angeles (San Fernando Valley) in the 1960’s.
Began career in Bay Area playing in a band called The Pine Valley Boys with David Nelson (who later played with the New Riders of the Purple Sage) and Butch Waller (of High Country).
Early-sixties, worked briefly with Lester Flatt, filling in for Earl Scruggs who was recuperating from a hip operation.
Mid-sixties, joined the Northern California based group Vern and Ray (Vern Williams and Ray Park).
1968, took Doug Dillard’s place in The Dillards. While with The Dillards, recorded two landmark albums Wheatstraw Suite and Copperfields (Elektra Records).
1972, left the Dillards and formed The Country Gazette with Byron Berline, but did not stay with the band. He was replaced by Alan Munde.
1972-1985, worked full-time as a session musician, songwriter, vocalist and producer in Los Angeles. During this time, he produced the highly-acclaimed “Trio” album for Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt. He also worked on John Denver and the Muppets A Christmas Together album and many others in addition to recording several solo albums of his own.
1967-1969, played banjo with Jimmy Martin’s Sunny Mountain Boys. Also played on Jimmy’s 1978 album “Greatest Bluegrass Hits.”
1969, had his own regional band and filled in with Bob Paisley, Seldom Scene, Hot Mudd Family, Bill Harrell, Jim and Jesse, others.
1974, opened “Warner String Works” repairing and building string instruments; played banjo with the Carroll County Ramblers.
1980, played mandolin with Tom Adams and the Double Eagle Band. A year later, played banjo while Tom played guitar.
1985-1989, returned to play with Jimmy Martin and the Sunny Mountain Boys.
1989, released “Chris Warner and Friends” album (Webco).
1989, closed Warner String Works and began filling in with bands like Chief Powhatan, Rhonda Vincent, Johnson Mountain Boys and Red Allen. Also began working for Campbell’s Music Service in York, PA as a luthier and in-house repairman.
2003, after a 4-year hiatus, returned to play with Audie Blaylock and Redline, also briefly with Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver.
1978, he and his brother formed a bluegrass band called Ten Degrees.
1986, moved to Nashville and worked as a fiddle/guitar player at Opryland USA. Later that year, was offered a job working with The Forester Sisters.
1992, joined Marty Stuart’s band.
1994, toured with Sweethearts of the Rodeo. Also formed (with his brother Greg) a band called WhiteWater.
1995, re-joined Marty Stuart’s band “The Rock and Roll Cowboys.”
Has also recorded with Willie Nelson, Pam Tillis, Dwight Yokem, Steve Earl, Travis Tritt, Emmy Lou Harris, Sheryl Crow, Warren Zevon, Joe Diffee, Mark Chestnut, Billy Bob Thornton, and many others.
2001, joined the Earl Scruggs Family and Friends tour.
2007, joined the Boxmasters, a rockabilly band led by Billy Bob Thornton.
2013, released A Bluegrass Tribute to George Jones album (Bluegrass Valley Records.) He has also done several Bluegrass Tribute albums for CMH Records (The Black Keys, Mumford and Sons, etc.)
He was trained as a classical musician, but after hearing bluegrass, converted to flat-pick guitar.
Europe’s original and best known bluegrass/folk guitarist; performs in the both the flatpicking and fingerpicking styles.
He was a founding member of the Italian bluegrass and country music band Red Wine.
Has recorded and performed with many American artists, including Norman Blake, Alan Munde, Tony Trischka and Dan Crary.
Winner of Italy’s prestigious Paolo Nuti award, given by the Italian Federation Folkitalia in special recognition of artists who have achieved excellence in their field.
2001, recorded an album of guitar duets with Dan Crary, Synergia (Thunderation).
From Los Angeles, California. Born in Waco, Texas; grew up in Garden Grove, California.
He is an Emmy and Grammy-award winning comedian, writer, musician and actor, appearing in dozens of films such as “The Jerk,” “Parenthood,” “Roxanne,” “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” “Father of the Bride,” and “The Pink Panther.”
Began playing banjo in the 1960’s, influenced by Earl Scruggs, Doug Dillard and John McEuen. He frequently used his banjo in comedy routines developed at Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm and incorporated the banjo into his stand-up routines.
1981, released The Steve Martin Brothers album (Warner Brothers) which featured both comedy and banjo tunes.
2001, won a Grammy for his appearance on the Earl Scruggs And Friends recording of “Foggy Mountain Breakdown.”
2009, began playing live dates with the Steep Canyon Rangers. Also made his first appearance as a musician on the Grand Ole Opry (With Vince Gill, May 30, 2009).
2010, won the Grammy Award for Bluegrass Album of the Year.
2011, released Rare Bird Alert album with the Steep Canyon Rangers.
2011, performed with the Steep Canyon Rangers on the steps of the U.S. Capitol Building for the PBS TV 4th of July Celebration.
2011, won the IBMA Award for Entertainer of the Year.
2013, released Love Has Come For You, his first album with singer/songwriter Edie Brickell, who formerly fronted the New Bohemians (1985-1990) best known for their hit “What I Am.” She also has a successful solo career (appeared and sang in the movie “Born on the Fourth of July”) and fronts another band called The Gaddabouts. She is married to singer/songwriter Paul Simon.
Banjo player and founder (in 1994) of AcuTab Publishing Company, publisher of instrumental instruction books and recordings by well-known bluegrass artists.
1978-1991, played banjo with Nothin’ Doin Band (Norfolk, VA)
1999, joined Acoustic Endeavors.
2001, won IBMA award for Instrumental Album of the Year for “Knee Deep in Bluegrass: The AcuTab Sessions” (produced by Lawless and featuring Lawless and other performers)
2004, released solo project of banjo instrumentals called Five & Dime (no label). .
He is a well known bluegrass journalist, creator of the website “The Bluegrass Blog” which morphed into “Bluegrass Today.”
Formed in 2011 by Daryl Mosely (bass), Tim Graves (Dobro™), Bennie Boling (banjo) and Kevin Williamson (guitar).
The band name came from an internet TV show called “Farm County Jubilee.” A segment of the show featured Mosley and Graves performing with the Farm Hands Quartet.
All four founding members of the band had previous experience with such groups as New Tradition, The Tim Graves Band, the Osborne Brothers, Wilma Lee Cooper and the Clinch Mountain Clan and others. They are all prolific songwriters as well.
2012, released “Songs from Mama’s Hymnbook” album.
2013, released “In a Country Town” album.
2014, Jesse Turner (guitarist from Alabama) replaced Kevin Williamson in the band. Williamson left to work with his family band. Later the same year, guitarist Keith Tew replaced Turner.
2015, banjo player Benny Boling was replaced by Don Hill.
2018, Benny Boling returned to the band, this time playing bass.
2019, Mosely left the band to pursue a solo career. Boling, Hill and Tew also left to work with Mosely in the Daryl Mosely Band.
2020 band members: Tim Graves (Dobro™), David Mansfield (guitar), Kelsey Crews (banj0), Bryan Graves (bass) and Kimberly Bibb (fiddle). Graves is the only original member of the group.
2021, released 4.0 album (Pinecastle) with the new lineup.
2021, band lineup changed again, with original member Graves (Dobro™), Don Wayne Reno (banjo) and Jimmy Haynes (guitar). They began branding themselves as Tim Graves & the Farm Hands.
2022, Terry Eldridge (formerly with the Grascals) joined, playing bass.
Original group: A.P. (Alvin Pleasant), Sara and Maybelle Carter.
Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1970. From the inscription: “A.P. Carter, his wife, Sara, and his sister-in-law Maybelle, played in one of the first commercial country recording sessions at Bristol, Tennesee … Their songs became country standards, and some of A.P.’s original compositions are among the all-time greats … the epitome of country greatness and originators of a much copied style.”
Original group recorded and performed from 1927 to 1942, when A.P. and Sara divorced.
Wrote and recorded hundreds of country and bluegrass standards: Jimmy Brown the Newsboy, The Wildwood Flower, Keep on the Sunnyside, etc.
After 1942, Maybelle continued to perform as the Carter Family with daughters Helen, June and Anita. In 1950, the group became regulars on the Grand Ole Opry.
June Carter had several hit records as a solo artist. Married Johnny Cash.
Performed as regulars on the Johnny Cash show until Mother Maybelle’s death in 1978.
Maybelle (Mother Maybelle) was famous for her autoharp playing, but rose to fame as a guitarist. She was among the first to play with finger-picks and to play guitar solos. Her style is still copied by many guitarists today.
2001, The Carter Family was inducted into the IBMA’s Hall of Honor by Bill Clifton.
Born in London, Kentucky. Grew up in the Chicago area. Lives in Nashville.
A successful songwriter: “Long Time Gone” and “Heartbreak Town” (Dixie Chicks); “Great Day to Be Alive” (Travis Tritt); “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive” (Patty Loveless, Brad Paisley); “Born to Fly” (Sara Evans); “When No One’s Around” (Garth Brooks).
1968, (at age 10), joined Dennis Hall and the Hilltoppers, playing banjo.
1971 (at age 13), joined Jim Eanes and the Shenandoah Valley Boys, his first professional music job.
1973 (at age 15) took up the fiddle.
Has played fiddle with numerous bands: Lloyd Burge and the Henry County Partners, Garland Lambert and the Stoney Creek Boys, Junior Cassady and the Sundowners, Rich N Tradition, the Southern Gentlemen, and others.
From Wautaga, Tennessee. Lives in Gallatin, Tennessee.
1972-1973, formed his first band at the age of 10, the Rocky Mountain Boys.
1974-1977, played with The Tennessee Bluegrass Four.
1978-1979, played with The Cumberland Mountain Boys.
1980-1982, played with Carl Story and the Rambling Mountaineers.
1982-1986, played with Jim and Jesse and the Virginia Boys.
1983, released first album “Classics for Banjo” (CMS).
1986, formed Mike Scott and The All American Band.
1987-1991, performed part-time with Danny Davis and the Nashville Brass.
1995, married Brenda Marshall (formerly of the Marshall Family, a gospel group).
2002, joined Ronnie Reno and the Reno Tradition (as well as performing with Jesse McReynolds, Danny Davis and his own band.)
2005, recorded several instrumental albums (“Star Spangled Bluegrass,” “Mountain Valley Bluegrass,” and “Applachian Sunday Bluegrass”) for Homestead Music, a Nashville label specializing in the gift shop market.
He is also an expert woodworker who restores vintage homes.
Nickname given to him by Bill Monroe: “Mike the Smilin’ Scott.”
He performs with his own band Mike Scott and the Nashville Band.
From New York City. Lives in Maryville, Tennessee.
Three-time winner of National Flatpick Guitar Championship in Winfield, Kansas (1978, 1984, 1986).
Writes guitar instruction books for Mel Bay Publications and instruction videos for Homespun Tapes. He is known as the “World’s Guitar Instuctor.”
Also conducts guitar workshops and hosts “Acoustic Music Kamps” featuring instruction and mentoring from top musicians. There are “Kamps” for just about every acoustic instrument in bluegrass and folk music.
Started his own record label, Sleeping Bear Records.
Owns and operates the Palace Theatre in Maryville, an acoustic music venue.
A banjo player who has worked with Del McCoury, Bill Harrell, Cliff Waldron, Gary Ferguson, Leon Morris, and The Carroll County Ramblers to mention a few.
Since the early nineties, he has performed with Bluestone Bluegrass, a Maryland-Pennsylvania regional band.
Formed in 2019 upon the retirement of David Parmley. His band Cardinal Tradition continued on without him, taking the new name Fast Track and adding Duane Sparks singing lead and playing guitar.
Band members: Duane Sparks (guitar), Dale Perry (banjo), Jesse Brock (mandolin), Ron Spears (bass) and Steve Day (fiddle).
Perry is a former member of the Bluegrass Cardinals, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, the Lonesome River Band, Continental Divide and other bands. He also is owner of Lakeside Recording Studio.
Brock is a former member of the Lynn Morris Band, Dale Ann Bradley, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, Audie Blaylock & Redline, and The Gibson Brothers. He is a two-time winner of the IBMA’s Mandolin Player of the Year award.
Spears is a former member of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Special Consensus, The James King Band, Continental Divide and his own band Within Tradition. He is also a professional ventriloquist and yo-yo expert.
Day is a former member of Continental Divide, Ronnie Reno, Gary Brewer and has worked the Grand Ole Opry on numerous occasions with other country and bluegrass artists.
Sparks is a former member of Gerald Evans & Paradise, Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers, the All-American Bluegrass Band and other groups.
2020, signed with Englehart Music Group for their first album.
2021, Brock departed and Shayne Bartley (mandolin) replaced him.
2023, Spears died after a long illness and was replaced by bassist Zach Collier.
Kenny Wertz (banjo) later played with the Country Gazette and the Flying Burrito Brothers. He still lives in San Diego and plays with a local band.
Wertz was replaced in the Squirrel Barkers by Bernie Leadon (later a member of the Eagles.)
Chris Hillman (mandolin) left this group to play with The Golden State Boys (AKA The Hillmen) and was a founding member of The Byrds and the Desert Rose Band. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Byrds.
Larry Murray (Dobro™) later formed the folk-rock group Hearts and Flowers.
Ed Douglas (bass) later managed the rock group The Stone Ponies (with Linda Ronstadt).
Gary Carr (guitar, lead vocals) later performed with Geoff Stelling’s Hard Times Bluegrass Band (late 1970’s). He died in 1985.
One of first mandolin players in bluegrass to have a style distinguishable from Bill Monroe’s.
Began his career in the early 40’s playing mandolin with the Morris Brothers, Johnnie and Jack, and Charlie Monroe.
Performed and recorded for many years in a duo with his cousin Fred E. Smith (“Red and Fred”).
1950’s, joined Carl Story’s Rambling Mountaineers and sang lead when Carl recorded his best-known Mercury and Columbia albums.
Also worked and recorded with Reno and Smiley, Ramona and Grandpa Jones, Jethro Burns, Mother Maybelle and the Carter Family, Norman Blake, Bill Clifton, John Hartford, many others.
1993, they performed in a hit Broadway play called “Fool Moon” which won a Tony Award for the band. This play also had a run at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC.
Warren (fiddle) is the son of former Foggy Mountain Boy Paul Warren. Cushman (banjo) is a celebrated banjo player who has worked primarily as a studio musician in Nashville. In 2013, both of them became members of the Earls of Leicester.
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1980, formed The Carter Brothers with his brother Danny, blending electric/acoustic, folk, rock, bluegrass and blues.
1992, the Carter Brothers signed with Capitol Records.
The Carter Brothers are related to Hall of Fame members the Carter Family. The connection: their great-grandfather William Carter and A.P Carter are first cousins. They were also very close friends.
1997-2004, Tim toured with the Alison Brown Quartet as her sound engineer. Also toured with Newgrange and Tim O’Brien.
Tim has his own recording studio in Nashville called Treehouse. Has worked with such bluegrass artists as Alison Brown, Tim O’Brien, Darol Anger, Mike Marshall, Vassar Clements and many others.
2004-2006, the Carter Brothers toured with Vassar Clements until his passing.
2007, Tim released his first solo project “Bang Bang” featuring original banjo tunes.
2016, joined Hayseed Dixie.
2017, Danny Carter was hospitalized following multiple strokes and other health issues.
2021, Tim formed a new band called Damn the Banjos.
Began singing at age 3 in her family band, Bluegrass Edition. They also recorded under the name The Adairs.
She plays mandolin, piano and all the bluegrass instruments.
1996, won first place at the Pizza Hut International Bluegrass Showdown in Owensboro, Kentucky.
1997, Tina recorded Just You Wait & See on Sugar Hill Records. It was produced by Jerry Douglas and featured guest musicians Chris Thile, Bryan Sutton, Aubrey Haynie, Alan O’Bryant and others.
2002, received a degree in music business from Belmont University. She has worked there ever since at the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business.
2012, formed the band Sister Sadie with Dale Ann Bradley (guitar), Deanie Richardson (fiddle), Gena Britt (banjo) and Beth Lawrence (bass). Their 2018 album Sister Sadie II was nominated for a Grammy Award. In 2019 Sister Sadie won the IBMA Award for Vocal Group of the Year.
2020, released album Oh Darlin’ (Pinecastle) a duet album with Dale Ann Bradley, under the name Bradley & Adair.
2021, left Sister Sadie to continue her career as a solo artist. Released Tina Adair album (Englehardt).
From Larchmont, New York. Currently lives in Ireland.
Began performing at Hampshire College in Amherst, MA in the early 1980’s. He was studying law and labor history at the time.
1984, busked in Europe, was a street musician in Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris.
1985, returned to New York and studied banjo under Tony Trischka and Bill Keith.
1986, formed band called Cumberland Gap.
1988-1990, played banjo with the John Herald Band. Also appeared in the Off-Broadway bluegrass musical “Feast Here Tonight” (1989).
1991, released solo project Bucket Of Bees album (Joyous Gard).
1992, formed Grass Menagerie, later called Blue Horizon. They recorded one album Tom Hanway & Blue Horizon (Joyous Gard Music).
1995, joined Burnt Toast.
1997, co-designed Tom Hanway SwallowTail Deluxe banjo with Geoff Stelling, which becomes a production model (1998) with Standard and Deluxe options. Steve Martin bought one of these models for himself.
1998, Mel Bay published his book/CD “Complete Book of Irish and Celtic 5-String Banjo.” Hanway is originator of a unique style called “Celtic Fingerstyle” banjo.
1997-2002, co-founded Big Apple Bluegrass Society with his first wife, Kathleen Low Hanway (deceased), and promoted the annual Big Apple Bluegrass & Folk Festival in Greenwich Village, NYC.
2003, married Denise Conroy and moved to Ireland
2004-2006, worked with Carmel Sheerin & The Ravens, voted #1 European Bluegrass Band 2005-2006 by EBMA.
2006, promotes Americana music at the United Arts Club in Dublin. Performs with the Badbelly Project and Tennessee Hob.
He is primarily known as a bass singer, perhaps the first full-time bass singer in bluegrass music.
1998, began singing professionally with The Sounds of Liberty (at Liberty University). He also performed in Dr. Jerry Falwell’s Old Time Gospel Hour Quartet.
He has also performed with several other gospel quartets including The Old Friends Quartet (while the legendary bass singer George Younce was ill), The Christian Brothers Quartet, and Mercy’s Mark.
2006, he was the Assistant Director of Recruiting for Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas.
2010, joined Dailey and Vincent, adding bass vocals and playing second guitar.
2015, left Dailey and Vincent to pursue a solo career.
2019, released “The Big Picture” album (Turnberry).
Formed in 1967 by Frank Ray and his uncle Richard Orchard. The original name of the band was Rich Orchard, Frank Ray, and The Ramblin’ Blue Grass Boys. The name was changed to Cedar Hill Grass in 1972, and later shortened to just Cedar Hill.
Winner of several SPBGMA awards and in 2000, won first place at the Gibson National Bluegrass Band Showcase.
2004 lineup: Frank Ray (mandolin), Mel Besher (guitar), Kenny Cantrell (banjo), Lisa Ray (fiddle) and Ali Keisler (bass).
2013 lineup: Ray (mandolin), Jim Bunch (banjo), Pete Brown (fiddle), Patti LeFleur (bass), Brit McGarity (guitar).
2015, released “Miss Dixie, Tom T. and Me” (Blue Circle), a collection of songs written by Tom T. and Dixie Hall especially for Cedar Hill. For two years following the deaths of Frank Ray’s son Scott and his father Dallas, Ray was unable to write new songs for his band. So the Hall’s responded by offering Ray ten new songs.
2008, Ray was inducted into the National Traditional Country Music Association Hall of Fame and received the Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018
2019, Ray was inducted into SPBGMA’s Hall of Greats.
Formed in 1981 by Mark Rickert (guitar) and Steve Huber (banjo). Other members of the band included Todd Clewell (bass), Wally Hughes (Dobro™ and fiddle). On their recordings, they were joined by special guests Phil Rosenthal (mandolin) and Mike Auldridge (Dobro™) of the Seldom Scene.
From Oklahoma. Has also lived in Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas and Canada (British Columbia).
Grew up playing rock guitar in several garage bands but picked up a banjo at age 19 and became obsessed with it.
1989, won the National Bluegrass Banjo championship at Winfield, Kansas.
1990, was a founding member of the Andy Owens Project.
1996, was inducted into the Texas Tornadoes, an unofficial Texas music Hall of Fame.
1999, formed Big Twang, a Wichita, Kansas group.
2007, joined the Blue Canyon Boys, a Colorado-based band which won the Telluride Band Contest a year later.
2009, moved to Colorado and formed his own band Colorado with his 13-year old son Tristin (mandolin). Other members include Greg Blake (guitar), Annie Savage (fiddle), KC Groves (bass).
2013, released Western Branches album (no label) produced by Sally Van Meter.
2016, released “Ramblin Feels Good” album (no label) produced by Bill VornDick.
2019, released Over the Line album (Patuxent), produced by Mark Schatz (who also played bass on the album).
2019, the group disbanded (except to play selected dates). Greg Blake (lead vocals, guitar) moved to Kansas City to form his own band Real Country. Tristan Scroggins (mandolin) moved to Nashville and is pursuing other musical opportunities. Jeff formed a new band called The ScroggDogs.
From Kingsport, Tennessee. Lives in Bristol, Tennessee.
His father was in an acapella gospel group called the Clinch Mountain Quartet.
1963, joined Jimmy Martin’s band the Sunny Mountain Boys, playing banjo.
1966, joined J.D. Crowe and the Kentucky Mountain Boys, playing mandolin.
1971, joined the Country Gentlemen, playing mandolin.
1979, formed his own band Quicksilver (original name was Foxfire but discovered the name was already in use.)
1995, adopted a new look and new sound, performing around a single vocal mike with precision choreography.
1998, was the first bluegrass band invited to perform at the National Gospel Quartet Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.
2003, won IBMA award for Song of the Year (“Blue Train”).
2005, was elected chairman of the board of the International Bluegrass Music Trust Fund which provides financial assistance to bluegrass artists in times of emergency need. He continues to serve in this capacity.
2006, was presented with a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts.
2007, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree by Kings College in Bristol, Tennessee.
2007, won his sixth IBMA Award for Gospel Recorded performance of the Year (also won in 1996, 2000, 2003, 2005 and 2006).
2010, recorded with Paul Simon.
2011, added drums to the band’s sound, much to the consternation of some of his fans. He discontinued using the drums in live performances about a year later.
2011, won the IBMA Award for Recorded Event of the Year for the song “Prayers Bells of Heaven” by J.D. Crowe, Doyle Lawson and Paul Williams (from their album Old Friends Get Together).
2012, was inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame (IBMA).
2012, won the Inspirational Country Music Award for Band/Vocal Group of the Year.
2018, won his eighth IBMA Award for Vocal Group of the Year (also won in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007).
2021, announced that he will retire after the 2022 season.
2021, received the Tennessee Governor’s Arts Award.
2021, after Doyle’s retirement, his band members formed a new band called Authentic Unlimited.
RECOMMENDED ALBUMS:
Tennessee Dream (County Records, 1977) This is Doyle’s first solo project, an album of mandolin instrumentals.
The Original Band (Sugar Hill, 1979, 1982) This is a reissue of the first two non-gospel albums by Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver “Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver” and “Quicksilver Rides Again.” Band included Terry Baucom, Lou Reid and Jimmy Haley.
Rock my Soul (Sugar Hill, 1981) This is a classic album of gospel songs. Includes one of his most requested: “On the Sea of Life.”
Heavenly Treasures (Sugar Hill, 1983) Gospel album. Band includes Terry Baucom, Jimmy Haley and Randy Graham.
Once And For Always/The News Is Out (Sugar Hill, 1985/1987) Two albums now packaged together. Two bands: one with Terry Baucom, Jimmy Haley, Randy Graham; the other with Russell Moore, Scott Vestal and Ray Deaton.
Beyond the Shadows (Sugar Hill, 1986) Gospel album. Band includes Russell Moore, Scott Vestal and Curtis Vestal.
Heavens Joy Awaits (Sugar Hill, 1988) Gospel album (acapella). Quartet includes Russell Moore, Scott Vestal and Ray Deaton.
Hymn Time in the Country (Sugar Hill, 1988) Gospel album. Band includes Russell Moore, Scott Vestal, Ray Deaton.
I’ll Wander Back Someday (Sugar Hill, 1988) Band includes Russell Moore, Scott Vestal, Ray Deaton.
I Heard the Angels Singing (Sugar Hill, 1989) Gospel album. Band includes Russell Moore, Scott Vestal, Ray Deaton.
My Heart Is Yours (Sugar Hill, 1990) Band includes Russell Moore, Ray Deaton, Jim Mills and Mike Hargrove.
Only God (Sugar Hill, 1991) Gospel Album. Band includes Jim Mills, Shelton Feazell and John Bowman.
Pressing On Regardless (Music Mill Entertainment, 1993) Band includes John Bowman, Jim Mills, Shelton Feazell, Kim Gardner, Jim Edmonds.
Treasures Money Can’t Buy (Music Mill Entertainment, 1993) Gospel album. Band includes John Bowman, Jim Mills, Shelton Feazell.
Hallelujah In My Heart (Music Mill Entertainment, 1994) Gospel album. Band includes Shawn Lane, Jimmy Stewart, Brad Campbell and John Berry.
Never Walk Away (Sugar Hill, 1995) Band includes Steve Gulley, Barry Abernathy, Dale Perry and Owen Saunders plus guest artists.
There’s a Light Guiding Me (Sugar Hill, 1996) Gospel album. Band includes Steve Gulley, Barry Abernathy, Dale Perry and Owen Saunders.
Kept & Protected (Sugar Hill, 1997) Gospel album. Band includes Barry Scott, Barry Abernathy, Dale Perry, Owen Saunders.
Gospel Radio Gems (Sugar Hill, 1998) Gospel album (acapella). Quartet includes Barry Scott, Barry Abernathy and Dale Perry.
Winding Through Life (Sugar Hill, 1998) Band includes Jamie Dailey, Barry Scott, Dale Perry, Doug Bartlett.
Just Over in Heaven (Sugar Hill, 2000) Gospel album. Band includes Barry Scott, Dale Perry, Jamie Dailey, Doug Bartlett.
Gospel Parade (Sugar Hill, 2001) Gospel album. Band includes Jamie Dailey, Barry Scott, Dale Perry and Hunter Berry.
Hard Game of Love (Sugar Hill, 2002) Includes both the IBMA Song of the Year “Blue Train” and IBMA Gospel Recording of the Year “The Hand Made Cross.” Musicians includes Jamie Dailey, Barry Scott, Dale Perry, Hunter Berry, Barry Abernathy, Jim Van Cleve, Owen Sauders.
Thank God (SSK, 2003) Gospel album. Band includes Jamie Dailey, Barry Scott, Dale Perry, J.W. Stockman, Jess Barry.
School of Bluegrass (Crossroads, 2004) A celebration of Doyle’s 25th anniversary with Quicksilver featuring many of his former band members.
Beyond the Shadows (Sugar Hill, 2004) Band includes Jamie Dailey, Barry Scott, Dale Perry, Jesse Stockman.
You Gotta Dig a Little Deeper (Rounder, 2005) Band includes Jamie Dailey, Barry Scott, Terry Baucom, Jesse Stockman.
He Lives in Me (Horizon, 2006) Won the IBMA Award for Gospel Recording of the Year both in 2006 and 2007. Band includes Jamie Dailey, Terry Baucom, Darren Beachley, Barry Scott, Mike Hartgrove and Jesse Stockman.
Help Is on the Way (Horizon, 2008) Gospel album. Band includes Darren Beachley, Alan Johnson, Joey Cox, Carl White and Josh Swift.
Lonely Street (Rounder, 2009) Band includes Carl White, Joey Cox, Josh Swift and Darren Beachley.
Light on My Feet, Ready to Fly (Horizon, 2010) Gospel album. Band includes Josh Swift, Jason Barie, Corey Hensley, Mike Rogers, Carl White and Jesse Baker.
Drive Time (Mountain Home, 2011) Band includes Josh Swift, Jason Barie, Corey Hensley, Mike Rogers, Carl White and Jesse Baker.
Sing Me A Song About Jesus (Mountain Home, 2012) Gospel album. Band includes Josh Swift, Mike Rogers, Jessie Baker, Carl White, Jason Barie and Corie Hensley.
Roads Well Traveled (Mountain Home, 2013) Band includes Joe Dean, Corey Hensley, Jason Barie, Mike Rogers and Josh Swift.
Open Carefully: Message Inside (Mountain Home, 2014) Gospel album. Band includes Josh Swift, Jason Barie, Joe Dean, Dustin Pyrtle and Eli Johnston.
In Session (Mountain Home, 2015) Band includes Dustin Pyrtle, Eli Johnston, Joe Dean, Josh Swift and Stephen Burwell.
Life is a Story (Mountain Home, 2017). Band includes Dustin Pyrtle, Eli Johnston, Joe Dean, Josh Swift and Stephen Burwell.
Live in Prague Czech Republic (2019, Billy Blue Records). Band includes Jake Vanover, Jerry Cole, Joe Dean, Josh Swift and Stephen Burwell.
Roundtable (2021, Billy Blue) Band includes Eli Johnston (banjo), Ben James (guitar), Matt Flake (fiddle), Stephen Burwell (fiddle) and Jerry Cole (bass).
From Shelby, North Carolina. Lived in Madison, Tennessee for most of his life.
Full name: Earl Eugene Scruggs.
He is credited with being the first master of the three-finger style of banjo-playing which defines bluegrass music and which bears his name. Every bluegrass banjo player plays a variation of “Scruggs-style” banjo.
First pro job: At age 15, he played banjo with Zeke and Wiley Morris, the Morris Brothers.
1945, age 21, joined Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys.
1948, Earl and Lester Flatt left Monroe’s band to form their own group, Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys.
1969, after 21 years, he parted company with Lester Flatt to form a new country-rock band with his sons, Gary, Randy and Steve: The Earl Scruggs Revue. The group disbanded ten years later.
1992, was presented with the National Medal for the Arts by President George H.W. Bush in a ceremony at the White House (July 22).
1994, received the Million-Air Award from BMI representing one million broadcast performances of “Foggy Mountain Breakdown.”
1996, underwent hip replacement surgery and suffered a heart attack requiring bypass surgery, all in the same month (October).
1997, returned to the stage, performing at the IBMA Awards Show, the Grand Ole Opry (with Ricky Skaggs, Vince Gill, Marty Stuart and Alison Krauss), and selected festivals. Also played on son Randy’s solo album, and was nominated for Banjo Player of the Year (1998 IBMA Awards).
2002, won Grammy for Best Country Instrumental Performance for “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” from his Earl Scruggs And Friends album (MCA Nashville).
2003, received his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
2003, recorded and performed with Doc Watson and Ricky Skaggs as The Three Pickers (Rounder).
Quote from John Hartford: “Who was the first three-finger style banjo picker? It doesn’t really matter, because without Earl no one would be asking that question.”
Quote from Sammy Shelor: “Without Earl Scruggs, none of us would be here.”
2005, the Country Music Hall of Fame presented a year-long special exhibit honoring Earl Scruggs titled “Banjo Man: the Life and Legacy of Earl Scruggs.”
2005, appeared on the David Letterman show with Steve Martin, Peter Wernick and other banjo players in a group called “Men With Banjos Who Know How to Use Them.” They played “Foggy Mountain Banjo” together.
2008, received a Grammy Award for Lifetime Achievement.
A female vocal trio specializing in folk/Americana with a bluegrassy feel (lots of Dobro™, occasional banjo).
Formed in 2004 by Laurie MacAllister (guitar, banjo, bass), Abbie Gardner (Dobro™, guitar) and Carolann Solebello (guitar, bass) at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival (New York).
2010, Solebello left the group and was replaced by Austin-based singer songwriter and guitarist Molly Venter.
Fans are called “Red Heads.”
“Red Molly” is the name of a character in Richard Thompson’s song “1952 Vincent Black Lightning” which was IBMA Song of the Year in 2002 (recorded by the Del McCoury Band).
Abbie Gardner has released several solo projects featuring her resophonic guitar.
2010, released James album (no label). James is also a character in the song 1952 Vincent Black Lightning.
A family band featuring the Martin siblings Anne (bass), Dale (guitar), Janice (banjo), Lee (mandolin), Jeana (fiddle) and Larita (Dobro™).
2007, won the SPBGMA International Bluegrass Band championship in Nashville.
2017, released Travel Down This Road With Me album (Loveshine) featuring Leona and Ron Williams. Leona is a classic country music singer/songwriter from Missouri who was married to Merle Haggard and co-wrote many songs with him. Ron is her son, also a country music singer/songwriter.
Formed in 2006 by Alex Thoele (guitar) and Jon Pickett (guitar) in Estes Park, Colorado. They were later joined by Jarrett Mason (mandolin) and Chris “C-Bob” Elliott (banjo).
Formed in 2006 by record-producer and guitarist Rench (Oscar Owens) who combined bluegrass with hip-hop to record the theme song for the FX television network’s show “Justified.”
Since 2018, band members have been 2018 has been Rench (vocals, guitar, beats), Dolio the Sleuth (MC, vocals), R-SON the Voice of Reason (MC), Dan “Danjo” Whitener (vocals, banjo), and B.E. Farrow (vocals, fiddle).
Fans include Howie Mandell (“America’s Got Talent”) and the late author Elmore Leonard.
2019, they appeared at the Station Inn in Nashville, the first time a hip-hop group had ever appeared at the iconic bluegrass venue.
One of Europe’s first professional bluegrass bands.
Guitarist Beppe Gambetta was a founding member of this band.
Founding members Martino Coppo and Silvio Ferretti also perform with a band called Freewheelin.
They have toured the U.S. many times and have shared billings with Ricky Skaggs, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Tony Rice, Ralph Stanley, Del McCoury, the Lonesome River Band and many others.
First band: The Yodeling Rangers, with his brothers (1935).
1939, was one of the original members of Charlie Monroe’s Kentucky Partners.
1945, first played on the Grand Ole Opry, with Danny Bailey.
1946, recorded with Charlie Monroe (first recordings by the Kentucky Partners).
1949, joined Flatt & Scruggs, over the next dozen years he sang tenor and played mandolin on many of their biggest hits of the day and their most popular classics all of have stood the test of time.
1952, recorded with Jim & Jesse McReynolds on their first Capitol records.
1955-1962, appeared with Flatt & Scruggs on television across the southeast, and on the Grand Ole Opry.
1962, retired from music (temporarily) and started a trucking business.
1971, recorded “Curly Seckler Sings Again” (Country Records).
1973, un-retired to join Lester Flatt and The Nashville Grass. Lester died in 1979, but at Lester’s request, took over the Nashville Grass and kept the group going until 1994 (He formed a partnership with lead singer Willis Spears, who joined the group in 1981).
1994, released 60 Years of Bluegrass album (Vine Street Records). This album was later re-issued by Copper Creek Records (in 2005).
1996, received a Distinguished Achievement Award from IBMA.
Formed in 1971 by John Duffey (mandolin), John Starling (guitar and lead vocals), Ben Eldridge (banjo), Mike Auldridge (Dobro™), Tom Gray (bass).
Name “Seldom Scene” was originally chosen because the group decided to stay at home and play once a week at a local club near their homes and day jobs.
First gig: The Rabbit’s Foot (a bar) in Washington, D.C. (November, 1971). Quit because the bartender wouldn’t turn down the TV.
Performed for several years on Thursday nights at the Red Fox Inn in Bethesda, Maryland. Later moved to the Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia.
Mandolinist Duffy previously worked with the Country Gentlemen.
Lead singers: John Starling (he was both the first and the fourth), Phil Rosenthal, Lou Reid, Moondi Klein, Dudley Connell.
1988, T. Michael Coleman replaced Gray after having worked with Doc and Merle Watson.
November 10th, 1986, celebrated their 15th anniversary at Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center. Special guests: Ricky Skaggs, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, the Whites, Jonathan Edwards and presidential press secretary James Brady, who brought congratulatory greetings from then-President Ronald Reagan.
Career highlight: performing for President Jimmy Carter at the White House.
1992, John Starling returned to the band as lead singer. Was replaced by Moondi Klein in 1994.
1995, Moondi Klein, Mike Auldridge and T. Michael Coleman left to devote full time to their new band, Chesapeake.
1996, Klein, Auldridge and Coleman were replaced by Dudley Connell (guitar/lead vocals), Ronnie Simpkins (bass) and Fred Travers (Dobro™).
Sept. 1996, John Duffey was inducted in the IBMA Hall of Fame with the “Classic Country Gentlemen.”
Sept. 1996, Connell underwent surgery to remove a growth from his vocal chords.
December 1996, John Duffey died at the age of 62.
1997, Lou Reid rejoined the group, replacing Duffey on mandolin.
2000, Connell won IBMA award for Male Vocalist of the Year.
2003, the original Seldom Scene re-united for several concerts (calling themselves The Seldom Seniors) with Larry Stephenson taking John Duffy’s spot.
2013 (October) celebrated their 40th anniversary with a concert at the Red Fox Inn in the Washington DC area with past and present band members plus guests including Emmylou Harris.
2014, the original band was inducted into the IBMA’s Hall of Fame.
Describe their sound as “Buck Owens and Don Rich sing the Stanley Brothers.”
Tom Feller (guitar) has previously worked with Jerry Williamson & Redwing, The Larry Stephenson Band, Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, and 3 Fox Drive. He is also a recording engineer.
Chris Hill (banjo) previously worked with Gerald Evans and Paradise, The Wildwood Valley Boys, the James King Band, and The Karl Shiflett and Big Country Show. Chris is also a national clogging champion.
Members: Doug DeBoer (guitar), Sally Ryba (banjo), Nick McDonald (mandolin), Nancy MacLellan (bass), Wayne Ferguson (fiddle).
Have won numerous Central Canadian Bluegrass Awards including Best Overall Group of the Year and Vocal Group of the Year. Band Members have also won numerous individual awards.
Originally from Birmingham, Alabama. Worked for many years in Atlanta, Georgia.
Formed in 1970 by Ginger Boatwright (vocals), Grant Boatwright (guitar), Dave Sebolt (bass) and Dale Whitcomb (banjo). Norman Blake (mandolin) was also a member of this band for a short time.
1973, had a hit record (reached #71 on the Billboard Charts) with “July, You’re a Woman,” written by John Stewart of the Kingston Trio. This song appears on the album Guaranteed(GRC).
1974, released “Pickin’ Up” album (GRC).
1977, released “Red White and Blue (grass) and Company” album (Mercury).
1979, the Boatwrights divorced and the band broke up.
Ginger Boatwright (who sang lead and fronted the band) later formed a Nashville group called the Bushwhackers and also worked 22 years with the Doug Dillard Band (until 2003).
1984-2001, she was lead singer and bassist with the group Appalachian Trail. She also performed under the name Linda Barker.
2000, toured with a show called “Masters of the Steel String Guitar.”
2003, she recorded a solo project for the Cracker Barrel record label and another an album with husband David Lay (guitarist with Appalachian Trail), Tom Adams (banjo) and David McLaughlin (mandolin) called Springfield Exit.
2004, re-organized Appalachian Trail with several new members.
The brainchild of Lorraine Jordan and Gena Britt, who decided in 2001 to record an album featuring many of the top women musicians in bluegrass music.
The “Daughters” include more than 40 female artists including Jordan and Britt, Dale Ann Bradley, Valerie Smith, Claire Lynch, Sonya and Becky Isaacs, Rhonda Vincent, Alecia Nugent, Jeannette Williams and many others.
An acoustic trio formed in 2002 to explore the outer limits of bluegrass. They played everything from bluegrass classics to Motown and reggae.
Members: Sharon Gilchrist (mandolin), Ben Wright (guitar) and Josh Martin (bass).
Gilchrist previously played mandolin and bass with the Dixie Chicks. She has a degree in Mandolin Studies from Belmont University in Nashville. Also studied mandolin in Savona, Italy with master Carlo Aonzo.
Founder and leader of the legendary rock group The Grateful Dead.
1962, played banjo with two bands—the Wild Wood Boys and Sleepy Hollow Hog Stompers.
1963, formed The Black Mountain Boys with David Nelson and Sandy Rothman.
1973, Garcia (banjo) recorded with David Grisman (mandolin), Peter Rowan (guitar), John Kahn (bass) and Vassar Clements (fiddle) in a band called “Old and In the Way.” This album became one of the best-selling bluegrass albums of all time.
1987, reunited with friends David Nelson (of New Riders of the Purple Sage) and Sandy Rothman (a former Blue Grass Boy) to record “Almost Acoustic” under the name The Jerry Garcia Acoustic Band.
1991, Jerry and mandolinist David Grisman recorded an album of acoustic duets: Jerry Garcia & David Grisman (Acoustic Disk).
1993, interviewed in film “Bill Monroe: The Father of Bluegrass Music” and asked “Is it true that you once auditioned to be one of Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys?” Jerry’s response: “Yeah. I wanted to be one in the worst way. I still want to be.”
The Grateful Dead recorded several bluegrass standards: “Dark Hollow”, “Deep Elem Blues”, “Sittin on Top of the World”, “A Voice from on High”, “Little Sadie”, “Cold Jordan” and others.
Died in August, 1995 at the age of 53.
2000, an acoustic album was released featuring Garcia with David Grisman and Tony Rice called The Pizza Tapes (Acoustic Disk).
2001, a movie about Jerry Garcia and David Grisman was released called “Grateful Dawg.”
2024, the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Owensboro, Kentucky opened a temporary exhibit (three years) called “Jerry Garcia: A Bluegrass Journey.”
A gospel and mountain music duo featuring veteran country singer Mac McHale and gospel singer Carolyn Hutton. They alternate on guitar, mandolin, and banjo.
The name “Taylor’s Grove” comes from the little North Carolina church where Carolyn Hutton grew up singing with her family.
Mac McHale also performs with “The Radio Gang” and the Celtic/country duo “Two Old Friends” (with Emery Hutchins). He is a member of the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame and was inducted as a “Pioneer” of bluegrass music by the International Bluegrass Music Museum in Owensboro, Kentucky.
Grew up in Alabama and Missouri, then moved to Virginia. Now lives in Hardy, Virginia.
1979-1983, played guitar with the Lost and Found.
After leaving the Lost and Found, he retired from music for several years, eventually returning as a folk/southern rock artist. He also hosted a local TV show called “Friends, Neighbors and Music.”
From Fredericksburg, Virginia and Littlestown, Pennsylvania.
Both members of this duo are named Gary Ferguson. They are not related.
Gary Ferguson (Virginia) is a former member of the Knoxville Grass and toured with Donna Fargo.
Gary Ferguson (Pennsylvania) is a singer/songwriter who has released numerous albums under his own name and with other musicians including Sally Love, Jordan Tice, Emory Lester and others.
2014, while touring Ireland together, they decided to form a duo.
2016, released their first album together Some Bridges (no label).
From Ruckersville, Virginia. He was born in Boone’s Camp, Kentucky and worked in the Baltimore/Washington DC area as well as in Ohio.
Played banjo and was the leader or co-leader of several bands including the Stone Mountain Boys, Buzz Busby, the Spruce Mountain Boys and Eastern Tradition.
Keel is a 2-time winner of the Telluride Flatpick Guitar Championship (1993, 1995).
Early days: had a group called McGraw Gap. Also worked as a contract musician at Disney World in Tokyo.
2000,formed a band called The Larry Keel Experience. This band included Curtis Burch, an original member of the New Grass Revival.
2006, formed a band called Natural Bridge with Mark Schimick (mandolin), Will Lee (banjo) and wife Jenny Keel (bass).
2012, recorded “Classic” album.
Has a website called Fishin and Pickin combining his love for music and fishing. He hosts various music events for fisherman such as Bass and Grass (Georgia) and Trout and Tunes (West Virginia).
Formed in 2020 by Aynsley Porchak (fiddle), Lincoln Hensley (banjo), John Meador (guitar), Gracie Meador (bass) and Tim Laughlin (mandolin). The Meadors are married.
The group formed as a spin-off of the band Carolina Blue. When Carolina Blue co-founder Bobby Powell left the group, he took the name Carolina Blue with him and the remaining members formed a new band.
2021, signed a recording contract with Billy Blue Records.
2021, the Meadors left the group to start a family.
2022, Lincoln Mash (guitar) and Tyler Griffith (bass) joined the band.
2023, Geary Allen (guitar) and Anissa Burnett (bass) joined the band, replacing Mash and Griffith.
Like the Sidemen before them, this group was formed to perform at Nashville’s Station Inn on Tuesday nghts.
Band members included Aaron McDaris (banjo), Darrell Webb, (guitar), Ashby Frank (mandolin), Jim Van Cleve (fiddle) and Randy Barnes (bass). They were all members of other bands.
Occasional Brigadeers included Josh Williams (guitar) and Scott Vestal (banjo).
A gospel family bluegrass band featuring Gaylon and Katrina Harper (banjo and bass) and their three children Dalton (guitar), Dillon (mandolin), and Hannah (fiddle). Gaylon and Katrina met at a bluegrass festival where they were each performing, Gaylon with the Bressler Brothers and Katrina with her family, The Bob Lewis Family. In need of a banjo picker, the Lewises hired Gaylon. Within a year, Gaylon and Katrina were married. The two began a family of their own and had three talented children.
2012, released “Changes” album on Pisgah Ridge Records.
2013, 19-year old Dalton Harper was diagnosed with stage 2B Hodgkins Lymphoma, a cancer that attacks the immune system.
2014, released Through It All album on Pisgah Ridge Records, produced by Balsam Range’s Tim Surrett.
2023, Dalton Harper released his first single “Highway of Love” (Skyline).
He plays all the bluegrass instruments but is best known as a fiddle player.
Began performing professionally at age 18. He has worked with Michelle Nixon and Drive, Donna Hughes, Carrie Hassler and Hard Rain, the Skip Cherryholmes Quintet, Marty Raybon, Blue Moon Rising and Ramblers Choice.
2014, joined Junior Sisk and Ramblers Choice.
2015, released solo project Old Pal (Mountain Fever Records).
Began his musical career playing fiddle with his father Glen (guitar) in a group called The Grasshoppers. Honi Deaton (then Honi Glenn) was also in the band.
Attended South Plains College in Levelland, Texas. After graduation, he moved to Nashville where he worked with Bobby Osborne, Chris Jones, Ronnie Bowman, Jim Hurst and backed award-winning country singer Lee Ann Womack. He also released a gospel album with his father Glen under the name Garrett Grass.
Formed in 1967 by mandolinist Troy Castleberry, a Memphis fireman.
For 10 years, the group practiced and performed every Friday night at The Bluegrass Shack in Memphis. It was a 100-year-old two-room schoolhouse which burned down on July 4, 1989.
1977, released “The Tennessee Gentlemen” album (Southern Tracks).
1980, won eleven awards out of eleven categories at the SPBGMA awards show in Lake Ozark, MO, including Best Band, Best Album, Best Mandolin Player, and Best Contemporary Male Vocalist.
1979, released “Just Us” album (no label).
1980, released “Sunday Morning” album (no label). Group at that time included Donny Catron (guitar), Richard Bailey (banj0) and Steve Gregory (bass).
1981, released “Hey Mr. Train” album (Ridge Runner).
1987, released “Heading West” album (Bluegrass Shack). The group at that time included Wayne Southards (guitar) and Stuart Brownlee (bass), along with Castleberry (mandolin) and Bailey (banjo).
2000, founder Castleberry died at the age of 71.
2003, a new version of the band was organized by former member Donny Catron.
One of America’s best known folk singers and flat-pick guitarists.
Real name: Arthel Lane Watson.
1960, he was “discovered” by folklorist Ralph Rinzler.
Was born with a defect in the main vessels that carry blood to the eyes, causing him to permanently lose his vision as a small child.
Even though he was blind, he was able to perform tasks that seemed almost impossible without vision. For example, he completely wired his house for electricity. All of the wiring was passed by the county building inspector and the feat was written up in an electrical journal.
1953-1962, played with a North Carolina group called “Jack Williams and the Country Gentlemen.”
Doc’s first bluegrass recording: a 1965 album of instrumentals with Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs.
For more than 25 years, Doc traveled and performed with his son Merle. Merle was killed in a tractor accident on the Watson farm in 1985.
After Merle’s death, guitarist Jack Lawrence served as Doc’s right-hand man on stage and on the road.
1965, performed at the first bluegrass festival (Carlton Haney’s Fincastle, VA festival).
September, 1997, received the National Medal of Arts from President and Mrs. Clinton at the White House.
2000, was inducted into the IBMA’s Hall of Fame.
He recorded more than 50 albums and won seven Grammies. In 2004, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by NARAS.
2003, recorded and performed with Earl Scruggs and Ricky Skaggs as one of “The Three Pickers.”
2012, died after a long illness at the age of 89.
2012, posthumously won the IBMA Award for Guitar Player of the Year.
From Marion, Virginia. Lived in Davidsonville, Maryland for many years.
Began performing in the 1950’s.
Formed his band The Virginians in the early 60’s. Recorded several landmark albums for United Artists and Monument Records. This group appeared regularly on the Jimmy Dean’s CBS-TV show.
1966, teamed up with Don Reno and the Tennessee Cutups, singing lead in place of the late Red Smiley.
1977, was involved in a traffic accident that left him with two broken legs. Reno and Harrell officially called it quits in September of that year
1978, re-organized “The Virginians” and continued to perform with this group (with numerous personnel changes over the years) until the mid-90’s when he retired.
Was a good friend of the late singer Jim Reeves. Bill wrote several songs for him.
Once considered changing his name to “Morgan Atkins” and going country. (Name is a combination of his wife’s and his mother’s maiden names.
He performed for presidents Nixon, Reagan and Bush.
His son Mitch Harrell performed for many years with the Virginians and became a solo artist.
2008, recieved a “Distinguished Achievement Award” from the IBMA.
A traditional bluegrass band from Cullman, Alabama.
Davis’s father and grandfather were both musicians, and his uncle Cleo Davis was in Bill Monroe’s first Blue Grass Boys (1939).
The Warrior River Boys were originally formed in the mid-1950’s by Garry Thurmond. Due to his declining health, he turned the band over to 23-year-old Davis in 1984.
Davis plays mandolin and sings lead.
Band has included legendary musicians such as fiddler Charlie Cline and former bluegrass boy Tom Ewing.
A successful songwriter: has had songs recorded by Doug Stone, Perfect Stranger, others.
Founding member of the Charlotte Americana Showcase.
He is also a well-known storyteller. He was featured at the National Storytelling Festival and was Teller In Residence at the International Storytelling Center.
He has performed at major music events like MerleFest and the Walnut Valley Festival.
His band is called No Angels.
Has released numerous albums including Ways to Travel (Rank) featuring Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, Brent Truitt, Pat Flynn, other bluegrass musicians.
From South Charleston, West Virginia. Lives in Nashville.
1976, while a student at WVU, she was a member of a bluegrass band called Pennsboro.
1978, moved to Nashville, got a job as tour guide at the Country Music Hall of Fame and did background vocals for Bobby Goldsboro and others.
1983, signed her first record deal and has since recorded seventeen albums (as of 2012) with more than thirty singles appearing on the Billboard Hot Country Singles charts including number one hits “Goin’ Gone”, “Where’ve You Been?” “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses”, “Come From the Heart” and “Burnin’ Old Memories.” She has had 12 number one singles.
1990, won Grammy for Best Female Vocal (“Where’ve You Been”)
1990, recorded “The Battle Hymn of Love,” a duet with Tim O’Brien which reached #9 on the country music charts (Billboard).
1992, had a hit with Larry Cordle’s composition “Lonesome Standard Time.”
1993. won Grammy for her Christmas album Good News in the Gospel category.
2008, recorded Coal, her first bluegrass/acoustic album.
2011, was inducted into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame.
At age 15, joined Jesse McReynolds and the Virginia Boys, playing fiddle. That same year, became the youngest instructor ever to teach at the Fiddle School at Vanderbilt University.
Moved to Massachusetts where he enrolled in the Berklee School of Music and worked with Northern Lights, Jonathan Edwards, Mike Gordon (of the rock band Phish), the David Grisman Sextet and Tony Trischka.
2011, formed (with Greg Liszt) the Deadly Gentlemen.
2014, released solo project One Song Romance on Compass Records.
2016, toured with the Bryan Sutton Band.
2017, joined Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder (replacing Andy Leftwich).
1997, his song “Last Day at Gettysburg” was recorded by Larry Sparks and spent a year on the Bluegrass Unlimited charts.
2000, formed a duo with vocalist Sally Love (who also is the former director of the Insect Zoo, appearing regularly as the “Bug Lady” on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Late Night with David Letterman.) In 2007, she joined Seneca Rocks, a new band with Dudley Connell (whom she married) and other former members of the Johnson Mountain Boys.
2004, formed a duo with 17-year-old guitar whiz Jordan Tice. Also sitting in with the Emory Lester Set and the Lonesome Road Band (Arkansas group.)
2009, formed an Irish group called “Ferguson, Holmes and Henry” with Janet Holmes and Colin Henry (of Belfast, Ireland.) He tours Ireland every Summer.
Formed in 1953 by brothers: James, Russell and Ed Easter.
One of the first full-time bluegrass gospel groups. Started out as the “The Green Valley Quartet” and later changed name to the Easter Brothers.
Made first recordings in 1961 for King Records. Carlton Haney arranged the session and the band included Don Reno, Allan Mills and Mac Magaha.
During the 1960’s they frequently appeared with Don Reno and Red Smiley.
1979, they became a full-time touring group.
James, Russell and Ed performed together for over 60 years, later joined by two of their sons, Jared and Russell, Jr.
James’ son Jeff married the daughter of Polly Lewis of the Lewis Family, bringing together the two “first families” of bluegrass gospel music. Jeff and Sheri Easter became one of the most popular acts in southern Gospel music.
2019, artist Tim White painted a large mural in downtown Mount Airy honoring the Easter Brothers.
2019, Ed died at age 84.
2020, Russell died at age 90.
2020, the Lonesome River Band recorded an album Singing Up There (Mountain Home), a tribute to the music of the Easter Brothers.
Alex is not only a musician (he plays all the bluegrass instruments well) but he is also a bluegrass DJ on Knoxville radio station WDVX since he was only 9 years old.
2011, first professional job as a musician was with the Larry Gillis Band.
2012, joined Ralph Stanley II and the Clinch Mountain Boys, playing banjo.
2019, formed the Alex Leach Band. Members: Leach (guitar, lead vocals), his wife Miranda (vocals), Brandon Masur (banjo), Joshua Gooding (mandolin) and J.T. Coleman (bass).
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 Railroad Boys. Band members: Bobby Ristau (bass), Sten Isachsen (mandolin) and Mat Kane (fiddle). Sara Milonovich (fiddle) replaced Kane. Kevin Maul (Dobro™) has also made appearance and recordings this band.
Formed in 2010 by brothers Rick (banjo, mandolin, guitar) and Shayne (mandolin, guitar).
Rick has worked with the Cumberland Mountain Boys, Hobo Grass, Newground, and his own band Rick Bartley and Blackwater. He also recorded a solo project in 2003.
Shayne has worked with the Lost and Found, The Charlie Sizemore Band, Southern Blend, Unlimited Tradition, the Rarely Herd, Lexington, Karl Shiflett and Big Country Show, Lightning Strike and other bands.
2010, released Hit the Road album on Rural Rhythm Records.
2014, Shayne joined American Drive.
2016, Shayne teamed up with Greg Luck, Darren Beachley and David Carroll to form a new band called The Railroaders.
2018, Shayne joined David Parmley and Cardinal Tradition, playing mandolin.
A family band featuring Adam McIntosh (guitar) and his sister Angie Young (vocals) and their father Jon McIntosh (guitar). Other members of the band (at various times): Brad Jessmer (banjo), Tim Hale (banjo), Pearl Bradley (mandolin), Wayne Haddock (mandolin) and Jeff Byrd (bass).
Adam McIntosh is also a member of Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers, playing guitar. He is a former member of the Dry Branch Fire Squad.
Born and raised in Sevierville, Tennessee (Great Smoky Mountains). Lived in Madison, Tennessee most of his professional life.
Real name: Beecher Ray Kirby. He also went by the name Pete Kirby.
He was a longtime member of Roy Acuff’s Smokey Mountain Boys (1934-1992).
He is best known for introducing the resophonic guitar (Dobro™) to country music. He also plays clawhammer banjo.
The nickname “Bashful Brother Oswald” was given to him by Acuff when he added a young unmarried woman named Rachel Veach to his band. Oswald pretended to be her brother, making her presence in the group acceptable to conservative audiences. To fit his name, Kirby created the clownish Oswald character, wearing a floppy, wide-brimmed hat, tattered bib overalls, over-sized work shoes and adopting a braying laugh.
After Acuff’s death, he was made a member of the Grand Ole Opry (1994) and continued to perform as a solo artist.
1994, appeared on The Great Dobro Sessions album, featuring other musicians like Mike Auldridge, Jerry Douglas, Josh Graves, Rob Ickes, Tut Taylor and Gene Wooten.
Began playing fiddle at age 3. Also plays banjo and mandolin, but is best known as a guitarist and songwriter.
Early years, played with his grandfather’s band, “The Shady Grove Ramblers” (Texas).
Moved to Nashville shortly after high school. Has worked with James Taylor, the Dixie Chicks, Earl Scruggs, Marty Stuart and Ricky Skaggs (he played in Ricky’s country band at age 19.)
His songs have been recorded by Montgomery Gentry, Steve Wariner, Alison Krauss, BR-549, Ricky Skaggs (“Brand New Strings”), other country and bluegrass artists.
2002, toured with the Dixie Chicks (performed on their “Top of the World” Tour).
Formed in 1971 by brothers Shelby and Ebby Jewell and distant cousins Ervin Mullins, James Cole and Claude Mitchell. Since they were related, they called themselves the Bluegrass Kinsmen.
Wayne Taylor (Blue Highway), Billy Baker, Darrell Webb, and Robert Hale are former members of this band.
2011, Shelby retired from the band due to health problems. Ebby and his wife Jewell took over leadership of the band.
Ebby has also worked with Fisher and Company and filled in on banjo and mandolin with IIIrd Tyme Out, The Country Gentlemen and James King. He also teaches bluegrass music at the Southwest Virginia Community College.
2008, Ebby received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tazewell County (Virginia) Fiddlers’ Convention.
Formed in 2011 by two sets of brothers: Enda Scahil (banjo) and Fergal Scahil (banjo, fiddle, viola, dobro, percussion, guitar, mandolin); and brothers Martin Howley (banjo, mandolin) and David Howley (lead vocals, guitar).
They call their music “Celtgrass.”
Their name comes from the fact that there are three banjo players in the band.
Collectively, they have won numerous All-Ireland music awards: Martin holding 7, Enda with 4, while Fergal and David hold All Ireland titles on Banjo, Fiddle, Bodhran and Guitar.
1994, moved to Nashville after signing a record deal with Atlantic Records in 1994 but due to changes at the label, his single was never released. He has made a name himself primarily as a songwriter, penning #1 country hits for such artists as George Strait, Rascal Flatts, Joe Diffie and others.
2007-2011, he was the lead singer for country group Shenandoah.
2009, married Sonya Isaacs of the Isaacs.
2021, began releasing bluegrass music (several singles) for RBR Entertainment.
2014, formed a hybrid band called Charm City Junction with Brad Kolodner (banjo), Sean Comiskey (accordian) and Alex Lacquement (bass). Charm City is a nickname for Baltimore.
2016, accepted position as Artist-in-Residence at the Strathmore Arts Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
2016, joined Dailey & Vincent.
2017, won the IBMA Award for Fiddle Player of the Year.
2011, Chris Pandolfi of the Infamous Stringdusters mentioned Chandler in his “Big Tent” keynote address, naming him as a good example of artists working to preserve the traditional style of bluegrass music.
2000, formed Wildfire with several other members of the New South.
2004, Gibson released “The Phil Leadbetter Signature Gibson Dobro™.”
His son Matt is also a Dobro™ player who has worked with the Lonesome River Band, Valerie Smith, Marty Raybon, Brand New Strings and other bands.
2005, won the IBMA award for Dobro™ Player of the Year.
2005, released Slide Effects album (Pinecastle) which won the IBMA Award for Instrumental Album of the Year.
2006, left WildFire to form Grasstowne with Steve Gulley (formerly with Mountain Heart) and Alan Bibey (formerly of BlueRidge).
2010, left Grasstowne to form a new band called Rigsby, Leadbetter and Bennett, with Don Rigsby on mandolin, Richard Bennett on guitar and his son Matt playing bass.
2010, joined The Whites.
2011, was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma (a form of cancer) which required Phil to take two years off the road for treatment.
2013, joined the Dale Ann Bradley band.
2014, released solo project The Next Move with guest artists Joe Diffie, Shawn Camp, Sam Bush, John Cowan, Steve Wariner, Marty Raybon, Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas, and others.
2015, was inducted into the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame.
2016, left the Dale Ann Bradley band.
2016, formed Flashback, with Richard Bennett, Don Rigsby, Curt Chapman & Stuart Wyrick.
2016, formed PhilLeadbetter And The All-Stars Of Bluegrass.
2017, became the talent buyer for The Bill Monroe Music Park which includes the Beanblossom Bluegrass festival, and The Hall Of Fame Uncle Pen Days Festival.
2019, won his third IBMA Award for Dobro Player of the Year (also won in 2005, 2014).
2019, underwent more treatments for a recurrence of cancer. He is a five-time cancer survivor.
2019, formed an ensemble called The All-Stars of Bluegrass and recorded Swing for the Fences album (Pinecastle). Members include (at various times) Steve Gulley, Dale Ann Bradley, Claire Lynch, Robert Hale, Shawn Camp, Ken Mellons, Paul Brewster, Amanda Smith, Kenny Smith, Sierra Hull, Mike Bub, Missy Raines, Alan Bibey, Jason Burleson, Adam Haynes, Steve Thomas, Gena Britt and Matt Leadbetter.
Formed in 2014 by Lea Cockrell (guitar/vocals) at her coffee shop, calling themselves “Total Strangers.” Other members: Robin Thixton (banjo), Jim Wheatley (Mandolin) and Mark Miller (Bass)
2017, they changed their name to Ida Clare.
Fun Fact: Lea Cockrell played in a band called New Horizon as a teenager in the early 80s. The banjo player for
that band was Murrell Thixton who would eventually meet and marry banjo player Robin Thixton who became the banjo player with Ida Clare.
2017, won first place at the inaugural band contest at the John Hartford Memorial Festival held in Bean Blossom, Indiana.
Formed in 1985 by Ron Block (banjo), Eric Uglum (guitar/mandolin), Butch Baldassari (mandolin) and Mike Bub (bass). In 1988, Chris Jones (guitar) replaced Uglum.
1987, released “Faith Is the Answer” album (Cactus).
Moved to Nashville in 1989, but disbanded shortly thereafter.
2003, Block, Bub, Baldassari and Jones reunited for several Weary Hearts performances.
Where are they now? Ron Block has been working with Alison Krauss since 1992, Mike Bub has worked with numerous Nashville bands, including a thirteen-year stint with Del McCoury (winning IBMA’s Bass Player of the Year award five times), Butch Baldassari formed the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble (and passed away from brain cancer in 2009), Chris Jones worked with Special Consensus, Lynn Morris and formed his own band The Night Drivers. He also is a DJ for Sirius/XM satellite radio and writes a humor column for Bluegrass Today. Eric Uglum has a recording studio in Southern California and has been a member of several bands including Copperline, Lost Highway and the Vintage Martins.
He is one of the founding fathers of the Americana music movement. He is best known as a singer-songwriter who performs a mix of folk, country, bluegrass and rock.
His songs have been recorded by George Strait, Joe Ely, Lyle Lovett, The Highwaymen, Nanci Griffith, and the Dixie Chicks, to name a few.
1984, released first album “No Kinda Dancer” (Sugar Hill Records).
2012, was inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame along with Lyle Lovett and the late Townes Van Zandt.
Band members: Mike Wilson (guitar), Mike Aldridge (mandolin), Mike Street (bass), Johnny Ridge (fiddle, guitar) and Steve Dilling (banjo, guitar). Jim Mills also played banjo with this group.
1980, released “Bass Mountain Style” album (Outlet).
1982, released “Wood and Stone” album (Outlet).
1983, released “I’ll Sing for My Lord” album (Outlet).
1985, released “Rollin'” album (Atteiram).
1987, released “All Together Now” album (Atteiram).
They released several albums including “Carolina Calling Me,” “Love of a Woman,” “My God Made It All” and “A Beautiful Life.
For many years they hosted two bluegrass festivals each year on Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend at Bass Mountain Music Park in Burlington (owned by former bass player, John Maness).
From Hialeah, Florida. Moved to Nashville in 1998.
Keith formerly performed with the Florida-based band, Highstrung. Also performed at Disney World with a group called The Big Thunder Mountain Boys.
Keith’s first band: The Bluegrass Little Bits (at age 12).
1996, married Danette and formed a duo. She is a singer/songwrite with a successful country album to her credit. She also works for Gaylord Entertainment (producers of the Grand Ole Opry).
Before moving to Nashville, Keith drove a truck for 14 years.
Keith and Danette wrote the song “Am I A Fool,” a hit for The Lonesome River Band.
Mandolinist who in 1969 replaced John Duffey in the Country Gentlemen.
Other bands: Eddie Adcock and the IInd Generation, J.D. Crowe and the New South, The Country Store (with Keith Whitley), Spectrum (with Bela Fleck), and the Tony Rice Unit.
First band: “Jimmy G. and the Jaguars” (Jimmy’s initials are J.A.G.)
1995, founded new acoustic band Chesapeake.
1995, produced an album on his own label called “The Young Mando Monsters” featuring top young mandolin players.
1999, formed group with Mike Auldridge and Richard Bennett called ‘Auldridge, Bennett and Gaudreau.”
2001, joined Robin and Linda Williams and Their Fine Group.
2006, joined John Starling and Carolina Star. Released solo project In Good Company (CMH Records).
2007, formed a duo with Moondi Klein (former bandmate in the Seldom Scene and Chesapeake). Released first album 2:10 Train (Rebel Records).
2008, released Adcock, Gaudreau, Waller & Gray album with Eddie Adcock, Tom Gray and Randy Waller as the “Country Gentlemen Reunion Band.”
2008, he and Klein toured with Emmylou Harris.
2010, released solo album Pieces & Bits (Goose Creek).
Band members: Danny Stanley (lead vocals/guitar), Julian (JC) Rowland (mandolin), Tom Langdon (resonator guitar), Greg Penny (bass), and Randy Smith (banjo).
They pattern their sound after The Classic Country Gentlemen and the Seldom Scene.
Guitarist Stanley has a comedic alter-ego “Hobo Joe.” He also does impressions of Lester Flatt, Mac Wiseman, Jim Reeves, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and other singers. He previously worked with a gospel group called Carolina Sonshine.
Reso guitarist Langdon is married to Lorraine Jordan (of Lorraine Jordan and Carolina Road.)
They sometimes make appearances with former Country Gentlemen Eddie Adcock and Tom Gray.
For many years, he played guitar and sang tenor in his father’s band, the Virginians.
Was first artist signed by Pinecastle Records. According to Pinecastle “Mitch is the reason for Pinecastle’s existence.” In 1990, Tom Riggs, a bluegrass radio personality and promoter from Florida, was so impressed with Mitch’s talent that he decided to start a record company.
2000, formed his own band (South River Express) and his own record label.
2013, teamed up with Dale and Don Wayne Reno to form Reno and Harrell, a second generation edition of the original band featuring their fathers, Don Reno and Bill Harrell.
From York, Pennsylvania. Currently lives in Nashville.
Began playing banjo at age 14.
1963, played banjo with a Baltimore group, The Virginia Playboys.
1963-1964, worked with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys. Hired by Monroe to play guitar and sing lead, but McCoury didn’t even own a guitar. Monroe gave him two weeks to get one and learn to play—and he did.
1964, moved to California to join The Golden State Boys with Vern Gosdin and Don Parmley; also worked with another California band, The Shady Valley Boys.
After California, moved back to North Carolina and worked in his father’s sawmill.
1967, formed The Dixie Pals.
1987, added sons Robbie and Ronnie to his band and they became The Del McCoury Band. First album with this group was Don’t Stop the Music (Rounder).
1996, won his fourth IBMA Award for Male Vocalist of the Year (also won in 1990, 1991, 1992).
1997-8, toured and recorded with country singer Steve Earle. They did one album together called Mountain.
1998, appeared on CBS-TV special called “To Life: America Celebrates Israel’s 50th.” They played with a Klezmer band to show the similarities between traditional American music and traditional Israeli music. Also on the program: Stevie Wonder, Harry Connick, Jr., Natalie Cole, Michael Douglas, Kevin Costner.
1998, recorded with Doc Watson and Mac Wiseman as the “GrooveGrass Boyz.”
2001-2, toured with the “Down from the Mountain” tour.
2002, won the IBMA award for Song of the Year (“1952 Vincent Black Lightning”)
2003, after a national tour with Leftover Salmon, his newly acquired fans became known as “DelHeads.”
2003, was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.
2004, won his ninth IBMA Award for Entertainer of the Year (he also won in 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003).
2006, Del began doing a weekly show on Sirius Satellite Radio called “Hand Picked.”
2008, he began producing his own music festival called DelFest.
2009, his band members formed a progressive group called The Traveling McCoury’s.
2011, collaborated with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band for an album called American Legacies and several concert appearances.
2013, a stretch of Highway 261 in Mitchell County North Carolina (north of Bakersville) was named “The Del McCoury Highway.”
2019, won the IBMA Award for Album of the Year (“Del McCoury Still Sings Bluegrass”).
Streets of Baltimore (McCoury Music, 2013) 2014 winner of the Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album.
Del and Woody (McCoury Music, 2016) A tribute to the songs of Woody Guthrie.
Del McCoury Still Sings Bluegrass (McCoury Music 2018). A tribute to his first album “Del McCoury Sings Bluegrass” which was recorded 50 years earlier). Won the IBMA Award for Album of the Year.
From Scottsville, Virginia. Lives in Lebanon, Tennessee.
Full name: Edward Windsor Adcock.
A member of the IBMA’s Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame (inducted in 1996 as a member of the classic Country Gentlemen.)
Considered one of the pioneers of “new acoustic music” or “newgrass,” a fusion of bluegrass with jazz and other non-traditional styles.
He is a master auto mechanic, drag racer, inventor, and former boxer.
Eddie and Martha have been called “The Sonny & Cher of Bluegrass.”
Eddie and Martha call their music “twograss.”
1954, first pro job, working for Smokey Graves and the Blue Star Boys.
1956, worked with Mac Wiseman.
1958, worked with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys.
1959, joined the Country Gentlemen and became part of the “classic” band which was inducted into the IBMA’s Hall of Fame.
1970, left the Country Gentlemen. Moved to California, grew his hair long and played rock music under the pseudonym “Clinton Codack” (anagram of ‘Adcock’).
1971, formed band with Jimmy Gaudreau called the II (also spelled Second or IInd) Generation.
1973, met Martha Hearon (guitar) who became a member of II Generation.
1976, Eddie & Martha marry and became a duo act. They also had a band for a time, playing original country rock and fusion bluegrass.
1978, Eddie invented the “Gitbo”, a double-neck combination electric guitar and electrified acoustic banjo.
1984, 1985, Eddie and Martha toured with country singer David Allan Coe.
1985, Adcocks formed Talk Of The Town with Missy Raines. This eventually became The Eddie Adcock Band.
1990, 1991, performed with The Masters featuring Eddie on banjo and guitar, Jesse McReynolds on mandolin, Josh Graves on Dobro™, and Kenny Baker on fiddle.
1991, released “Dixie Fried” album by The Eddie Adcock Band (CMH).
1992, released a duet album with Don Reno “Sensational Two Banjos” (Rebel).
1994, released “Talk to Your Heart” album by the Eddie Adcock Band (CMH).
1996, was inducted into the IBMA’s Hall of Fame (along with Charlie Waller, John Duffey and Tom Gray) as as a member of the Classic Country Gentlemen.
1998, Eddie and Martha released “Spirited” album (Pinecastle).
2004, had triple heart-bypass surgery.
2008 (and twice in 2011) had brain surgery to correct a tremor in his right hand which prevented him from playing the banjo. The surgery, known as “Deep Brain Stimulation,” was done while he was still awake and played the banjo to help the surgeons know when they had reached the part of his brain which controlled his hand. The story of this first-of-its-kind procedure was carried in many international newspapers and TV broadcasts, including ABC’s “Good Morning America.”
2009, Eddie and Martha organized an annual “Christmas Bluegrass Benefit Concert for the Homeless” at Nashville’s Station Inn.
2011, former Country Gentlemen bass player Tom Gray teamed up with Eddie and Martha to record an album titled Many A Mile.
2014, Eddie was presented with the $50,000 Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass Music.
2015, Eddie and Martha were involved in a serious auto accident in their home town of Lebanon, Tennessee. While suffering numerous injuries, they are expected to recover fully.
Began singing at age 3 by wandering onstage with a bluegrass band at a family Bar-B-Q
Married to Rick Stanley, a cousin of Ralph and Carter. Ralph and the Clinch Mountain Boys performed at her wedding reception. Rick Stanley had his own band called Bad Ridge.
1980, moved to Nashville and began working as a background session singer. Her first harmony session was on a Jerry Reed album.
1991, signed by Atlantic Records. Released country album Trouble at the Door,
Appeared on CMT “Hot Country Nights,” “Nashville Now,” “Hee Haw.”
2007, released her first bluegrass album When I Look Back (Hadley Music Group) featuring her original songs. Produced by Keith Sewell.
Plays all the bluegrass instruments but his specialty is flat-pick and gypsy-jazz style guitar.
2014, while in middle school, he entered a contest to record a jingle for the Band-Aid company and won a $10,000 prize.
2014, at age 14 he was a member of Melvin Goins’ Windy Mountain Boys (playing banjo).
While in college (Ohio University) he had two bands: The Jake Eddy Gypsy Jazz Trio, the Eddy/Meyer Trio.
2021, at age 21 joined the Becky Buller band as lead guitarist and vocalist.
2021, released a solo project Jake Eddy (no label) with Bryan Sutton, Kenny Smith, Rob Ickes, Cory Walker, Dominick Leslie and his brother Carter Eddy (bass).
1993-1995, played country music at Dollywood theme park. Fans call him the Ray Charles of bluegrass (for his soulful singing).
After his time at Dollywood, he played briefly with a Chicago-based rock band, then moved to Nashville and began performing as a country artist, doing solo shows. He was signed by Atlantic Records, but no recordings were ever released.
1996, he was made an official Kentucky Colonel, the highest honor you can receive from the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
For several years, he worked as a country radio DJ. He was known as “Brave Dave Adkins, the Original Midnight Cowboy” at WBHR in Pikeville, Kentucky.
2010, returned to his bluegrass roots by forming a band called Republik Steele with Kenny O’Quinn (mandolin), Danny Ray Stiltner (bass), Matthew Cruby (banjo), Wesley Wolfe (lead guitar). The band name was a tribute to miners. Several of the band members’ fathers & grandfathers worked for Republic Steel, a large mining company.
2013, his band Republik Steele dissolved and he formed a new partnership with Edgar Loudermilk — Adkins and Loudermilk. They released a project together in 2015.
2014, released first solo project Nothing To Lose (Mountain Fever).
2017, released gospel album Turn to Jesus (Mountain Fever) as The Dave Adkins Trio.
Was a “hippie-hillbilly” singer and waitress, working in Washington D.C. when she was discovered by Chris Hillman, who introduced her to Gram Parsons (Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers). That encounter launched her career.
Musical heroes: Joan Baez, Judy Collins and Bob Dylan.
Studied acting on a scholarship at University of North Carolina in Greensboro.
1980, released acoustic album Roses in the Snow and won the CMA Award for Female Vocalist of the Year.
1988, she won the CMA Award for Vocal Event of the Year for her “Trio” album (with Dolly Parton and Linda Rondstadt).
Until 1991, band was known as the “Hot Band” and included such musicians as Rodney Crowell, Ricky Skaggs and Carl Jackson.
1991, Emmylou formed an acoustic/bluegrass band The Nash Ramblers with Sam Bush, Roy Huskey Jr., Al Perkins, Jon Randall Stewart and Larry Atamanuik. They recorded one album, Live at the Ryman at the newly restored Ryman Auditorium.
1992, she became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
1992, released an acoustic Christmas album, Light of the Stable (Warner Brothers).
A husband-wife duo: Eric Lindberg (banjo, mandolin, guitar) and Doni Zasloff (vocals). Their band has included Alan Grubner (fiddle), Tim Kiah (bass) and Thomas Cassell (mandolin).
They are Jewish-Americans and their music reflects their religious heritage. It is sometimes called “jewgrass.”
Nefesh is a Hebrew word that is equivalent to the English word soul or life.
Many of their songs are sung in Hebrew or Yiddish. They perform frequently for Jewish Shabbat (sabbath) worship services and festivals.
He is a multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter, studio musician and producer. He owns his own recording studio called The Music Cellar.
He has written over 30 number one country hits in Australia, along with theme songs and background music for a number of successful TV shows and documentaries.
He has played and toured with such artists such as Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, Sherrie Austin, Jamie O’neal and was musical director for Trisha Yearwood, LeAnne Rimes, Pam Tillis, Jo Dee Messina and Tracey Lawrence on their Australian tours.
2006, he was awarded Musician of the Year by the CMAA (Country Music Association of Australia).
2004, 2008, 2010 was awarded Producer of the Year by the CMAA (Country Music Association of Australia).
2020, released solo project Fingerprints (Sonic Timber).
2013, was an original member of the group Sideline.
2014, joined a part-time band called Mountain Jacks, the pre-show band for the Lumberjack Feud dinner theatre in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee four nights a week.
2014, released Dream Big album (Mountain Fever) with several guest artists celebrating his 20th year as a professional musician.
2014, left Sideline. His Darrell Webb band became regulars at the Ole Smokey Distillery in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
2017, released Lovers Leap album (Mountain Fever).
2018, disbanded his Darrell Webb band to pursue a solo career.
2018, teamed up with Barry Abernathy (banjo) to form a new band called Appalachian Road Show.
2000, formed his own band called The Jaybirds and released first self-titled album John Reischman & The Jaybirds (Copper Creek). Band members included Trisha Gagnon (bass), Nick Hornbuckle (banjo) and Jim Nunally (guitar).
2004, released The Singing Moon album with guitarist John Miller (no label).
From Pikeville, Kentucky. Was raised in Columbus, Ohio.
1977, moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music.
1985, released his debut country album “Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc. Etc.” Since then, he has sold more than 25 million records. He has five Billboard #1 albums, twelve gold albums, and nine platinum albums. He is also the most frequent musical guest in the history of NBC’s The Tonight Show.
1992, recorded “Miner’s Prayer” with Ralph Stanley on his “Saturday Night Sunday Morning” album.
1997, recorded a cover of Clash’s “Train in Vain” with Ralph Stanley playing banjo and singing harmony.
2001, wrote and recorded the song “Borrowed Love” on Earl Scruggs’ “Family and Friends” album.
Called “The Original JamGrass Band.” They have been known to “jam” on one tune for more than 60 minutes.
They often invite celebrity performers to jam on stage with them–such as Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, David Grisman, Bryan Sutton, even Earl Scruggs.
Formed in 1998, and has since performed at hundreds of prestigious venues, including Telluride, Rockygrass, MerleFest and the historic Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco (the show was a sell-out).
They produce and distribute their own recordings, making them available to fans via live shows, internet downloads, etc.
Band members include Adam Aijala (guitar), Ben Kaufman (bass), Jeff Austin (mandolin) and Dave Johnston (banjo.)
Aijala previously played in punk and heavy metal rock bands.
Austin and Johnston met in college (University of Illinois) where Johnston played in a group called the “Bluegrassholes.”
2014, Austin left and formed his own group, The Jeff Austin Band.
A group of teen bluegrass musicians that formed in 1994, evolving from Pete Wernick’s “Bluegrass Youth Allstars,” a group he assembled for the 1993 IBMA Awards Show.
Members included Josh Williams (guitar/banjo), Wade Butler (guitar), Joey Gipson (banjo/Dobro™), Jonathan Jones (guitar/banjo), Kati Penn (fiddle).
1994, recorded one album “Somewhere Down the Road.”
A singer, songwriter who plays guitar, fiddle and banjo.
Her grandfather had a Florida band called The Timberland Bluegrass Band.
As a teen, she performed with a local band called Big White Undies.
Graduated with a music business degree from Belmont University (Nashville). While there, she formed a band called Liters of Pop.
Learned banjo from Ketch Secor, of Old Crow Medicine Show.
2003, won the Chris Austin songwriting contest at MerleFest.
2003, formed her touring band “Little Sadie.”
2003, released first album “Plow to the End of the Row” on her own label, AddieBelle Records, the name coming from nickname Young was given while working as a tour guide at Nashville’s Belle Meade Mansion. The CD, which includes a packet of wildflower seeds along with artwork based on the Farmer’s Almanac, was nominated for a Grammy award for Best Album Package.
2005, released second album “The Art of Virtue” based on Benjamin Franklin’s Thirteen Virtues.
She is spokesperson for the Food Routes Network which is involved with “Buy Fresh, Buy Local” campaigns nationwide to build and strengthen local farms and healthy food systems.
From Rocky Mount, Virginia. Originally from Richmond, Virginia.
He was a very influential mandolin player for more than three decades (70’s, 80’s and 90’s). Ronnie McCoury credits Dempsey with inspiring him to play mandolin.
1970, he worked with a group called “The New Grass Express.”
1972, formed (with Alan Mills) the Lost and Found and remained with that group until his death 34 years later.
Died, December 2006 of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Began performing as a 10-year-old on radio station WNYC. He plays all the bluegrass instruments including Dobro™ and steel guitar.
Best known as the banjo player who (with guitarist Steve Mandel of the Garrett Mountain Boys in New York) recorded the instrumental “Dueling Banjos” for the hit movie Deliverance (1973). The tune was originally called “Feuding Banjos” and was written by Arthur Smith and Don Reno in 1955. It was covered by The Dillards as “Duelin’ Banjos” in 1963 and subsequently recorded by Weissberg and Mandel for the movie soundtrack.
Studied string bass at the famous Julliard School of Music. Worked as a studio musician and performed with The Tarriers and the Greenbriar Boys. Has also performed on double bass with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.
1963, recorded a classic banjo duet album with Marshall Brickman (a banjo player who later collaborated with Woody Allen on many films) in the 1960’s called “New Dimensions in Banjo and Bluegrass” which helped to popularize melodic style (a.k.a. Keith-style or chromatic-style) banjo. In 1973, the album was released again by Warner Brothers as Dueling Banjos: From The Original Soundtrack “Deliverance” although Dueling Banjos was not included on the original album.
1995, formed a band with Jim Rooney and Bill Keith called The New Blue Velvet Band.
1998, began touring as a member of Art Garfunkel’s band, playing guitar.
2009, joined the Aaron Copland School of Music (at Queens College) orchestra and chorus.
Plays bass (currently with Chris Jones and the Night Drivers) and has released several solo projects but is probably best known as a writer of songs and liner notes for albums by other well-known bluegrass artists.
Has played bass with numerous bands: Union Springs, The Wildwood Valley Boys, Larry Cordle and Lonesome Standard Time, Sally Jones, The Lonesome Heirs (with Andy Falco, Jeremy Garrett and Ned Luberecki) and Chris Jones and the Night Drivers to name a few.
2000, won the IBMA Award for Print Media Personality of the Year.
2005, won the Charlie Lamb Award For Excellence In Country Music Journalism.
For many years, produced a radio program “Handpicked with Del McCoury” for the Sirius/XM Satellite Radio Network Bluegrass channel.
2008, released solo project “If This Road Could Talk” album featuring his own compositions performed by guest artists.
2012, won the IBMA’s first award for Songwriter of the Year.
2013, was elected Chairman of the Board of the IBMA.
2014, released solo project I’ve Been Mostly Awake (no label) album featuring his original songs performed by guest artists. “I’ve Been Mostly Awake” is a tongue-in-cheek interpretation of the acronym IBMA.
2019, left Chris Jones and the Night Drivers after 17 years to focus on his songwriting and to work with the A&R team at Mountain Home Music. He is also teaching bass at East Tennessee State University.
From New York City; grew up in West Los Angeles; moved to Nashville in 1992.
Her parents were writers for the Carol Burnett TV series.
1988, attended Berklee College of Music in Boston.
While in Boston, she met her singing and writing partner, David Rawlings. She also performs in David’s band The David Rawlings Machine.
She is known for her songwriting talent. Her songs have been recorded by Emmylou Harris, Trisha Yearwood, Miranda Lambert, Jimmy Buffet, the Nashville Bluegrass Band, Tim and Mollie O’Brien, Valerie Smith, many other artists.
1996, released Revival album (Acony), produced by T. Bone Burnett.
2000, she acted and performed in the movie “O Brother, Where Art Thou,” starring George Clooney.
2001, her duet with Alison Krauss “I’ll Fly Away” (from the O’ Brother soundtrack) won the IBMA award for Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year.
Began playing banjo at age 13. He grew up on Flint Hill Road.
2015, formed Cane Mill Road (with Liam Purcell).
2019, won the IBMA’s Momentum Award for Instrumentalist of the Year. Cane Mill Road also won Band of the Year.
2020, left Cane Mill Road and formed his own group, The Tray Wellington Band with Josiah Nelson (mandolin), Nick Weitzenfeld (guitar), and Katelynn Lowe (bass).
2018, released “Community” album (no label) featuring over 50 musicians, recorded in over 30 locations. Vocalists on the album include Shawn Lane, Josh Shilling, Summer Brooke McMahan, Buddy Robertson and David Mayfield.
Performs at a restaurant called The Comet (with the Comet Bluegrass All Stars) in Northside Ohio.
Her day job: She’s an accountant.
2009, released a solo album “Drifting and Dreaming” produced by Dwight McCall with guests Ron Stewart, Alan Bibey, Tim Stafford, Randy Kohrs, Ricky Wasson & Harold Nixon.
A duo featuring Wendy Crowe (vocals) and Jonathan Maness (vocals, guitar and mandolin).
Jonathan and Wendy were married in 2013.
Their name Westwend combines their names: West was derived from Jonathan’s middle name Wesley and Wend from Wendy.
Crowe began singing professionally at Dollywood in 1999. She has recorded a solo project titled “The Way I Am” (2013).
Maness has previously worked with the Dixie Beeliners, Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike. He has also recorded a solo project “Time Love and Money” (2013).
2014, released “Linger for a While” album featuring many of their original songs.
Known as “Dr. Banjo” because of a best-selling banjo instruction book he authored (over 200,000 copies sold).
Has an earned doctorate from Columbia University in sociology.
While at Columbia University, he performed with a band called the Orange Mountain Boys.
1969, moved west and joined High Country, a San Francisco-based bluegrass band. Also worked briefly with Vern Williams and Ray Park.
1970-1975, moved to Ithica, New York to complete his Ph.D. work at Cornell University. Also performed with Country Cooking with Tony Trischka and future wife Joan (known as Nondi Leonard at the time).
1976, moved to Colorado. There he met up with Charles Sawtelle and formed a band called the Drifting Ramblers, or the Rambling Drifters (they couldn’t make up their mind.)
1977, released “Dr. Banjo Steps Out” album (Flying Fish).
1978, formed Hot Rize, a very popular band which won the very first IBMA award for Entertainer of the Year in 1990. The group also broke up in 1990.
With “Red Knuckles and the Trailblazers” (a country-western band that was actually Hot Rize in disguise), Peter played the steel guitar as “Waldo Otto”.
1985, created one of the first bluegrass instructional videos Beginning Bluegrass Banjo. He has since created 10 instructional videos.
1986, became the IBMA’s first president (stepped down in 2001 due to new term limits.)
Conducts “banjo camps” for musicians who want to improve their technique on the banjo.
1989, he was a passenger on United Airlines Flight 232—a DC-10 that crashed in Sioux City, Iowa. While his banjo and steel guitar were damaged in the crash, he and his family survived and he was back performing with Hot Rize two days later.
An outspoken advocate of atheism, he served as president of the “Family of Humanists” and co-authored a book titled Atheism for Kids.
1992, formed The Live Five, playing what Pete called “Virtual Bluegrass.” The group’s name was later changed to Pete Wernick and Flexigrass.
1993, released On a Roll album (Sugar Hill Records).
2000, created his Dr. Banjo website, offering instructional content.
2004, a song from his album “Dr. Banjo Steps Out” titled “Big Rock in the Road” was played on Mars to “wake up” NASA’s landing craft Spirit Rover on February 27, making this the first bluegrass tune to be heard on another place in the solar system.
2004, hosted a show on XM Satellite Radio.
2005, performed with Earl Scruggs, Steve Martin and other banjo players on the David Letterman show.
2009, began performing with a Colorado-based band called Long Road Home.
2010, received a Distinguished Achievement Award from the IBMA.
2010, launched “The Wernick Method” which trains teachers to lead successful bluegrass jam sessions.
2014, began touring with a rejuvenated Hot Rize in support of their new album When I’m Free.
From Wichita Falls, Texas. Moved to Nashville in 1971.
1976, began performing in Fort Smith, Arkansas as a family band as Buck White and the Down Homers (later changed to Buck White and the Down Home Folks.) Included Buck and Pat White and their young daughters Cheryl and Sharon.
Big break: 1979, opened for Emmylou Harris on her “Blue Kentucky Girl” album tour. Led to a recording contract with Capitol Records.
1979, changed their name to The Whites.
1981, Sharon White married Ricky Skaggs.
1984, joined the Grand Ole Opry.
1999, signed with Ricky Skaggs’ Ceili Records label.
2000, appeared in the movie “O Brother, Where Art Thou” starring George Clooney.
From Los Angeles (Burbank), California (although he was born in Lewiston, Maine).
He began playing the guitar at age 5. Started out playing the ukelele until his hands were big enough to handle a guitar.
He and his brothers Roland and Eric formed a band called The Country Boys, appearing regularly on a popular local Los Angeles country music TV show. That group became The Kentucky Colonels. They recorded one album for World Pacific and appeared on the Andy Griffith TV show (before the Dillards did).
1967, after the Kentucky Colonels disbanded, he formed a country-rock band called Nashville West. He and bandmate Gene Parsons invented a device called the Parsons/White Stringbender (or B-Bender) which allows an electric guitar string to “bend” while playing, imitating the sound of a pedal steel guitar. Marty Stuart owns the original guitar that Clarence played during that period.
1968, he joined the Byrds, replacing Gram Parsons.
1973, joined Muleskinner with Richard Greene, David Grisman, Bill Keith and Peter Rowan.
1973, reunited with Roland and Eric White for two tours of Europe as The New Kentucky Colonels. The banjo spot in the group was Herb Pederson and Alan Munde.
1973, he died at the age of 29 after being struck by a drunk driver.
His style of flat-picking the guitar influenced a generation of bluegrass musicians including Tony Rice, Dan Crary, Norman Blake, David Grier and many others. He is also credited with helping to shape the sound of country-rock music.
Tony Rice owns his 1935 Martin D-28 guitar.
2000, an album was released by Sierra Records by Clarence White called 33 Acoustic Guitar Instrumentals. The recordings were made on a home tape recorder in 1962.
2016, he was inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.
1979, formed first bluegrass band The Suburban Grass in Indiana with David and Melody Johnson. This band morphed into The Johnsons, winner of the Kentucky Fried Chicken band contest in Louisville, KY.
1986-1990, was a member of Alison Krauss and Union Station.
1990, joined Weary Hearts (replacing Chris Jones).
1991, played briefly with Hot Rize, replacing Charles Sawtelle on guitar. Also worked a few shows with Tim O’Brien when he started his own band that same year.
1992, moved to Nashville and joined Vince Gill’s band, playing guitar and singing background vocals.
From Blountville, Tennessee. Originally from Roanoke, Virginia.
A graphic artist by trade. Among his accomplishments: the painting of a huge mural in Bristol, Tennessee designating Bristol as “The Birthplace of Country Music. He also designed and painted a new logo for the side of Ralph Stanley’s bus.
Has led several regional bands including Troublesome Hollow and The Beagles.
He is founder of the VW Boys, a group that combines bluegrass with comedy and magic.
2006, executive coordinator and host of “Song of the Mountains,” a syndicated TV show which airs weekly on many PBS stations.
He is host of a 2 hour syndicated bluegrass and old-time country radio show which airs on several stations from Georgia to North Dakota.
Serves as president of the ACMA (Appalachian Cultural Music Association) dedicated to the preservation of the music and culture of the Appalachian region.
Helped establish the Mountain Music Museum in Bristol, Virginia and hosts a local two hour live program from there called “The Pickin Porch”.
1970, at age 15, began his professional musical career when he and his friend Ricky Skaggs worked with Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys. That same year, Keith and Ricky recorded a duet album.
1973, worked with Jimmy Gaudreau in a short-lived band called “The Country Store.”
1975, returned to Ralph Stanley’s Clinch Mountain Boys as lead singer and guitarist.
1979, joined J.D. Crowe and the New South.
1985, began his solo career in country music. The following year, he hit the charts with his RCA single, “Miami, My Amy.”
Biggest hits: “When You Say Nothing At All,” “Don’t Close Your Eyes,” and “I’m No Stranger to the Rain.”
Died on May 9, 1989 in Nashville of alcohol poisoning. He was 34 years old.
2022, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
From Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Grew up in New York City.
A singer, guitarist and orthodox Jew, his group Lucky Break performs bluegrass interpretations of Hebrew liturgical music, along with traditional bluegrass and folk songs.
His name is pronouned “Wiz-entowski.”
He is a certified financial planner.
1998, released first album “Lucky Break” (Wizgrass) featuring Byron Berline, Tim O’Brien, Andy Statman, Scott Vestal and other musicians.
2018, released “Thanks Mac” album (no label), a tribute to the music of Mac Wiseman.
Formed in 1988 by David Harvey and his two sisters, Jan Harvey and Jill Snider.
David Harvey (mandolin) formerly worked with Red Allen, The Reasonable Band (from Colorado) and Larry Sparks. In 1980, he won the National Mandolin Championship in Winfield, Kansas.
2000, group disbanded. Jill Snider went to work for the IBMA. David Harvey joined Larry Cordle and Lonesome Standard Time. He also is an expert mandolin luthier for the Gibson Co.
2006, Leadbetter resigned to join The Whites. Webb left to form his own band.
2010, released Crash Course in the Blues album (Lonesome Day). Lineup: Robert Hale (guitar), Steve Thomas (fiddle, mandolin), Johnny Lewis (banjo), Matt Despain (Dobro™), Curt Chapman (bass).
2016, released Rented Room on Broadway album (Pinecastle). Lineup: Robert Hale (guitar), Greg Luck (fiddle, guitar), Chris Davis (mandolin), Johnny Lewis (banjo), Curt Chapman (bass).
From Speedwell, Tennessee. Originally from Chicago.
An all-female band. Formed in 1977 as The Wildwood Pickers by 16-year-old Kim Koskela (banjo), Robin Koskela (vocals), Muriel Anderson (guitar) and Kathy Jones (fiddle).
Their name is derived from the Carter Family song “Wildwood Flower.” Original band wore blue and white checked blouses like the original Carter Sisters.
1982, changed the name to The Wildwood Girls.
They made several overseas tours for the USO and the U.S. Department of Defense.
They were regular performers at Dolly Parton’s “Dollywood” theme park.
They claim to be the first “all girl bluegrass band” to play the Grand Ole Opry.
The only original member to remain with the group was banjo player Kim Koskela (Clauson). IBMA Director Nancy Cardwell played bass with this group in the early 1990’s.
They released a total of six albums on their own record label.
Originally formed in 1992, then re-formed in 1997.
They are the second generation of the The Boys from Indiana. Includes three sons of that legendary group: Tony Holt (son of Aubrey), Jeff Holt (son of Jerry) and Harlan Gabbard (son of Harley). Other members of the group previously worked with the Traditional Grass (Gerald Evans, Jr. and Glen Inman.)
2011, formed “Freeman and Williams” with Scott Freeman (mandolin) and husband Johnny Williams.
2022, formed “Shelton and Williams” with guitarist Jay Shelton and husband Johnny Williams. Released an album “So Much Time, So Much Love” (Grass Tank)
A guitarist and songwriter, he is married to singer Jeannette Williams and performs with her band.
His songs have been recorded by Rambler’s Choice, New Classic Grass, Larry Stephenson, Special Consensus, Mark Newton and other artists.
1998, 1999, won the Chris Austin songwriting contest at MerleFest.
2006, joined Big Country Bluegrass
2014, released solo project Going My Way (Mountain Roads).
2022, formed “Shelton and Williams” with guitarist Jay Shelton and wife Jeannette Williams. Released an album “So Much Time, So Much Love” (Grass Tank)
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 Thile, Cody Kilby and Michael Cleveland.
Plays all the bluegrass instruments, but began as a banjo player at age 8. Alison Brown gave him lessons.
1990, formed his first band (at age 10).
1991, recorded first album (at age 11).
1994-1998, performed with The Young Acoustic All-Stars.
2008, formed The Josh Williams Band. Also worked dates with Alecia Nugent, the Larry Stephenson Band and the Tony Rice Unit (playing mandolin). He also played fill-in dates with the Mashville Brigade (Tuesday nights at the Station Inn).
2008, 2009, 2010, won the IBMA award for Guitar Player of the Year.
From Wythe County, Virginia. Lives in Morristown, Tennessee.
Real name: Paul Humphrey.
1951, joined the Lonesome Pine Fiddlers as a teenager. When he and his brother Jimmy auditioned for that job, they called themselves The Williams Brothers. He has been known as Paul Willians ever since.
1957, after a stint in the Air Force, joined Jimmy Martin to form The Sunny Mountain Boys. He is best known for his work with this group, including many songs which he wrote for Martin. Jimmy Martin is also his brother-in-law.
1963, left Martin’s band to work for the U.S. Postal Service. Continued to write gospel songs and lead the choir at his church in Morristown, Tennessee.
1995, formed The Victory Trio, a gospel group.
1996, retired from the Postal Service to perform full-time.
2010, recorded an album with Doyle Lawson and J.D. Crowe called Old Friends Get Together (Mountain Home). They also performed several concerts together.
Gained national recognition while performing as regulars on Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion” on public radio.
Robin plays guitar, Linda plays guitar and clawhammer banjo.
They were married in 1971 and recorded their first album together in 1975.
They also tour as members of Keillor’s “Hopeful Gospel Quartet.”
1989, signed with Sugar Hill Records and recorded 9 albums for the label.
1993, toured with Mary Chapin Carpenter.
2002, Robin became a “Justice of the Peace” for one day and performed Mary Chapin Carpenter’s wedding.
Their band is called “Their Fine Group” and has included Jim Watson (bass), Kevin Maul (Dobro™), Jimmy Gaudreau (mandolin), and Chris Brashers (mandolin/fiddle).
2003-2011, co-hosted (with former Statler Brother Jimmy Fortune) the Fortune – Williams Music Festival in Staunton, Virginia.
2004, signed with Red House Records.
2006, appeared in the Robert Altman movie “A Prairie Home Companion.”
Originally from Newton County, Arkansas; moved to California in the 1950’s.
Began playing bluegrass in northern California with fiddler/guitarist Ray Park. “Vern and Ray” became one of California’s most popular bluegrass acts. Broke up in 1974.
1995, formed his own band Shadow Ridge. Released Out of the Shadows album (Pinecastle) with that band.
His wife Debbie sings both lead and harmony vocals in the band. She has also released a solo album “Weepin’ Willow Blues” (Mid-Knight, 1997).
2000, created a musical act for children under the name “Kevin Kidd.”
2011, toured with Randy Waller and the Country Gentlemen, playing bass.
2012-2013, worked with The Farm Hands Bluegrass Quartet.
2014, formed Williamson Branch, a family band with his wife Debbie and three daughters Melody (fiddle), Kadence (bass) and Caroline (vocals). Released “Tis So Sweet” album (Enrichertainment).
2015, Williamson Branch released second album “Branchin’ Out” (Enrichertainment).
2018, Williamson Branch released Free album (Pinecastle).
2020, Melody Williamson received the IBMA Momentum Award for Vocalist of the Year.
2023, Kevin and Debbie Williamson were elected to the West Virginia Country Music Hall of Fame.
TONY AND GARY WILLIAMSON (THE WILLIAMSON BROTHERS)
From Siler City, North Carolina.
Tony is a well-known mandolin virtuoso, with several solo projects to his credit.
Their grandfather was in Company B, 52nd Regiment of the North Carolina Troops who marched with General Lee up Seminary Ridge, July 3, 1863 in the Battle of Gettysburg. He survived.
First band: The Bluegrass Gentlemen (1970) which made the cover of Bluegrass Unlimited magazine.
Gary earned his Ph.D in educational research from Stanford University. He works full-time for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Tony owns a musical instrument company called Mandolin Central.
1977, Gary was a member of the Bluegrass Alliance.
1978, Tony worked with the Richard Greene band.
1989-1991, Tony was a member of the group ASH&W (He was the “W”).
1994, Tony performed with a one-man show called “The Sound of the American Mandolin.” He has a degree in music from the University of North Carolina.
1995, Tony and Gary formed a duo called The Williamson Brothers.
1995, Tony released solo project “Across the Grain” (Plucked String).
1996 , Tony released solo project “All for Naught” (Mandolin Central).
1998, The Williamson Brothers released “My Rocky River Home” (Mandolin Central).
1999, the Tony Williamson Trio released “Christmas at Doobie Shea” album (Doobie Shea).
They are a band rather than a banjo making business, although founder and banjo-player Steve Wilson has experience as a luthier. He worked for Gibson when he was living in Nashville and continues building instruments.
Band members: Steve Wilson (banjo), Joey Newton (guitar), Sarah Logan (fiddle), Dylan Armour (Dobro™), Brandon Crouch (mandolin) and Rob Walker (bass).
Real name: Robert Russell Dees. He was adopted by his father’s sister, whose husband’s name was Wise.
Has been called “The Dean of Bluegrass Fiddlers” and “The Original Bluegrass Fiddler.”
Co-author of the fiddle tune “Orange Blossom Special.” At age 18, Wise moved to Jacksonville, Florida where he drove a taxicab by day and played fiddle in bars by night. It was there that he met fiddler Ervin Rouse in 1939 and together they composed “The Orange Blossom Special” in about 45 minutes. When Rouse suggested that they go get it copyrighted, Wise said, “Ervin, I haven’t got time to fool with a fiddle tune. If you can do anything with it, buddy, it’s yours.”
1942, joined Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys, replacing Howdy Forrester. Was a member of Monroe’s “original bluegrass band” of 1945-1948 (Monroe, Flatt, Scruggs, Watts and Wise).
1949, left Monroe to work with the York Brothers in Detroit, and later, Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs (1951).
Has also worked with Jimmy Martin, Sam and Kirk McGee, Uncle Dave Macon, Hylo Brown, Mac Wiseman, Hank Snow and Merle Haggard.
1994, released In Nashville album (Pinecastle) at age 78. Produced by Butch Baldassari.
From Crimora, Virginia. Lives on Percy Priest Lake, near Nashville.
Was born in 1925, the same year the Grand Ole Opry started.
Real name: Malcolm Bell Wiseman.
1944, began his career as a DJ in in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
1946, worked with Molly O’Day.
1948, was an original member of Flatt and Scruggs’ Foggy Mountain Boys.
1949, worked with Bill Monroe.
Came to be known as “The Voice with a Heart.”
1952-1956, with his band “The Country Boys” recorded several hits for Dot Records including “Jimmy Brown the Newsboy,” “Love Letters in the Sand,” “The Ballad of Davy Crockett.”
1957-1963, worked as an A & R man (Artists and Repertoire) for Dot Records and ran the company’s country-music department.
1958, was one of the founders of the Country Music Association (CMA) and was the organization’s first secretary.
1965, performed at the first bluegrass festival in Fincastle, Virginia.
1966, managed WWVA Jamboree in Wheeling, West Virginia.
1969, had a country hit with “Johnny’s Cash and Charley’s Pride” (RCA Victor).
1990, elected president of R.O.P.E. (Reunion of Professional Entertainers) in Nashville. One of the goals of the organization is to build a retirement home for country music entertainers.
1991, worked at the revived Old Dominion Barn Dance, Richmond, Virginia.
1992, worked at the Willie Nelson Theatre in Branson, Missouri.
1993, was inducted into the IBMA’s Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.
1997, recorded with The Groove Grass Boyz.
2001, recorded a duet with his old friend Johnny Cash: “When It’s Reveille Time in Heaven.”
2008, received the National Heritage Award, America’s highest honor in the folk and traditional arts.
2014, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
2016, released “I Sang the Song: Going Back to Bristol” album (Mountain Fever) with guest artists Sierra Hull, Shawn Camp, the Isaacs, Jim Lauderdale and others.
Formed in 1985 by Dennis Witcher (mandolin) and his son Gabe (fiddle), who was only six years old at the time. Gabe’s younger brother Michael joined later, playing Dobro™.
Dennis worked in the aerospace industry.
Gabe became an accomplished session musician in Hollywood. He performed on several movie soundtracks including Brokeback Mountain and Toy Story. He later became a member of The Laurel Canyon Ramblers, The Jerry Douglas Band, Eve 6 (a rock band), the Dave Rawlings Machine and the Punch Brothers.
Michael went on to play Dobro™ with Peter Rowan, Laurie Lewis, Missy Raines, Chris Jones and others. He also teaches and does session work.
Formed in 2019-2020 by Arthur Hancock IV (guitar) and Chris Shouse (mandolin). They were later joined by Roddy Puckett (bass), Kati Penn (fiddle) and Aaron Bibelhauser (banjo). Hancock and Puckett were formerly members of the Wooks. Penn had her own band NewTown and Bibelhauser also performs with his band Relic.
The group was named after a song written by Hancock called Wolfpen Branch. It is also the name of a road in the Louisville area.
They formed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their other bands were unable to work, so they formed a new band during the layoff.
2021, Penn left the band and was replaced by fiddler Jeff Guernsey.
2021, released first music to radio, a single “Don’t Have a Clue” (no label).
At age 15, Jim began playing with the Patoka Valley Boys. Soon thereafter, he and Lynna met and married, she also started playing and singing in the same band. They were the subject of a documentary film that was made in 1979.
1989, they won the Kentucky Fried Chicken bluegrass talent contest in Louisville, Kentucky.
2002 and 2003, their band Fields of Home won first place in the Indiana Picking and Fiddling Contest.
Banjo player and singer A.L. (or Al) Wood began performing in 1962.
He recorded several albums under his own name with his band The Smokey Ridge Boys which included (at various times) his older brother Odell Wood (bass), Dewey Farmer (mandolin). Lester Deaton (guitar) and A.L.’s sons Mike and Bobby (guitar and bass).
1973, released “Sing a Bluegrass Song” album (Rebel Records) which was re-issued in 2011.
1973, released “Bluegrass Today” album (Rebel Records).
1982, released “Kentucky Country Home” album (Rich-R-Tone).
2001, released two albums: “Cold Granite Heart” and “A Bluegrass Classic” (no label).
His songs have been recorded by many other artists: Sweet Carrie (Dailey and Vincent), Rhythm Of The Wheels (Rhonda Vincent), Sing A Bluegrass Song (Lorraine Jordan and Carolina Road).
2012, while A.L. doesn’t travel or perform any longer, his family has formed The Wood Family Tradition featuring A.L.’s sons Mike (guitar) and Bobby (bass), Mike’s son Jason (mandolin) and his wife Mackenzie (vocals). Brian Aldridge (banjo) is Mike’s son-in-law.
Member of the band have worked with other artists as well, Brian was in Sideline and Constant Change, Mike and Bobby appeared on recordings by songwriter Ray Edwards. Jason formerly worked with the James King Band and Audie Blaylock and Redline.
Formed in 2022 by Barry Bales (bass), Jenee Fleenor (fiddle), Seth Taylor (mandolin), Matt Menefee (banjo), and Josh Martin (guitar).
Bales is also a member of Alison Krauss’ band Union Station
2022, Fleenor won the CMA Award for “Musician of the Year” for the fourth time. She is a first-call session musician in Nashville and has toured with Blake Shelton, Martina McBride, Terri Clark, Don Williams and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, among others. She also performed on NBC’s The Voice for 8 years. She has recorded on numerous #1 songs and is also a prolific songwriter.
Seth Taylor is also a member of Mountain Heart.
Matt Menifee is a former member of Cadillac Sky and Chessboxer.
Josh Martin is a singer/songwriter from Kentucky with several country albums to his credit (Sony/ATV).
The Urban Dictionary defines a wook as: “a hippie without any ambition, motivation, or drive other than drugs and image. They’re generally in their twenties, college students (or dropouts) at small-town liberal colleges (such as Appalachian State University) and dependent on an income other than their own.”
Formed in 2014 by C.J. Cain (guitar), Galen Green (mandolin), Arthur Hancock (banjo), Roddy Puckett (bass) and Jesse Wells (fiddle).
Hancock’s father (also Arthur Hancock) is a bluegrass songwriter and recording artist, as well as the owner of a Kentucky Derby winning race horse, Sunday Silence.
2016, won the band competition at RockyGrass and released their first self-titled album (no label).
2016, released “Little Circles” album (Gnar Vector).
2017, Wells and Green left the band; multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Aaron Bibelhauser joined.
2018, released “Me and the Stars Tonight” album (Gnar Vector).
2018 lineup: Cain (guitar), Harry Clark (mandolin), Hancock (guitar), Roddy Puckett (bass).
2018, released “Glory Bound” album (Gnar Vector).
2019, Hancock and Puckett formed a new band with Aaron Bibelhauser and Kati Penn called Wolfpen Branch.
2021, released Flyin’ High album (Gnar Vector). New lineup: Cain (guitar), Clark (mandolin), George Guthrie (banjo) and Allen Cook (Dobro™).
From Franklinton, North Carolina. Moved to Nashville in 1977.
Played Dobro™ with several bands including Wilma Lee Cooper and The Clinch Mountain Clan, Country Gazette and the Sidemen. He also did a lot of session work in Nashville.
1992, joined the Osborne Brothers’ band.
1994, won a Grammy Award for his participation on “The Great Dobro™ Sessions” album (produced by Jerry Douglas.)
A singer, songwriter and guitarist, he began his career in a band called Country Generation. He also worked with Vern Gosdin, singing background vocals before launching a solo career in 1989.
As a songwriter, he has written several hit songs including “A Woman in Love” for Ronnie Milsap, “Next to You, Next to Me” and “Rock My Baby” for Shenandoah, “Too Much Fun” for Daryl Singletary, “What’s It To You” for Clay Walker and “She’s Got a Man on Her Mind” for Conway Twitty.
1992, released solo country album Curtis Wright (Liberty).
1994, formed a band with Robert Ellis Orral called “Orral and Wright.” They released one album (Giant Records).
2002-2007, became Shenandoah’s third lead singer (after Marty Raybon and Brent Lamb).
2007, joined Pure Prairie League.
2016, recorded a self-titled bluegrass album Curtis Wright (Voxhall).
Born/raised in Sarasota, Florida. Grew up in Haywood County, North Carolina. Resides in Nashville.
Began playing fiddle at age 8.
As a teenager, played with Ric-o-chet, Lou Reid & Carolina, Rambler’s Choice, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver.
1998, joined Mountain Heart.
An A-list Nashville session musician. Played on Carrie Underwood’s hit single “Don’t Forget to Remember Me.”
2006, recorded solo project No Apologies (Rural Rhythm). First cut, “Nature of the Beast” nominated for Grammy Award ( for Best Country Instrumental Performance).
2012, contracted Dengue Fever while he was on a Carribean vacation. He was seriously ill for several weeks.
2015, left Mountain Heart (after 17 years) to tour with Josh Turner and to start his own production company.
Originally called “The Gospel Tones.” Formed in 1972 by Harold and Kathy Goad.
1985, changed name to the Village Singers.
Heavily influenced by the style of the Chuck Wagon Gang.
Harold (banjo and guitar) formerly performed regularly at Silver Dollar City in Branson. Wife Kathy plays mandolin. Their son Warren plays guitar and sings bass.
Bass player Shirley Vaughn, formerly with a group called Parker Mountain Bluegrass is from Springdale, Arkansas.
Grew up performing with her family band, The Sally Mountain Show. She appeared on their weekly TV show and recorded 11 albums before embarking on a solo career. She began singing professionally and playing mandolin at age five.
1977, won the Missouri state fiddle championship.
1985, began performing with Grand Ole Opry Star Jim Ed Brown on the Grand Ole Opry (as a background vocalist).
1992, signed wth Giant Records for two country projects.
1998, co-hosted the IBMA awards show with Ricky Skaggs.
1998, formed Rhonda Vincent and the Rage. The original Rage was spelled “Raje” for the initials of the band members: Rhonda, Alan (Jones), Joey (Wieneman) and Earl (actually Irl Hees). It was later changed to Rage.
She owned a restaurant in Kirksville called “Bogie’s” (now closed.)
Nickname: “Mandolin Mama.” The New York Times called her “the Queen of Bluegrass.”
2001, won the IBMA award for Entertainer of the Year.
2002, was inducted into the George D. Hay Country Music Hall of Fame in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.
2009, began recording and performing with country artist Gene Watson.
2014, won SPBGMA award for Entertainer of the Year.
2015, won her 8th IBMA Award for Female Vocalist of the Year (she also won this award in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006).
Members: Charles Frazier (guitar, lead vocals), Donnie Shifflet (bass) and Jeff Vogelsong (mandolin), Zack Deming (banjo). Vogelsong and Deming were later replaced by Troy Gooding (mandolin) and Tom Hogge (banjo).
Frazier, Shifflet and Vogelgesang performed together for 13 years with banjo player Alvin Breeden as The Virginia Cutups.
Zack Deming is a former member of King Wilkie.
2005, appeared on Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion.”
Formed in 1983 by Rickie Simpkins (fiddle and mandolin), Ronnie Simpkins (bass), Mark Newton (guitar and lead vocals), and Sammy Shelor (banjo.)
The Simpkins brothers and Shelor had previously worked with The Heights of Grass. Lead singer Mark Newton had previously worked with The Knoxville Grass.
1984, voted “Bluegrass Band of the Year” by the Country Music Association of Virginia.
1985, released “Mountains and Memories” album (Rebel).
1986, released “Hard Times and Heartaches” album (Rebel).
1988, released “Variations” album (Rebel)
Broke up in 1989. They occasonally reunite when the members of the band are together at festivals.
Ronnie Simpkins went on to work with many bands including a long-running stint with the Seldom Scene. Rickie Simpkins worked with numerous bands including Tony Rice, Lonesome River Band, Continental Divide, the Isaacs and Emmylou Harris. Sammy Shelor joined the Lonesome River Band and has been its leader ever since. Mark Newton is a solo performer and promotes the annual Graves Mountain Bluegrass Festival in Virginia.
Formed in 1999 by K.C. Groves (guitar, mandolin) and Jo Serrapere (vocals). They were originally a duo backed by guest musicians such as Tahmineh Gueramy (fiddle), Amanda Kowalski (bass), Casey Henry (banjo) and Sally Truitt (bass).
2002, released first album “She Went Upstairs” (no label) featuring Groves and Serrapere with guests Sally Van Meter and Laurie Lewis.
They sometimes refer to themselves as the g’Earls.
2003-2010, the band included Groves, Abigail Washburn (banjo), Rayna Gellert (fiddle) and Kristen Andreasson (guitar).
Groves has recorded several solo projects of folk, old-time and bluegrass music. She lives in Colorado.
Banjo player Abigail Washburn also performs and records as a solo artist, specializing a blend of American and Chinese folk music. In 2009, she married Bela Fleck and performs with him in the Sparrow Quartet as well as a duo.
Kristen Andreasson is also a member of the Maryland-based Footworks, a percussive dance group. She lives in Woodstock, NY.
Rayna Gellert (from North Carolina) is a former member of the Freight Hoppers.
Plays banjo with Bluegrass Express, a group that includes his father and grandfather, Gary and Greg.
He began playing piano at age 5, then mandolin and fiddle at age 8. At age 13, he learned banjo and guitar. He has won numerous fiddle and banjo contests.
2015, at age 19, he released his second solo album “The Banjo Files” (no label)
2022, released “My Hope Is In the Lord” album (Plum River).
Began as the Chitlin Switch Road Runners in the mid-1950’s (performing on a radio station in El Dorado, Arkansas). They also appeared on the Louisiana Hayride.
1980, changed name to Bluegrass Kun-Tree, recorded several albums under that name.
2005, re-emerged as Union Kun-Tree.
Original lead singer Joe Wilson died in 1984. His son Joe Wilson, Jr. took his place in the band, playing banjo.
Formed in 1993 by Ray Craft (guitar, lead vocals), John Lewis (banjo), Jason Hale (guitar) and Scottie Sparks (guitar) and Shayne Bartley (mandolin). Other members of this band at various times: Jack Hicks (banjo), Steve Huber (banjo), Harold Nixon (bass) and Randy Kohrs (Dobro™).
1996, won the SPBGMA Band Championship in Nashville
1997, recorded self-titled album for Doobie Shea Records.
2000, disbanded.
2008, Bartley and Craft re-formed the group with Bobby Hicks playing fiddle on selected dates.
Formed in 2011 by Lee Shuford (Dobro™), Audie McGinnis (guitar) and Zane McGinnis (banjo). Other band members include Matt Warren (bass), Tim Gardner (fiddle) and Ty Gilpin (mandolin).
Originally from San Diego (CA) County. Born in Oceanside, lived in Idyllwild, California. Now lives in New York City.
Pronounced “Theé-lee” (like “really.”)
Took mandolin lessons from John Moore (of California and Bluegrass Etc.)
Hobby: baseball card collecting and playing baseball. He was a star little-league pitcher. His great-great-great-great uncle Sam Thompson is in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
1989, at age 9 formed the band Nickel Creek with friends Sean and Sara Watkins (guitar/fiddle) of Vista, California.
1990, 1994, won the Arizona State Mandolin Championship.
1993 (at age 12) won the National Mandolin Championship (the youngest winner ever.)
1993, (at age 12) released first solo album Leading Off (Sugar Hill), produced by Peter Wernick.
1994, worked with Richard Greene’s band “The Grass is Greener.”
1994, released second solo album Stealing Second (Sugar Hill).
1995, his family moved to Murray, Kentucky. His father Scott (original bass player with Nickel Creek) was employed by Murray State University as a musical instrument technician.
2004, released solo project Deceiver (Sugar Hill).
2006, recorded solo project How to Grow a Woman From the Ground (Sugar Hill).
Began touring with his own band featuring Noam Pikelny (banjo), Gabe Witcher (fiddle) and Chris Eldridge (guitar) as the “Tensions Mountain Boys.” The band name was later changed to The Punch Brothers.
2007, last Nickel Creek performance.
2009, performed a concerto that he wrote for the mandolin with the World Youth Symphony Orchestra.
2010, recorded and toured with Dierks Bentley.
2011, recorded an album of duets with guitarist Michael Daves called “Sleep With One Eye Open.”
2011, performed and recorded with Edgar Meyer, Stuart Duncan and Yo-Yo Ma as The Goat Rodeo Sessions.
2012, received the McArthur Foundation “Genius Award” ($500,000).
2013, married actress Claire Coffee (of NBC’s Grimm).
2014, recorded a new Nickel Creek album “A Dotted Line,” touring with the reunited group to celebrate their 25th anniversary.
2014, released Bass & Mandolin album with bass virtuoso Edgar Meyer.
2016, became the permanent host of “A Prairie Home Companion” radio program, replacing Garrison Keillor. In 2017, the show was re-named “Live From Here.”
2018, was presented with a Distinguished Achievement Award by the IBMA.
Original group composed chiefly of former members of Doyle Lawson’s band Quicksilver: Russell Moore (guitar, lead vocals), Ray Deaton (bass), Terry Baucom (banjo), Alan Bibey (mandolin) and Mike Hartgrove (fiddle). All but Bibey were Lawson alumni.
Name was chosen because each band member had worked with two other bands previously. IIIrd Tyme Out was literally their “third time out.”
1991, released first album “IIIrd Tyme Out” (Rebel).
1992, Bibey left the band to be replaced by Lou Reid. Then, Lou Reid and Terry Baucom left to form their own band. Wayne Benson (mandolin) and Steve Dilling (banjo) replaced them.
2012, Russell Moore won his fifth IBMA award for Male Vocalist of the Year (also won in 1994, 1997, 2010 and 2011)
2013, Steve Dilling and Edgar Loudermilk left the band. They were replaced by Keith McKinnon (banjo) and Blake Johnson (bass.)
2015, released “It’s About Tyme” album (Break a String).
2015, Blake Johnson left the band for health reasons and was replaced by Jerry Cole (formerly with Pine Mountain Railroad). Johnson subsequently died of a heart attack (at age 33) in June of 2017.
2018, fiddler Justin Haynes left the band to start a family business (dog training, boarding & breeding) and was replaced by Nathan Aldridge. In late 2018, bass player Jerry Cole left the band and was replaced by Dustin Pyrtle (formerly with Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver).
2019, original bass player Ray Deaton died at the age of 66.
2021 band lineup: Moore (guitar), Benson (mandolin), Kevin McKinnon (bass), Keith McKinnon (banjo) and Nathan Aldridge (fiddle). The McKinnons are twin brothers.
1981, won the Virginia State Fiddle Championship.1982, won the World’s Fair Fiddle Contest in Knoxville.
1982, joined Del McCoury’s band, The Dixie Pals.
1983, an original member of the Lonesome River Band (he came up with the name).
1984, Jim and Jesse.
1985, the Lost and Found.
1985-1988, The Whites.
1988-91, The Osborne Brothers.
2003, joined the Ronnie Bowman band.
Has played fiddle with several bands in recent years including Jesse McReynolds, Aaron Tippin, Barbara Mandrell, Brooks and Dunn, LeeAnn Womack, Kenny Chesney, John Michael Montgomery and Lorrie Morgan. Has also produced recordings by The Crowe Brothers, Larry Cordle and Jesse McReynolds.
2013, formed a duo with Mark Newton. Released album Reborn (Pinecastle).
2013, a fire destroyed his Nashville home on New Year’s Eve.
2017, joined David Parmley and Cardinal Tradition.
2019, formed his own band The Time Machine; signed with Bonfire Records.
1998, released a solo album Dear Friends & Gentle Hearts (Rounder) with special guests The Lonesome River Band, the Seldom Scene, IIIrd Tyme Out, others.
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 with Jim and Jesse.
Was a member of the group Area Code 615.
Played theme music to “Hee Haw,” “Smokey and the Bandit,” “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “Urban Cowboy,” many others.
Played on hit songs by such artists as Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, Jim & Jesse, Hank Snow, Tammy Wynette, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Loretta Lynn, Bill Monroe, Dolly Parton, Perry Como, Eddy Arnold, Les Paul, Connie Smith, Merle Haggard, Trini Lopez, the Monkees, Olivia Newton-John, Melanie, Jimmy Buffett, Dr Hook, Leon Russell, Neil Young and many others.
1990, retired from music due to multiple sclerosis.
An acoustic trio featuring Rob Ickes (Dobro™), Andy Leftwich (mandolin) and Dave Pomeroy (electric upright bass. They create their own style of music with combines elements of jazz and bluegrass.
Ickes is a full-time member of Blue Highway.
Leftwich is a full-time member of Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder.
Pomeroy is an accomplished Nashville studio bassist who has appeared on more than 500 albums and six Grammy winning albums with artists such as Emmylou Harris, The Chieftains, Elton John, Earl Scruggs and Alison Krauss. He has performed live with dozens of well known artists including Duane Eddy, John Fogerty, Steve Winwood, and Mose Allison. He has been voted Studio Musician of The Year and Bassist of The Year at the Nashville Music Awards. He is currently president of the Musicians’ Union in Nashville.
Born in 1987, he began his professional career playing guitar with Marty Raybon, Mike Auldridge, Emory Lester and others.
He studied jazz guitar performance and composition at Towson University.
2004, joined Gary Ferguson to form a duo.
2005, released first solo project No Place Better (Patuxent) at age 18.
2007, released “Corbett, Chrisman and Tice” album (no label) with Wes Corbett (banjo) and Simon Chrisman (hammered dulciner).
2009, released Long Story album (Patuxent) with Casey Driessen (fiddle), Noam Pikelny (banjo), Andy Hall (Dobro™), Mark MacGlshan (mandolin) and Mark Schatz (bass)
2012, released Secret History album (Patuxent) as The Jordan Tice Trio with Simon Chrisman (hammered dulcimer) and Paul Kowert (bass).
2015, began touring and recording with Paul Kowert, Brittany Haas and Dominick Leslie as Hawktail.
2014, released “You Got This” album (no label) as Hass, Kowert, Tice (with Brittany Haas and Paul Kowert).
Was a founding member of the Russian bluegrass/country band Bering Strait (also known as Cheerful Diligence and Siberian Heatwave). They migrated to Nashville and recorded three albums. Broke up in 2006.
2004, left Bering Strait and began working as a studio musician. He is a five-time winner of the Music Row award for top guitar player and two-time winner of the ACM award for musician of the year (specialty instruments). He has performed on recordings by Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire, Glen Campbell, the Doobie Brothers and Rascal Flatts (including their hit son “Banjo”).
2016, released solo banjo project Red Grass (Hadley Music Group).
Originally from Western Kentucky; moved to Texas in 1983. Lives in the Dallas area.
He is a practicing attorney, managing legal affairs for the Lamar Hunt Family (Unity Hunt, Inc.) and their affiliated entities including the Kansas City Chiefs and other professional sports franchises.
He founded the Bluegrass Heritage Foundation which exists to preserve and advance bluegrass music worldwide.
He co-founded the Frisco Bluegrass Festival in Frisco, Texas (with Gerald Jones).
Plays bass, banjo and guitar.
2012, released solo album No Part of Nothin (no label) with guest artists Ron Stewart, Sam Bush, Randy Kohrs, Kenny & Amanda Smith and others.
A mandolin player, record producer, and author of a best-selling mandolin instruction book (Bluegrass Mandolin, Oak Publications, 1976).
First band: a Washington, D.C. group called “The Lonesome River Boys” (1968-1970).
1975, released a solo project “Back Road Mandolin” (Rounder).
1975 formed Tasty Licks (with Pat Enright and Bela Fleck) in Boston.
1977-1982, was a member of The Payroll Boys of Letcher Country, Kentucky.
1982, founded the bluegrass music program at East Tennessee State University, which has produced many professional bluegrass musicians.
1999, released Bluegrass Sound album (Copper Creek) with guests Jerry Douglas, Tony Rice, Béla Fleck, Stuart Duncan, Ron Block, Ronnie and Del McCoury.
Conducts seminars across the country on how to listen to bluegrass music.
2012, formed a band in Hawaii called Bluegrass Jack.
From Dublin, Ireland. Lives in Bunclody, County Wexford.
Since the 1960’s, one of Ireland’s best known folk and bluegrass performers. He also had a long-running radio program in Ireland called “Country Heartland.”
Plays mandolin and guitar.
Early career, fronted several Irish folk/bluegrass bands including the Lee Valley String Band, the Sackville String Band and an electric band called Hank Halfhead and the Rambling Turkeys. They had a hit single in Ireland and played Adam Clayton’s (U2) birthday party.
1988-1997, was a resident performer at the Harcourt Hotel in Dublin.
1999, moved to County Wexford and formed the Niall Toner Band. Since then has recorded several albums of original songs.
His songs have been recorded by Bill Wyman (Rolling Stones), Albert Lee, the Nashville Bluegrass Band, Special Consensus and numerous Irish artists.
2012, released his first American album Onwards & Upwards (Pinecastle).
Led by the late fiddler and radio personality Paul “Moon” Mullins. Other members: Mark Rader (guitar), Joe Mullins (banjo), Gerald Evans, Jr. (mandolin) and Mike Clevenger (bass.)
Formed in December of 1983, disbanded in 1995 (last show: September 17, 1995).
Paul Mullins was the band’s direct link with tradition. In the 1950’s he played fiddle with the Stanley Brothers. He later formed the Boys from Indiana. As a popular radio personality (AKA “Moon Mullins”) He hosted a bluegrass radio program on WPFB in Middletown for more than 20 years. He won the IBMA award for Broadcaster of the Year in 2000.
Since the band’s breakup, Joe Mullins has performed with Longview and with his own band Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers. He continues his father’s broadcasting legacy on several Ohio radio stations.
Formed in 1998. From 1991-1997, they performed as the Norman Wright and Kevin Church band.
The original band included three former members of the Country Gentlemen: Wright (mandolin), Church (banjo), and Spider Gillam (bass).
1999, Gillam was replaced by David Lewis.
2001, the group disbanded and both Wright and Church worked as sidemen in other bands.
2010, Wright worked with Darren Beachley and the Legends of the Potomac
2011, Wright and Church reunited to begin performing together as The Travelers. Also in the band: John Miller (guitar/mandolin) and Mike Connor (bass).
2013, Miller was diagnosed with cancer on his tongue and missed four months with the band. Rejoined them in November.
A progressive spin-off of the Del McCoury band featuring everyone in the band except Del: Ronnie McCoury (mandolin), Rob McCoury (banjo), Jason Carter (fiddle and Alan Bartram (bass). In 2017, Cody Kilby (guitar) joined the band as its permanent guitar player.
Until Kilby joined in 2017, the band utilized a variety of musicians to fill the guitar spot including Keller Williams, Dierks Bentley, Jeff Autry, Chris Eldridge, Josh Williams, Dan Tyminski, Jeff White, Bryan Sutton, Kenny Smith, Larry Keel, Jim Lauderdale, Peter Rowan, Josh Shilling, David Grier and others.
2012, released Pick album with Keller Williams (Sci Fidelity)
He is best known as “Mr. Banjo,” a versatile Nashville musician who worked for many years with Porter Wagoner and Roy Clark and was a cast member of the Hee Haw TV Show. He also recorded frequently with Dolly Parton and Marty Stuart.
He is the inventor of the electric banjo. On many of Porter Wagoner’s records, he made the banjo mimic the sound of a steel guitar by using Scruggs D-tuners on all four tuning pegs.
1960-1961, played banjo with Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys.
1975, 1976, won the CMA Award for Instrumentalist of the Year.
1975, recorded an instrumental duet album with Roy Clark called “Pair of Fives” (MCA).
1977, released a solo album “Oh Yeah!” (ABC). “Oh Yeah” was his signature catch phrase.
1978, recorded a second instrumental duet album with Roy Clark called Banjo Bandits (MCA).
1976, released a solo album called “Bionic Banjo” (ABC).
1990, moved to Branson, Missouri where he performed regularly at Baldnobber’s Jamboree and opened for Mickey Gilley. He later began headlining his own morning show called “The Buck Trent Country Music Show” which aired on RFD-TV.
2023, he was inducted into the National Banjo Hall of Fame.
1963, began playing banjo at age 14. Inspired by the Kingston Trio’s “Charlie and the MTA.”
An innovative banjo player. One of the first to play jazz on the five-string banjo.
Introduced Bela Fleck to the banjo and gave him his first banjo lessons.
1965-1971, played with a folk group called the Down City Ramblers.
1971, formed Country Cooking (with Peter Wernick). Made his recording debut with album “15 Bluegrass Instrumentals.”
1973, formed Breakfast Special.
1976, recorded “Banjoland” album.
1977, was musical director for a Broadway show called “The Robber Bridegroom.”
1978, played with a group called Monroe Doctrine.
1981, formed Skyline.
1985, released solo project Hill Country (Rounder).
1988, formed The Big Dogs with David Grier and Harley Allen; released “Live at the Birchmere” (Strictly Country).
He has authored numerous banjo instruction books.
1992, performed and recorded with The Rounder Banjo Extravaganza, a collaboration with Tony Furtado, Tom Adams and David Grier.
1993, created a touring show (and album) called World Turning (Rounder) which traced the evolution of the banjo from West Africa (where the banjo was born) to the present and future.
2000, formed the Tony Trischka Band, a jazz group.
2001, performed and recorded with The Wayfaring Strangers.
2007, released Double Banjo Bluegrass Spectacular album (Rounder) featuring duets with Earl Scruggs, Steve Martin, Bela Fleck, Alison Brown, Tom Adams and other banjo players of note. He and Steve Martin appeared together on the Late Show with David Letterman.
2007, won IBMA award for Banjo Player of the Year. Also won Instrumental Album of the Year and Recorded Event of the Year awards for Double Banjo Bluegrass Spectacular.
A comedy/bluegrass band formed by banjo player Tim White.
This band specialized in songs about possums. In 1993 they released an entire album of possum songs and include in their shows a six-foot possum called Seemore, who dances and hands out candy to the children in the audience.
Formed in 2002 by Del Williams, Avram Seigal, Ed Neff and Allison Fisher.
Not to be confused with (1) a band of the same name that played Dollywood in the early nineties (2) a Canadian bluegrass band with the name True Blue, nor (3) Becky Schlegel’s band which also has the name “True Blue.”
Williams is the son of Vern Williams (of Vern and Ray fame.) He played guitar and performed with his father in the Vern Williams Band for 15 years.
Neff (fiddle/mandolin) is a former member of High Country and the Vern Williams Band.
Siegel (banjo) most recently worked with the Kathy Kallick Band.
Tugalo is pronounced “Two-ga-lou.” The Tugalo is a river near Westminster, SC.
Formed in 2001 by Stephen Hudson (Lead Vocals, Fiddle), Michael “Porkchop” Branch (Bass), Michael Hill (Banjo), Bradley Webb (Guitar), Jessica Hudson (Lead/Harmony Vocals), and Dennis James (Mandolin).
Their first gig was at Gap Hill Baptist Church in Six Mile, South Carolina. They feature gospel music in all their performances.
2020, released first single to radio: Mockingbird (Horseface).
Formed in January 2013 by Nathan Arnett (lead vocals, guitar), Jonathon Arnett (mandolin), Ralph Adams (guitar), Mike Daniels (banjo) and Chad Gilbert (bass). A later incarnation of the band included Kyle Kleinman (mandolin), Jason Hale (bass) and Josh Hensley (banjo).
Nathan Arnett formerly worked with Arnett Bros. and Co. and High Caliber Grass.
2013. released “March 2, 2012” album (no label). The date signifies the day a devastating tornado hit Kentucky.
She is a guitarist, banjoist, vocalist and songwriter who began performing at age 11 with her family band The Tuttles. At age 13, she recorded and album titled “Molly and Jack Tuttle: The Old Apple Tree” (Back Studio Records). Jack is her father, who is a multi-instrumentalist and music teacher.
2010, released “Introducing the Tuttles with A.J. Lee” album (Back Studio) with her family band and family friend A.J. Lee on mandolin.
2015, attended Berklee College of Music (Boston).
2015, performed and recorded as a duo with fiddler John Mailander.
2016, won the Chris Austin Songwriting competition at MerleFest.
2016, won the IBMA Momentum Award for Instrumentalist of the Year.
2016, formed a band called The Goodbye Girls with Allison de Groot (banjo), Lena Johnson (fiddle) and Britanny Karlson (bass).
2016, formed The Molly Tuttle Band with Mailander (fiddle), Wes Corbett (banjo) and Sam Grisman (bass).
2017, appeared on the cover of Acoustic Guitar magazine.
2021, formed bluegrass ensemble “Golden Highway” with Dominick Leslie (mandolin), Bronwyn Keith-Hynes (fiddle), Kyle Tuttle (banjo), and Shelby Means (bass).
A family band formed in 2008 by Jack Tuttle (fiddle & bass) and his three children Molly (15, banjo & guitar), Sullivan (12, guitar) and Michael (10, mandolin). Their association with another young musician A.J. Lee (10, mandolin) began at the California Bluegrass Association’s Father’s Day Festival at Grass Valley California.
2009, their rendition of “El Cumbachero” on YouTube went viral, with more than a million viewers by 2010.
Jack Tuttle has been a member of numerous bands including the Tall Timber Boys and Fog City Ramblers (bluegrass), the Gryphon Quintet and Front Porch Swing Band (swing), Emerald (Celtic) and the Mayfield String Band (old-time).
Jack Tuttle is well known around the San Francisco bay area as a fiddle teacher.
Formed in 2013 by Berklee College of Music students: Kathleen Parks (fiddle), Dan Bui (mandolin), Ricky Mier (banjo), Chris Sartori (bass) and Rachel Sumner (guitar).
2014, won band contests at the Freshgrass and Thomas Point Beach Festivals.
They played weekly at a club called the Cantab Lounge in Cambridge, MA.
Fiddler who has worked with the Good Old Persons (12 years), John Reischmann, David Grisman, Jann Browne, Laurie Lewis and Grant Street, Lost Highway, the Walden Dahl Band, the Rhythm Brothers (at Disneyland) and other California-based groups.
1975, 1981 won the California State Fiddle Championship.
1996-2004, played fiddle for Lost Highway.
1999, recorded a solo album called Fiddle-Crazy! (Lost Highway).
2004, joined the David Thom Band (a bay area group).
2008, formed Blue and Lonesome with Ed Neff and Larry Cohea, veterans of such bay area bands as High Country, the Vern Williams Band, etc.
Legendary banjo player who began his career with Mac Wiseman in the early fifties, also with Jim Eanes and the Shenandoah Valley Boys.
Best known for his work with Jim and Jesse and the Virginia Boys (1959-1966). He recorded 89 tracks with them during this period.
Left music to work as a pipe fitter at a nuclear power plant for the Tennessee Valley Authority—primarily to earn enough money to put his four kids through college. Returned to work again with Jim and Jesse in 1983 (playing the five-string Dobro™) and then retired from music again in 1989.
1955 to 1963, played banjo with a Dallas group called the Country Cutups.
1965 to 1968, lived in Oklahoma City and played in various ensembles with Byron Berline, Bobby Clark, Vince Gill, David Ferguson, Buck White, Alan Munde, Johnny Sanders and other area musicians.
Alan Munde credits Eddie as a major influence on his playing.
1968, Lester Flatt invited Eddie to replace Earl Scruggs when Lester and Earl split up. Turned it down.
Performed for several years with Leon Valley Bluegrass, a band from Copperas Cove, Texas.
From Gate City, Virginia. Made his home in Church Hill, Tennessee.
Played guitar with such bands as the Bluegrass Travelers, the Larkin Brothers, the Southern Grass and Flint Hill before joining Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys in 1994. He also served as the band’s road manager.
He emulated the guitar style of his musical hero George Shuffler (lead guitarist with the Stanley Brothers).
Began his career in gospel music. He worked at Renfro Valley with David Marshall (of the Marshall Family).
Did a brief stint as a member of Larry Sparks and the Lonesome Ramblers.
Had an Ohio-based gospel group called the Beacons.
2000, recorded a gospel album “I Stand Amazed” (Legend).
2001, formed NewFound Road as a bluegrass gospel group but eventually transitioned the group to a broader, more secular audience.
2013, disbanded NewFound Road to spend more time with his family and to pursue a solo career. He has also worked part-time with the Clay Hess Band, Trinity River Band, and Jesse Gregory.
2016, launched a podcast on iTunes called the Tim Shelton Show.
2016, teamed up with guitarist Clay Hess to form a group called The Surly Gentlemen.
2018, created a Christmas program called Tim Shelton’s Very Vintage Christmas featuring songs from Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby and other 1950’s-era holiday classics. He is also working with Heidi and Ryan Greer, and Tim Stafford of Blue Highway in a group called Sailor Street.
2020, formed the Tim Shelton Syndicate, a bluegrass band with some of his former Newfound Road bandmates.
Band members: Shawn Brock (mandolin), Matt Jones (guitar), Rod Lunger (bass), Nathan Treadway (banjo) and Alex Benefiel (fiddle). Band members live in Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio.
They specialize in performing and recording songs with non-traditional themes.
2015, released first album Loaded (Lonesome Day/Dry Lightning)
Best known as the man who made the guitar solo an integral part of the “Stanley Sound” when he was with The Stanley Brothers in the fifties and early sixties.
1950, was in a comedy group called Mustard and Gravy.
1951, worked in a band with Jim and Jesse McReynolds and Hoke Jenkins
Worked with the Stanley Brothers off and on throughout the 1950’s. Developed his “cross-picking” style on the guitar to compliment Carter’s singing. Many considered him “the third Stanley Brother.”
After Carter’s death in 1966, he worked with Ralph for a short time, then joined Don Reno and Bill Harrell until 1970.
1970, formed the Shuffler Family Band, with his brothers and children, playing traditional southern gospel music.
1996, received IBMA’s Distinguished Achievement Award.
1999, came out of retirement to work with Ralph Stanley’s Clinch Mountain Boys, playing bass (replaced Jack Cooke for several months, when Jack had health problems).
2011, was inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.
2014, died on April 7, four days shy of his 89th birthday.
First group: Stringbean and His Mountain Playboys (in high school).
Early career: he was a pipeline inspector for a major gas company and an aide for a state hospital.
1980-87, formed a group called Southern Heritage.
1990, joined the Sullivan Family (gospel group).
1993, formed Big Country, which eventually became known as Karl Shiflett and The Big Country Show.
Specializes in re-creating classic bluegrass circa 1949, with retro outfits, one mike, even toured in a 1947 Chrysler New Yorker with a string bass tied to the top.
Began playing fiddle at age 14. He is considered one of the pioneers of classic bluegrass fiddling. He is the only fiddler to have worked as a member of each of the first three “Hall of Fame” bluegrass acts: Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys (1943), The Stanley Brothers (1948) and Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys (1948).
1943-1945, played with Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys. In Nashville, introduced Earl Scruggs (also from Hickory NC) to Bill Monroe.
1943, returned to the furniture business in Hickory.
1948, won the National Fiddlers Convention in Richlands, Virginia.
1948, worked briefly with the Stanley Brothers.
1948, joined Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys. Appeared on their first Mercury recordings.
Retired from life on the road to build furniture in the Hickory, NC area.
1980, recorded “Bluegrass Fiddle Supreme” (RSR Records) backed by the Blue River Boys.
1995, won the North Carolina Folk Heritage Award.
1999, appeared in the CNN TV Special “Grass Roots to Bluegrass.”
2011, was inducted into the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame.
Performed with his own band “Sons of the Carolinas.”
Formed by Steve Dilling in 2010 as a part-time band to perform during open dates when his full-time band IIIrd Tyme Out was not touring. Original band: Dilling (banjo), Darrell Webb (mandolin, lead vocals) who fronts his own band, Skip Cherryholmes (guitar) who performs with Lou Reid and Carolina and is also Dilling’s son-in-law, Jason Moore (bass) who is a member of Mountain Heart, and Justin Haynes (fiddle) who is also in IIIrd Tyme Out. Haynes was later replaced by Greg Luck.
2013, released first album called Session 1 (Mountain Fever Records.)
2013, Dilling announced his retirement from IIIrd Tyme Out, making Sideline his primary musical outlet.
2014, Webb and Luck left the band. Dilling decided to make Sideline a full-time band (rather than just a “sideline”) so he hired musicians (and brothers) Brian Aldridge (mandolin) and Nathan Aldridge (fiddle) later in the year.
2015 lineup: Dilling (banjo), Cherryholmes (guitar), Moore (bass), Brian Aldridge (mandolin), Nathan Aldridge (fiddle), Brad Hudson (Dobro™).
2015, released second album Session 2 (Mountain Fever).
2016, Brian Aldridge left the group. He was replaced by Troy Boone.
2017, Hudson (reso guitar/vocals) left the group to pursue a solo career. Multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Bailey Coe (guitar) took his place. Coe was formerly a member of the Grass Cats.
2018, Nathan Aldridge (fiddle) left the band to join Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out. He was replaced by fiddler Daniel Greeson.
2019, Zack Arnold (mandolin; formerly with Claybank) replaced Troy Boone. Jamie Harper (fiddle; formerly with Junior Sisk) replaced Greeson.
2019, won the IBMA Award for Song of the Year (“Thunder Dan”).
2021, Nick Goad replaced Zack Arnold (mandolin). 2020 lineup: Dilling (banjo), Cherryholmes (guitar), Moore (bass), Goad (mandolin), Harper (fiddle) and Jacob Greer (guitar; formerly with Claybank).
2021, bass player Jason Moore died at the age of 48 (heart attack).
2021, Greer left the band. New lineup: Dilling (banjo), Cherryholmes (guitar), Kyle Windbeck (bass), Goad (mandolin), Harper (fiddle) and Andy Buckner (guitar).
For 14 years, they were an all-female band. Went co-ed in 1993 and changed the name to Sidesaddle and Company.
Original members: Kim Elking (fiddle), Lisa Burns (bass) and Lee Anne Welch (mandolin). Other members: Beth McNamara (bass), Jerry Ashford (guitar), Bob Smith (banjo).
From Jackson, Kentucky; grew up in Lexington. Lives in Nashville.
2004, after serving in the U.S. Navy, he formed a country-rock band in Seattle, Washington called Sunday Valley.
2012, moved to Nashville and recorded his first album High Top Mountain (no label).
2014, released Metamodern Sounds of Country Music (High Top Mountain Music). Made guest appearances on Late Night with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, The Conan O’Brien Show and several other late night programs.
2015, toured with Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard.
One of the pioneers of bluegrass fiddling. Began his career in the 1940’s with the Morris Brothers, Wiley and Zeke.
1949, was a founding members of Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs’ band The Foggy Mountain Boys. Playe with them for about a year.
He played fiddle and sang lead on the classic F&S recording of “Salty Dog Blues.” He also played fiddle on the classic F&S recording of “Foggy Mountain Breakdown.”
He also worked with Roy Acuff and Bill Monroe.
1982, released an album of fiddle tunes with banjo player E.C. Miller, “Bluegrass on the Mountain.”
2018, disbanded Ramblers Choice. Band members Jason Davis (banjo) and Kameron Keller (bass) formed a new band with several members of the Boxcars (also recently disbanded) called the Highland Travelers.
2023, his band included Heather Berry Mabe (guitar), Tony Mabe (banjo), Jonathan Dillon (mandolin), and Curt Love (bass). They also perform on their own as Red Camel Collective.
1976, began performing with his father in a local bluegrass band and also worked briefly with the Goins Brothers.
1997, at age 17 replaced Keith Whitley as guitarist and lead singer with Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys (1977-86).
1986, left the Clinch Mountain Boys to form his own band and to return to school.
1986, released first album “Congratulations” (Acoustic Revival).
1988, released “Gravel Road” album (Rutabaga).
1989, released “Call of the Honky Tonk” album (Rutabaga).
1989, released “Singing with the Angels” album (Rutabaga).
1990, graduated from the University of Kentucky at the top of his class. The only bluegrass artist to play the Grand Ole Opry and deliver a college commencement address—all in the same year.
1990, released “I’ve Got a Good Memory” album (Rutabaga).
After college, he moved to Nashville and wrote songs for Paul Craft Music. His songs have been recorded by Ralph Stanley, Jimmy Martin, Doyle Lawson and others.
After finishing law school in 1994, he opened a private law firm in Goodlettsville, Tennessee and began his career as an attorney. He continued to make recordings and occasional performances.
From Leighton, Alabama (near Muscle Shoals). Lives in Roanoke, Virginia.
1957-1965, played mandolin with the Alabama-based group, The Dixie Gentlemen (with Jake Landers and Rual Yarbrough). Recorded for United Artists.
Other bands: The Boys from Shiloh (‘66), Jimmy Martin (‘67-68), The Shenandoah Cut-ups (‘69-74), Country Grass (‘74-’76), Del McCoury’s Dixie Pals (‘78-’79), The Bluegrass Cardinals (‘91-’95).
1995, formed the Herschel Sizemore Band.
Is best known for his classic mandolin instrumental “Rebecca,” named after his mother.
2012, “Mandolin in B,” a documentary film about his life and music was released.
1971-73, lived in Washington D.C. and worked with the Country Gentlemen, playing fiddle. He dropped out of high school and never finished. In 2020, Lawrence County High School in Louisa, KY awarded him an honorary high school diploma.
1974, played mandolin and fiddle in J.D. Crowe’s band, The New South.
1975, formed Boone Creek with Terry Baucom, Jerry Douglas and Wes Golding.
1978, left Boone Creek to join Emmylou Harris’ Hot Band singing background vocals and playing guitar, fiddle and mandolin.
1979, recorded Sweet Temptation album (Sugar Hill) which launched his career in country music.
1982, won CMA Horizon award and Male Vocalist of the Year award.
1982, married Sharon White (of the Whites). They have four children.
1984, joined the Grand Ole Opry.
1985, won CMA award for Entertainer of the Year.
His recording of Bill Monroe’s “Uncle Pen” was the first bluegrass recording to make #1 on the country charts since “The Ballad of Jed Clampett.
As a country artist, he had 18 top ten songs, 12 number one hits, 8 Grammies, 8 CMA Awards, 4 gold albums, 1 platinum album.
1995-97, hosted TNN’s “Live at the Ryman” series.
1996, formed new bluegrass band Kentucky Thunder.
1997, released Bluegrass Rules, his first bluegrass album since “Family and Friends” (1982). This album won Album of the Year (IBMA).
Hosted the IBMA Awards show for four consecutive years (1995-1998). Also co-hosted the show in 2002 with Patty Loveless and in 2005 with Alison Krauss.
2003, performed and recorded with Doc Watson and Earl Scruggs as The Three Pickers. The live concert was televised nationally on PBS.
2004, inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame (in Renfro Valley).
2004, became Dr. Ricky Skaggs. He was awarded an honorary doctorate of humanities from Eastern Kentucky University.
2006, he and his band Kentucky Thunder won the IBMA Award for Instrumental Group of the Year for the 8th time in 9 years. (1998-2006. In 2001, the award was won by Nickel Creek.)
2008, won the Grammy (his 13th) for Salt of the Earth with the Whites (Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel).
2011, won Entertainer of the Year at the ICM (Inspirational Country Music) Awards.
2013, released live album with Bruce Hornsby.
2013, his autobiography Kentucky Traveler (with writer Eddie Dean) was published.
2018, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
2018, was inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.
2021, was awarded the Presidential Medal of the Arts from President Donald Trump.
Hobbies: photography, fishing, collecting pocketwatches, old Marx Brothers and Three Stooges videos.
RECOMMENDED ALBUMS:
That’s It (Rebel, 1975) This is Ricky’s first album of bluegrass songs, showing the promise that would lead to superstardom ten years later.
Sweet Temptation (Sugar Hill, 1979) Ricky shocked his fans by adding steel guitars and drums to several songs but this album launched his career in country music.
Skaggs & Rice (Rounder, 1980) This is a re-issue of a classic album of country duets with Tony Rice.
Family & Friends (Rounder, 1982) A classic bluegrass album released after he had signed with Epic Records. Features the Whites, Jerry Douglas and other top musicians.
Bluegrass Rules (Rounder, 1997) This is the album that kicked off Ricky’s Kentucky Thunder years. Won the IBMA Award for “Album of the Year.” Features Bryan Sutton on guitar and Marc Pruett on banjo.
Soldier Of The Cross (Skaggs Family, 1999) Gospel songs. Some incredible harmony vocals throughout by Ricky, Paul Brewster and Darren Vincent.
Ancient Tones (Skaggs Family, 1999) Won the Bluegrass Grammy Award in 2000.
Sing the Songs of Bill Monroe (Skaggs Family, 2000) Originally titled “Big Mon: The Songs of Bill Monroe,” this album features Skaggs and his band with guests John Fogarty, Dwight Yoakum, Patty Loveless, Bruce Hornsby, the Dixie Chicks, Charlie Daniels, etc.
Members included Trischka (banjo), Larry Cohen (bass), Dede Wyland (vocals), Danny Weiss (guitar), and Barry Mitterhof (mandolin). Wyland left the group in 1988 and was replaced by Rachel Kalem.
2013, released album One More Road (no label) with his wife Heather and County Clare.
2013, announced new lineup for his band County Clare: Jesse Daniel (Mandolin, Dobro™), Casey Foster (Banjo, Guitar), Cliff Bailey (Bass), and Stephen Burwell (fiddle). Wife Heather performs with the band on a limited basis due to the arrival of a new baby girl.
2014, joined Grasstowne.
2015, released Shannon and Heather Slaughter album Never Just a Song (no label).
From Denver Colorado. Originally from Pensacola, Florida.
2012, was in a band with Sammy Shelor (of the Lonesome River Band) called Big Virginia Sky. They released one self-titled album in 2015. He played mandolin.
2016, formed his own group Scott Slay and the Rail, playing guitar.
2018, was a featured band at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and the IBMA World of Bluegrass.
2018, Scott won 2nd place in the guitar and mandolin instrumental performance competition at the Rockygrass festival.
2019, released The Rail album (Bonfire) with guest artists, Sierra Hull, Sammy Shelor, Jim VanCleve, Mike Munford, Josh Shilling, Brandon Rickman, Aaron Ramsey and others.
Three brothers: Tommy (age 14, guitar), Robbie (age 13, fiddle) and Jonnie (age 9, banjo) Mizzone (ages as of July 2012).
2011, they uploaded their bedroom “practice videos” to YouTube. They went viral and received over 10 million views the first year alone.
The name Sleepy Man Banjo Boys resulted from Jonnie’s habit of playing the banjo lying on his back on his bed and falling asleep. The boys say the name also comes from Psalm 4 which teaches that “sleep comes when your heart is right with God.”
2011, appeared on the David Letterman show, Ellen DeGeneres, NBC Today Show, Mike Huckabee show, the Grand Ole Opry and numerous music festivals.
2012, released “America’s Music” album, debuting at #8 on the Billboard Album Chart.
2012, performed a tribute to Earl Scruggs on the IBMA Awards Show at the Ryman Auditorium, introduced by Steve Martin and joined by dozens of legendary bluegrass musicians.
Original members: Frank Evans (banjo), Adrian Gross (mandolin), Darryl Poulsen (guitar) and Alastair Whitehead (bass). Charles James replaced Whitehead on bass.
Formed in 1989 by Mark Davis (guitar), Fran McConville (mandolin) and David DiBiasio (fiddle). Bob Dick (bass) joined them in 1993.
The play a mix of bluegrass, blues, jazz, folk and world music.
Their name originally had to do with the tempo of the fiddle tunes they played and also a mindset, of slowing things down. Or, an acronym that fits: Sustainable, local and organic.
Bill Monroe’s last recording was made with the Smith Brothers (2/21/96). He sang “Blue Moon on Kentucky” and played mandolin on their Bill Monroe Tribute album (K-Tel). Two days later he was hospitalized, and never returned to performing.
2004, Terry was a founding member of the Grascals, playing bass.
Billy has written or co-written dozens of songs which have been recorded by Del McCoury, Bill Monroe, the Osborne Brothers, Dan Tyminski, the Seldom Scene, the Lonesome River Band, Doyle Lawson, IIIrd Tyme Out, Rock County, Dale Ann Bradley, James King, many others.
2009, Billy released a solo project called Live From the Moose Lodge (no label) under the name Billy Boone Smith.
Dick Smith (banjo) has also worked with The Country Store, The Del McCoury Band, The Country Gentlemen, The Lynn Morris Band, Bill Clifton and others.
Mike O’Reilly (guitar), a Canadian, is a bluegrass DJ and emcees many bluegrass festivals and events. Has also worked with his band Cody and is a multiple recipient of the Entertainer of the Year Award at the Canadian Bluegrass Awards.
Ray Legere (fiddle/mandolin) is a member of this band.
Began singing Gospel music and playing guitar while in her teens, influenced heavily by Molly O’Day and Loretta Lynn. Made early appearances on radio station WKCB in Hindman and on TV in nearby Hazard.
1972, recorded first album “Angel Mother” (Majesty).
Larry Sparks began performing some of her songs which led to her recording contract with Old Homestead Records.
1981, released “Hazard” album (Old Homestead) and a gospel album “Ship from King’s Harbor Shore” (Old Homestead).
1984, she recorded on albums by Larry Sparks, Dave Evans, Kenny Baker and Josh Graves.
1989, released “I Will Sing Of My Redeemer” album (Old Homestead).
1991 released “Memories” album (Old Homestead)
1992, released albums “Back To The Basics” (Old Homestead).
1995, released “The Mighty Captain” album with Terri Caldwell (Old Homestead).
2003, released “Coal Dust Country” album (Old Homestead) and “That Little White Church” album (Old Homestead).
She was awarded “Songwriter of the Year” and “Female Vocalist of the Year” (traditional category) by SPBGMA.
From Statesboro, Georgia. Has lived in Nashville since 1986.
He is a singer/songwriter with several number one songs to his credit including “What Part of No” (Lorrie Morgan) and “Every Minute” (Collin Raye). His songs have been recorded by dozens of country and bluegrass artists.
He was a regular on the “Hee Haw” television show. He was called “The Georgia Quacker” because of his ability to make realistic duck calls using just his hands and mouth.
He has written numerous humor and novelty songs like “You Play Like Chet” and “Where There’s a Will (There’s a Relative).”
2021, he released Where There’s a Will album (no label), featuring bluegrass covers of many of his songs.
Kenny is from Nine Mile, Indiana. Amanda is from Davisville, West Virginia. They live in Meadows of Dan, Virginia.
1992, Kenny won the guitar contest at Merlefest. Placed at Winfield in ‘92, ‘93, and ‘94.
1993-4, Kenny was a member of Claire Lynch’s Front Porch String Band.
1994, Kenny joined the Lonesome River Band.
1997, Kenny released first solo album Studebaker (Sugar Hill).
Kenny’s hobby: collecting old glass marbles and restoring bicycles.
1998, 1999, Kenny won IBMA award for Guitar Player of the Year.
2001, Kenny left the Lonesome River Band to perform in a duo with his wife Amanda. They met in 1995 at a Lonesome River Band concert and married soon thereafter.
2003, Kenny and Amanda won the IBMA Award for Emerging Artist of the Year.
Began playing fiddle at age 10. Had a group in high school called The Country Five and The Teenage Travelers.
1974, won first place in fiddle contest at Lester Flatt’s Pinnacle, NC festival, which entitled him to play with Lester and the Nashville Grass on the Grand Ole Opry.
1977, won first place in the fiddle contest at Galax, Virginia.
1978, won first place in the fiddle contest at Union Grove. North Carolina.
1975-1978, worked with L.W. Lambert and the Blue River Boys.
1976, worked with a Florida group called the Poindexter Band.
1979-1982, worked with The Bluegrass Cardinals.
During the 80’s and 90’s, he free-lanced with Bill Monroe, Jim and Jesse, Del McCoury, the Lost and Found, the Virginia Squires, Larry Stephenson, Wes Golding, The Country Gentlemen, the McPeak Brothers, Jim Eanes, Blue Ridge and other bands.
2000, formed a new band with Les Deaton, Eric Ellis and Wes Golding called First in Line.
2007, joined the Gospel group The Churchmen.
2010, joined Rich in Tradition.
Has his own record company TRS Records. He has recorded six solo albums: “1978 World Champion Fiddler”, “Favorite Pastimes”, “Straight From The Heart”, “Plain and Simple”, “The Lonesome Blueridge” and “Fiddler Tim Smith & Friends.” on the TRS Records label.
From Walterboro, South Carolina. Currently lives in Pekin, Indiana (near Louisville.)
Learned to play banjo from listening to the original three-finger style banjo player, Snuffy Jenkins.
At Age 18, moved to Knoxville, TN and worked with Carl & Perl Butler on the Cas Walker Show (WROL Radio).
1952, played banjo with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys. He left when Monroe was injured in an auto accident (January 1953).
1953, worked with Jimmy Dickens until Monroe was able to start working again (December 1953).
1953-1954, worked with Bill Monroe and recorded several classics with him including “Close By” and “My Little Georgia Rose.”
1954-1955, worked with Arthur Smith (replacing Don Reno who formed a band with Red Smiley).
1955-1957, served in the U.S. Army.
1957-1960, played banjo with Hylo Brown and the Timberliners (Earl Scruggs recommended him for the job).
1960-1962, moved to Baton Rouge the second time (he had previously worked there following his stint with Monroe in 1954) and formed his own band, Jim Smoak and the Louisiana Honeydrippers, recording two albums Bayou Bluegrass and “Louisiana Bluegrass.”
1962-1973, moved to Alexandria, Louisiana and with Harold and Betty Thom, formed the Cumberlands, a folk group.
In the 1970’s, authored several popular banjo instruction books.
1979, recorded “Moonshine Sonata” CD.
As a songwriter, his songs have been covered by the New Grass Revival, J.D. Crowe & the New South, and the Dixie Chicks. Songs include “This Heart of Mine,” “You Can Share My Blanket,” “Cold Sailor” and “Colly Davis”
1982-2003, performed at the Old Stable Restaurant in Bardstown, Kentucky with a group called the Mountain Dew Hillbillies.
A “trademarked” recording group that has been the property of MCA (Decca) records since 1950. The original group included Lefty Jenkins, Luke Rogers, Sonny Wyatt and Bill Jackson, all of whom are now deceased. They were also stunt men in Hollywood westerns.
The second generation of Smokey River Boys were trademarked by MCA/Universal in 1963. They recorded two albums called “Dueling Banjos” and “Best of Banjo” which were marketed as a Time-Life series and sold through Readers Digest. They were re-released in 1999 by MCA/Universal as a result of the popularity of the movie “O Brother Where Art Thou.” As of 2002, only two members of that group were still alive, Larry Lee and Len Chapman.
The 2002 (third generation) of the Smokey River Boys includes Robert Metzger, Stephen Hill, Woody Wright and Doug Clements. Still on MCA/Universal, they released a single with the title “O Brother” which entered the Billboard charts in November 2002 at #37. Their publisher is Walt Disney Music.
A fictional trio that performed in the movie “O Brother Where Art Thou” in 2001.
In the movie, the group was portrayed by actors George Clooney, John Turturro and Tim Blake Nelson.
On the soundtrack recording, the group included Dan Tyminski, Pat Enright and Harley Allen, with backing musicians Ron Block, Barry Bales, Jerry Douglas, Chris Sharp, Mike Compton and Stuart Duncan.
On the soundtrack album, Tim Blake Nelson sang lead on one song: “In the Jailhouse Now.”
2014, Tyminski, Block, Duncan, Bales and Compton appeared together for a “reunion” of the Soggy Bottom Boys at the Ole Smoky® Moonshine Distillery in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
From Modesto, California. Lives in Alexandria, Virginia.
Began playing fiddle and banjo as a youngster. In high school studied the cello and was second chair in the California All-State Honor Orchestra.
1995, moved to Alaska. Taught fiddle, mandolin and guitar. Played first chair violin in the University of Alaska Symphony Orchestra. Helped the Alaskan group Bearfoot Bluegrass get their start.
He is also a gourmet chef, hunter, fisherman and leathersmith.
1996, toured with the Doug Dillard Band.
2002, released first solo project I am a Rambler (no label).
2003-2008, played mandolin and fiddle with the U.S. Navy Band Country Current.
2009, formed his band Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen with Mike Munford (banjo), Chris Luquette (guitar) and Danny Booth (bass).
2015, did some dates with the Earls of Leicester, playing mandolin and singing tenor.
2015, won 8 WAMMY awards (Washington Area Music Association) including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Musician of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. He won 8 of the 9 awards that he was nominated for.
A project band formed by bass player and songwriter Charles R. Humphrey III (formerly with the Steep Canyon Rangers.)
Musicians have included Nicky Sanders (fiddle), Andy Thorn (banjo), Mark Shimick (mandolin), John Stickley (guitar), Sam Wharton (lead guitar). They are all members of other bands: The Steep Canyon Rangers, Shannan Whitworth and the Refugees, Larry Keel and Natural Bridge, The Emmitt-Nershi Band, Town Mountain, The Grit Pixies, Big Fat Gap, The Super Grit Cowboys and others.
2008, released second album As the Crow Flies (Lucks Dumpy Toad Records).
2015, released third album Traveling Show (Lucks Dumpy Toad Records).
2018, began touring together as a band with Charles Humphrey III (recently retired from the Steep Canyon Rangers), Ryan Cavanaugh (banjo), Mark Schimick (mandolin), Sam Wharton (guitar) and James Schlender (fiddle).
Formed in 2011 by Peter McLaughlin (guitar), Mark Miracle (mandolin), Tyler James (banjo) and Bryan Davies (bass).
McLaughlin (guitar) is a national flatpick guitar champion (Winfield, 1988) and a former member of Laurie Lewis and Grant Street. He has also performed and recorded with Ross Nickerson and Chris Brashear and he has a solo album to his credit.
Miracle (mandolin) is a former member of Sawmill Road and Shady Creek.
James (banjo) won the Rockygrass banjo championship (2008).
2015, released debut album Sonoran Dogs (Dog Boy Records).
Formed in 1984 by Ricky Wasson (guitar) and former members of John Cosby and the Bluegrass Drifters including Wayne Fields (banjo), Bill Fields (bass) and Rick Johnson (mandolin). Shayne Bartley (mandolin) was also a member of this group.
1987, released “Spend Some Time with Southern Blend” album on Old Homestead Records.
1988, released “Once Again” album on Old Homestead Records.
A family band featuring the Sowell siblings: Jacob (banjo), Joshua (guitar), Naomi (bass), Abigail (mandolin), John-Mark (fiddle) and Justus (guitar). They range in age from 11 to 21 (2018). Their parents Guynn (pronounced “Gwen”) and Cindy Sowell manage the group, drive the bus and coach.
They are primarily a gospel bluegrass band.
They have taken over 1000 ukeleles on mission trips to give children in Serbia and Russia.
2017, won the “Youth in Bluegrass” band contest at Silver Dollar City.
2017, signed with Poor Mountain Records. Released single “Mighty to Save.”
2018, released single “Dusty Gravel Road” (Poor Mountain), co-written with Jerry Salley.
2018, released single “Speak Love” (Poor Mountain).
2020, released “Some Kind of Different” album (no label).
Has the distinction of being only the second banjo player to perform as a member of the Clinch Mountain Boys (Ralph Stanley being the first.)
1994, at the age of 22, he filled in for Ralph Stanley when Ralph broke his hip and was unable to hold the banjo on stage. When Ralph’s hip healed, he decided to keep Steve as a member of the band. Steve does most of the banjo playing now.
2010, left the Clinch Mountain Boys to become a police officer with the Versailles (KY) police department. He was replaced by left-handed banjo player Jarrod Church.
2013, appeared on Don Rigsby’s “The Doctor is In” album, a tribute to Dr. Ralph Stanley.
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 Brothers, replacing George Shuffler. After Carter died (December 1966) he took over the lead singing duties. He was the first lead singer with Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys.
1969, formed his band The Lonesome Ramblers, which has undergone numerous and frequent personnel changes over the years.
2004, released 40 album (Rebel), celebrating his 40 years in bluegrass music.
2004, 2005, won IBMA Award for Male Vocalist of the Year.
2005, won two IBMA Awards for Album of the Year and Recorded Event of the Year, both for his album 40.
2014, released Lonesome & Then Some album (Rebel), celebrating his 50 years in bluegrass music
2014, was inducted into the IBMA’s Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, introduced by Alison Krauss.
2019, released “New Moon Over My Shoulder” album (Rebel).
The name Special Consensus comes from the writings of Carlos Casteneda, an anthropologist who wrote about the mystical and spiritual beliefs of a Mexican Indian tribe. The “special consensus” was a state of mind for the Yaqui Indians where “all the good things in life connect with the good things of the spirit.”
Led by banjo-virtuoso Greg Cahill, who formed the group in 1975 and has been the one constant member.
Cahill’s early influences: polka music (he played an accordian at age 8). In the 1960’s, he heard Flatt and Scruggs, fell in love with the banjo. Has been a full time banjo player since 1975.
Cahill has a master’s degree in social work.
1992, Cahill also performed and recorded several albums with mandolinist Don Stiernberg.
2006, Cahill was elected president and chairman of the board of IBMA. Cahill had previously served as vice-chairman of the board and chaired IBMA’s Bluegrass in the Schools committee.
2014, won IBMA Awards for Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year (“Thank God I’m a Country Boy”) and Recorded Event of the Year (“Wild Montana Skies” with Claire Lynch and Rob Ickes.)
2018, won IBMA Awards for Album of the Year (for Rivers and Roads) and Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year (“Squirrel Hunters” from the same album).
2020, released Chicago Barn Dance album (Compass); won the IBMA Award for Song of the Year for the title song.
2021, Rick Faris left the group after 11 years to pursue a solo career. Greg Blake took his place.
2023 lineup: Cahill (banjo), Blake (guitar), Dan Eubanks (bass), Michael Prewitt (fiddle/mandolin).
A band that included Glenn Lawson (guitar and lead vocals), Bela Fleck (banjo), Jimmy Gaudreau (mandolin), and Mark Schatz (bass.) Jimmy Mattingly played fiddle with this band for a short time.
Fleck and Schatz were previously with Tasty Licks; Gaudreau and Lawson were previously with J.D. Crowe and the New South. In 1979, they left their respective bands to form Spectrum.
1981, released “Opening Roll” album (Rounder).
1982, released “It’s Too Hot for Words” album (Rounder).
1983, released “Live in Japan” album (Rounder).
Broke up in 1982, shortly after Fleck joined the New Grass Revival.
Formed 2003 by Linda and David Lay (Appalachian Trail) and David McLaughlin (formerly with the Johnson Mountain Boys) to record a project for the Cracker Barrel record label, Americana. Band also included Tom Adams (banjo) and Marshall Wilborn (bass).
2011, performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC for the National Council of the Traditional Arts. Sammy Shelor played banjo with them.
2013, opened for Merle Haggard.
2015, released That was Then album (Patuxent Records).
From Martinsburg, West Virginia. Lived in Nashville for many years, then moved to California. Currently lives in Point Reyes, California.
Has been a member of numerous notable bluegrass bands (as fiddle player) including the Osborne Brothers, Jim and Jesse, Jimmy Martin, Charlie Louvin, The Bluegrass Band, The Johnson Mountain Boys, The Dreadful Snakes, The Cluster Pluckers.
Age 13, heard Kenny Baker play the fiddle and decided he wanted to play just like him. Twenty years later, recorded a duet album with Baker.
1979, released first solo project “Blaine Sprouse” (Rounder).
1982, released “Summertime” album (Rounder).
1984, played fiddle on the hit Alabama single “If You Want to Live in Texas, You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band.”
1987, performed with Kenny Baker, Alison Krauss and other notable fiddlers in the “Masters of the Folk Violin” tour.
1989, released an album of duets with Kenny Baker Indian Springs (Rounder).
1990, quit full-time music to pursue a law degree. Went into private practice and later joined the staff of the Tennessee State Attorney General.
1992, released “Dogwood Winter” album (Cumberland).
2010, ended his law practice in Tennessee, moved to California and revived his music career. He has been performing as a member of Peter Rowan’s band, among others.
From Brockton, Massachusetts, near Boston. Lived in Woodstock, New York.
Popularized a melodic style of playing the banjo which came to be known as “chromatic” or “Keith-style” banjo. His performance of “Sailor’s Hornpipe” recorded by Bill Monroe (1965) while he was with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys is a good example of this style.
Inventor of the “Scruggs-Keith tuner”, a device which improved on the original “Scruggs Peg” (designed by Earl Scruggs) allowing banjo players to change the pitch of a string in the middle of a song without having to re-tune their instrument. Keith’s device made it possible to add this feature to a banjo without drilling additional holes in the banjo’s peghead.
Learned to play banjo from a Pete Seeger instruction book on a $15 banjo.
While at Amherst College, he met Jim Rooney, who was running the college radio station and Manny Greenhill, who later became Doc Watson’s personal manager. Together they organized the Connecticut Valley Folklore Society to promote folk music in New England. That organization played a key role in the folk music revival of the 1960’s.
Worked with Red Allen and the Kentuckians, Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys (1963-65), Jim Kweskin’s Jug Band, Muleskinner, the Woodstock Mountain Revue, and other groups.
He transcribed many of Earl Scruggs’ banjo tunes into tablature (a form of musical notation which describes finger positions) which later became a best-selling banjo instruction book titled Earl Scruggs and the Five String Banjo.
While with the Blue Grass Boys, Bill Monroe would introduce him as “Brad” Keith—because, as Monroe put it, “there’s only one Bill in my band.” (Keith’s middle name is “Bradford.”)
Founded the Beacon Banjo Company—which continues to manufacture and distribute the Scruggs-Keith banjo tuner and other parts for banjos.
1993, worked with Richard Greene’s band “The Grass is Greener.”
2002, gave speech inducting the Lilly Brothers and Don Stover (one of his banjo heroes) into the IBMA’s Hall of Fame.
2014, was presented with the IBMA’s Distinguished Achievement Award.
2015, was inducted into the IBMA’s Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. Although he was very ill with a form of cancer, he was present in Raleigh, North Carolina for the induction ceremony.
2015, died at the age of 75, less than a month after being inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.
From Newtown, Connecticut. He was originally from New York City. His father was a Manhattan lawyer.
Began playing banjo in the early days folk music (1950’s-1960’s) around New York City. He studied the music of the Carolinas and played in groups like the Folksay Trio, the Shanty Boys and others.
Recorded several banjo albums for Folkways Records, with Doc Watson on guitar, including “Progressive Bluegrass Vol. 1.”
1970’s, formed a group called Roger Sprung, Hal Wylie and the Progressive Bluegrassers.
He is sometimes called the Godfather of Progressive Bluegrass.
He was also an artist and calligrapher.
1970, won “World Championship Banjo Player” at the Union Grove Old Time Fiddlers Festival.
2020, was inducted into the Banjo Museum Hall of Fame.
From McKinney, Texas (near Dallas). Now living in Carson City, Nevada.
Best known as the bass player and lead vocalist with the band California (three-time winner of IBMA’s Instrumental Group of the Year Award.)
A singer-songwriter with many songs to his credit including “Walk in the Irish Rain” and “Speak Softly, Your Talkin’ to My Heart”, a #1 song for Gene Watson.
1972, played drums with a California group called Wild Oats.
1980, played drums with Byron Berline’s band Sundance.
1981, played drums with the Limeliters. Also worked withi Freddy Fender, Mason Williams and Steve Gillette.
1982, became staff songwriter for Reba McIntyre.
1988, formed California with Byron Berline, John Hickman, Dan Crary and John Moore. Played bass and sang lead vocals.
1996, released first solo project Distant Faces (Tricopolis Records).
1998-2000, played bass with Bluegrass Etc. He continues to play occasional dates with this band.
From Jackson County, West Virginia. Lives on a 20 acre farm.
Started playing mandolin at age seven. Also plays guitar and fiddle.
At age nine, formed his first band called “Bluegrass Heritage.”
After graduation from high school, pursued a music career in Nashville, but things didn’t work out. Returned home and took a job with United Parcel Service (UPS).
1992, formed a group called The Cross Roads Band, performing mostly gospel music. After touring Taiwan, the group broke up.
Does studio work in West Virginia and tours with his new band “The Johnny Staats Project.”
1992, 1993, won the Ohio State Guitar Championship.
1995, won the guitar championship at MerleFest.
1995, Cross Currents Band won band contest at Winterhawk.
1996, 1997, 1999 won the mandolin and guitar championships at Vandalia Gathering in Charleston, West Virginia.
Hobby: coon hunting.
2000, released a solo album Wires And Wood (Giant) backed by John Cowan, Scott Vestal, Sam Bush, Kathy Mattea, Jim Hurst, Tim O’Brien and Jerry Douglas.
Has appeared on the Today Show (NBC) and the CBS News with Dan Rather.
2012, formed his own band The Delivery Boys. He continues to work as a driver for UPS.
1990-1993, played guitar with Alison Krauss and Union Station. Appeared on the Grammy winning album “Every Time You Say Goodbye.” Says he decided to quit when he returned from a long tour and his son didn’t recognize him.
Early in his career, performed with Dusty Miller, The Boys in the Band, the Hazel Dickens Band, others.
He is an original member of the IBMA board of directors.
Taught history at East Tennessee State University and came close to getting his Ph.D.
1994, formed Blue Highway.
2004, released first solo project
2010, released a duet album with Steve Gulley Dogwood Winter (Rural Rhythm).
Carter and Ralph Stanley were among the most influential of the first-generation bluegrass bands.
First began recording “hillbilly music” in the 1940’s.
Late 40’s, signed with Columbia and developed a bluegrass sound which was patterned after Bill Monroe’s. (This resulted in Bill Monroe’s leaving Columbia for Decca.)
1953-1958, recorded for Mercury Records. (In the early years of bluegrass, there was kind of a record company “musical chairs” being played among Monroe, Flatt and Scruggs, and the Stanley Brothers—involving Mercury, Columbia and Decca.)
1958, were assigned to Mercury’s subsidiary label, Starday. Later recorded for Wango and King Records.
One of the first bluegrass bands to feature the guitar as a lead instrument, setting themselves apart from other bluegrass acts. Bill Napier, George Shuffler, Curley Lambert and Larry Sparks all played lead guitar for the Stanley Brothers.
They rose to prominence on the popular radio show “Farm and Fun Time” broadcast over WCYB in Bristol, Tennessee.
Their recording of “The Orange Blossom Special” landed them the “Instrumental Group of the Year” award at the 1955 Nashville Disc Jockey’s Convention (later to become the Country Music Association Awards Show.)
Their recording of “How Far to Little Rock” was their only “top 20” song. In March of 1960, it entered the Billboard country music charts and peaked at #17. It stayed on the chart for 12 weeks.
Carter Stanley wrote some of his songs under the pseudonym “Ruby Rakes.”
Ricky Skaggs and Keith Whitley were first attracted to bluegrass music by the music of the Stanley Brothers and performed with them before Carter’s death.
Carter is best remembered by a wealth of great songs which are still performed and recorded by almost every bluegrass band, and by such artists as Ricky Skaggs and Emmylou Harris.
1992, were inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Museum’s Hall of Honor.
1996, Carter died of liver cancer at age 41.
After Carter’s death, Ralph continued to perform as “Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys.”
2000, the Stanley Brothers’ recording of “Angel Band” was included on the movie soundtrack O Brother, Where Art Thou? (Mercury/Lost Highway).
She began singing as a teenager and performed with a country band called Sandy River, later opening for Kenny Chesney, Billy Ray Cyrus and other country acts.
Born in 1927 in Big Spraddle Creek, Virginia. His home was in McClure, Virginia.
1946, began performing with his brother Carter as the The Stanley Brothers after his discharge from the Army until Carter’s death in 1966.
1966-2016, Ralph kept The Stanley Brothers’ band The Clinch Mountain Boys together by employing a long succession of lead singers cut in the Carter Stanley mold—Larry Sparks, Roy Lee Centers, Keith Whitley, Charlie Sizemore, Sammy Adkins, and his sons Ralph Stanley II and Nathan.
Ricky Skaggs and Keith Whitley joined The Clinch Mountain Boys while they were teenagers.
He claims that had he not become a professional musician, he would have become a veterinarian.
1976, he received an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee. Since then, he has been known as “Dr. Ralph Stanley.”
1999, won IBMA Awards for Album of the Year and Recorded Event of the Year for his album Clinch Mountain Country (Rebel).
1999, recorded first album with Nashville hit-writer Jim Lauderdale. He recorded several more with him in subsequent years.
2000, became a member of the Grand Ole Opry at age 72.
2000, received the Living Legend award from the Library of Congress.
2000, sang on the soundtrack for the movie “O Brother, Where Art Thou” and received numerous CMA and Grammy awards for his work on that project.
2001, won Grammy award for Best Country Vocal Performance for “O Death” from the soundtrack to the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou? (Other nominees included Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett, Tim McGraw, Johnny Cash and Ryan Adams)
2001-2, performed on the “Down from the Mountain” tour.
2003, won Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album for his collaboration with Jim Lauderdale, Lost in the Lonesome Pines (Dualtone). Ralph’s solo album Ralph Stanley (Columbia), produced by T. Bone Burnett, was also nominated but did not win.
2006, was awarded the National Medal for the Arts by President George W. Bush at the White House.
2007, performed for the Queen of England when she visited Richmond, Virginia.
2008, was presented with the “Governor’s Award for the Arts” by the State of Virginia.
2010, his autobiography was published. Stanley and co-writer Eddie Dean received an IBMA Award for Print Media Personality of the Year.
2013, announced his retirement (but continued to make appearances for three more years).
2014, received his second honorary doctorate, a Doctor of Music degree from Yale University in New Haven, CT.
2014, was elected a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (along with Al Pacino, John Irving, Annie Proulx and other notable public figures).
2015, released Man of Constant Sorrow album (Cracker Barrel) with guests Dierks Bentley, Josh Turner, Robert Plant, Elvis Costello, Old Crow Medicine Show and others.
2016, officially turned the band name over to his son Ralph Stanley II.
June 23, 2016, died at the age of 89.
2024, he was inducted into the American Banjo Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City.
Son of Ralph Stanley, who in 1995 began performing full-time in his father’s band, playing guitar and singing lead at the age of 16.
1996, recorded an album of duets “in the Stanley Tradition” with multi-instrumentalist John Rigsby, also a member of the Clinch Mountain Boys. Rigsby is from Louisa, Kentucky.
From Southampton County, Virginia (Big John) and Ruffin, North Carolina (Starlett).
Starlett Boswell Austin grew up in Cascade, Virginia and began singing on stage at age 4. She plays guitar and upright bass and since 2013 has been the lead singer and bass player with the North Carolina band Lawson Creek Grass.
Big John Talley has been performing since the early 1980’s. At age 16 he won Male Vocalist of the Year from the Virginia Folk Music Association. At age 17, he began performing with the New Dominion Bluegrass Boys and with that group appeared on the Grand Ole Opry as a guest of Bill Monroe.
Left the Seldom Scene in 1988 to devote himself full-time to his medical practice. He is a surgeon, specializing in ear, nose and throat ailments (or as John Duffy liked putting it, “ear, nose and wallet.”)
Was musical director for the award-winning “Trio” album featuring Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton.
1980, released “Long Time Gone” album (Sugar Hill) with guests Emmylou Harris, Ricky Skaggs and Lowell George (of Little Feat).
1982, released “Waiting on a Southern Train” album (Sugar Hill).
1991, collaborated on a duet album with Carl Jackson and The Nash Ramblers (Sam Bush, Al Perkins and Emmylou Harris) which won the Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Recording (1992). John and Carl referred to their style of music as “Power Grass.”
1992, re-joined the Seldom Scene to become its guitarist and lead singer for a second time.
1994, left the Seldom Scene again; was replaced by Moondi Klein.
2005, he, Ben Eldridge and Tom Gray did several shows as The Seldom Seniors.
2005, formed new band Carolina Star with Mike Auldridge, Rickie Simpkins, Tom Gray and Jimmy Gaudreau. They were a part-time band.
2006, retired from his medical practice.
2007, released Slidin’ Home album (Rebel). The mayor of Washington DC proclaimed February 23, 2007 as John Starling and Carolina Star Day in the city (to celebrate the release of the new album).
2013, reunited with other members of the Seldom Scene and special guests including Emmylou Harris for the 40th anniversary of the band’s first performance, at the Red Fox Inn in Washington D.C.
1965, at age 15, took mandolin lessons from David Grisman.
Early 70’s, worked with Tony Trischka in two bands: Country Cooking and Breakfast Special.
Also worked with David Bromberg, Vassar Clements, Bela Fleck and Jerry Garcia.
Late 70’s, decided to embrace his Jewish heritage and learned to play saxophone and clarinet. He began playing jazz and Klezmer music.
1980’s, formed the Andy Statman trio with Jim Whitney (bass) and Larry Eagle (percussion). He continues to play and record a unique blend of jazz, Klezmer and bluegrass music.
Stecher plays mandolin, guitar, fiddle, banjo and other instruments. He is originally from Brooklyn, New York, but moved to San Francisco in 1960 to study Indian music.
Jody and Kate met at the 1974 World’s Fair in Spokane, Washington. Kate was performing with a band called the Arkansas Shieks and Jody was with a group called “Houseboat Music.”
1985, began singing and performing together which also led to their marriage.
Kate performed in late 70’s with a female band in San Francisco called The Any Old Time String Band. Early 80’s, with a group called Blue Flame. She has also worked with Laurie Lewis.
Formed in 2005 by veteran musicians Mike Henderson (mandolin), Richard Bailey (banjo), Tammy Rogers (fiddle), Chris Stapleton (guitar) and Mike Fleming (bass).
Richard Bailey is a former member of such groups as the Kentucky Gentlemen and the Cluster Pluckers. He has worked with Bill Monroe, Roland White, Vassar Clements, Loretta Lynn, Chet Akins, Larry Cordle, Laurie Lewis, Dale Ann Bradley, and many others.
Mike Henderson recorded several solo albums on the RCA and Dead Reckoning labels. He has recorded with such artists as Waylon Jennings, Emmylou Harris, Hank Williams, Jr., Faith Hill and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. He has written songs for the Dixie Chicks, Kenny Rogers, Daryl Worley, Patty Loveless, Trisha Yearwood, Travis Tritt, The Fabulous Thunderbirds and Randy Travis, to name a few.
Tammy Rogers is a former member of the band Dusty Miller with Barry Bales, Tim Stafford, Adam Steffey, and Brian Fesler. She has recorded and toured with Neil Diamond, Wynonna, Rodney Crowell, Radney Foster, Bill Anderson, Iris Dement, Randy Scruggs, Patty Loveless, Jim Lauderdale, Reba McIntyre and many more. She also released a solo project Tammy Rogers (Dead Reckoning) in 1996.
Chris Stapleton is a Staffordsville, Kentucky native who began performing in 1999 in a Travis Tritt tribute band. As a songwriter, he has written or co-written songs for such artists as Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Brooks and Dunn, Julie Roberts, Daryl Worley, Patty Loveless, Brad Paisley, Trace Adkins, Lee Ann Womack, Montgomery Gentry, and the Lonesome River Band. He was lead singer and frontman for the Steeldrivers from 2005 to 2010. He has since become a Grammy-winning country music artist.
2015, released Muscle Shoals Recordings (Rounder). This album won the Grammy for Best Bluegrass album (2016).
2015, former guitarist/lead vocalist Chris Stapleton released solo project and won multiple CMA Awards including Album of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year.
2017, country singer and “The Voice” runner-up Adam Wakefield filled in for lead singer Gary Nichols who was on medical leave from the band.
2018, Kelvin Damrell (guitar) joined the band, replacing Gary Nichols. Current lineup: Rogers (fiddle), Damrell (guitar), Bailey (banjo), Truitt (mandolin) and Fleming (bass).
Their name came from a Colorado beer called “Steep Canyon Stout.”
Formed in 1998 by Lizzie Hamilton (fiddle), Woody Platt (guitar), Mike Guggino (mandolin), Charles Humphrey III (bass) and Graham Sharp (banjo). They were students attending the University of North Carolina.
Got their start playing at the Mellow Mushroom, a pizza parlor in downtown Chapel Hill, NC.
2001, won the band competition at Rockygrass in Colorado.
Began playing banjo at age four–a wooden banjo made by his father.
At age nine, formed a band called Shallow Creek and made an appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”
2000, won first place at the Merlefest Banjo Contest.
2001, released solo album Scarlet Banjo (Rebel) at age 16.
2010, released a duet album Old Time Duets (Patuxent) with Tom Mindte.
2010-2014, worked as guitarist and singer for The Chuck Wagon Gang, as a multi-instrumentalist on the television show Ray Stevens’ Nashville, and played banjo with Jesse McReynolds & the Virginia Boys.
2014, formed a new band called High Fidelity, playing guitar.
2010, celebrated 20 years as a band leader with the release of his 20th Anniversary
album, the last release by Pinecastle Records before the label went out of business.
2010, won the IBMA Award for Recorded Event of the Year for the song “Give This Message to Your Heart” (with Dailey and Vincent).
Stetson Adkinsson (guitar) and Cia Cherryholmes (banjo) formed a duo in 2011. Stetson is a singer/songwriter from Colorado. His family runs an outdoor hunting operation there. Stetson is a hunting and fly fishing guide. Cia began performing with her family band Cherryholmes at age 15. They were married in 2012.
2012, released first album Stetson & Cia (no label).
2013, released Songs of the Fall (no label) and changed the name of their act to “Songs of the Fall.”
Began performing together as a bluegrass gospel band in 2007.
The Stevens Family Bluegrass Band members include J.W. Stevens (banjo) and Nancy “Mamma” Stevens (vocals) and five of their ten children: Sissy (bass), Luke (guitar), Ben (mandolin), Sam (fiddle) and Tommy (vocals).
Since they were children (Beth was 12, April was 8) they have been performing with their parents, Douglas and Betty Stevens as The Stevens Family.
1996, released Sisters album (Rounder) and sang on the Grand Ole Opry for the first time.
Beth previously worked with the East Tennessee State University Bluegrass Band, which included Adam Steffey, Barry Bales and Tim Stafford (1988).
Beth has a master’s degree in psychology (ETSU). She is a teacher when she’s not performing.
1997, performed in Holland on New Year’s Eve with the National Symphony Orchestra, broadcast on national television.
2002, performed and recorded with Dolly Parton on her album “Halos and Horns.”
2005, April married and decided to stop touring.
2007, Beth formed her own band Beth Stevens and Edge. Her father plays guitar. Other members include Gary Laws (bass), Matt Leadbetter (resonator guitar), Chase Johner (mandolin.)
From Heltonville, Indiana (originally from Bedford, Indiana).
1993, he was a member of the original “Bluegrass Youth All-Star Band” that performed at the IBMA Awards Show in 1993 featuring Chris Thile (mandolin), Michael Cleveland (fiddle), Cody Kilby (guitar), Josh Williams (banjo) and Stogdill (bass).
1995-2019, played guitar with a Bloomington, Indiana group called The Not Too Bad Bluegrass Band.
Earnest V. “Pop” Stoneman was one of the early pioneers of recorded country music (his first record was made on September 4, 1924 for Okeh records). He is known as the first person to ever make a record playing the autoharp. Likewise he was the only country musician to record on both Edison cylinders and modern stereo recordings.
Pop sired 23 children, many of whom were musically gifted.
The first Stoneman Family Band began performing in the 1950’s at the Hotel Charles in Hughesville, Maryland. They were also known as The Bluegrass Champs.
During their heydey, the group included Pop (autoharp, guitar), Scotty (fiddle), Van (guitar), Donna (mandolin), Roni (banjo) and Jimmy (bass). They recorded several albums for MGM, Starday, RCA, Liberty and other labels.
They rose to popularity during the 1960’s folk music boom. They moved to Los Angeles and for a season had their own TV show. They also appeared on the Jimmy Dean Variety Show and played the Fillmore Auditorium, the UCLA Folk Festival and the Monterrey Folk Festival. While they were in LA, fiddler Scotty Stoneman also performed with the Kentucky Colonels.
1967, they were voted Vocal Group of the Year by the Country Music Association.
1968, Pop died but the group continued to perform together in various forms until the early 1990’s.
1973, Scotty died.
1973, Roni (real name Veronica) Stoneman joined the cast of the “Hee Haw” television series.
Donna was often called “The First Lady of the Mandolin.”
1995, Van died.
2000, The Stoneman Family was presented with the IBMA Distinguished Achievement Award.
2001, Jimmy died.
2003, Roni formed her own band called Hillbilly Fever.
2008, Pop Stoneman was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Formed in the early 2000’s. 2015 lineup: Libby Files (bass), Brett Smeltzer (mandolin), Kenton Catlett (guitar), and Troy Stangle (banjo). Catlett and Stangle replaced previous members Ed Barney (guitar) and Darrell Sanders (banjo).
2010, released “Hot Off the Press” album (no label).
2011, released “Live in Concert” album (no label).
Formed in 1982 by by guitarist and lead singer Kate MacKenzie and banjo player Kevin Barnes.
They were voted Best Bluegrass Band by the Minnesota Music Academy every year from 1984 through 1989.
They were regulars on Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion” radio program. They provided backup for such artists as Johnny Gimble, Rose Maddox, Minnie Pearl, Mac Wiseman and many others.
MacKenzie was also part of Garrison Keillor’s Hopeful Gospel Quartet (with Keillor, Robin and Linda Williams.)
Formed the first version of his band “The Ramblin’ Mountaineers” in 1934.
Rose to prominence on radio station WHKY in Hickory, North Carolina.
Was a disk jockey in Greer, South Carolina.
1942, worked for a year with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys, playing fiddle. Left to join the Navy in 1943. After the war, he resumed playing with his own band.
1947, made first commercial recordings.
1957, his band became a full-blown bluegrass band with the Brewster Brothers providing the instrumentation.
Called “The Father of Bluegrass Gospel Music.”
Recorded more than 65 gospel albums, most of them on Starday Records.
1958, his “Gospel Quartet Favorites” (Mercury Records) was the first bluegrass gospel album.
Specialized in a hard-core mountain style of bluegrass gospel singing.
Died in 1995. Was still performing until his death at age 78.
After Story’s death, mandolin player Danny Arms reorganized the band as Carl Story’s Rambling Mountaineers.
From Ameagle, West Virginia. Also lived in Boston and in the Baltimore, MD area.
An early banjo player who influenced Bill Keith, Tony Trischka, Bela Fleck, Danny Barnes, many others.
Began learning to play 3-finger style banjo after hearing Earl Scruggs in 1945.
He was a coal miner when he began performing with the Lilly Brothers (Everett and Bea) who were also from West Virginia. He was a featured artist with the Lilly Brothers for many years. They appeared together as The Lilly Brothers with Don Stover.
First band: The Coal River Boys.
1952, began an 18-year stint with the Lilly Brothers at Hillbilly Ranch in downtown Boston, playing seven nights a week. They were originally called the Confederate Mountaineers.
1965, worked also with Bill Harrell and the Virginians.
1968, worked dates with Doc Watson and Tex Logan. Performed with them at the Olympics in Mexico City.
1970, moved back to West Virginia.
1972, released Things in Life album (Rounder). Don is composer of the song Things in Life, which has been covered by numerous bluegrass artists.
1978-1990, worked with Bill Clifton, Red Rector, Jimmy Gaudreau and other musicians. Played the World’s Fair in Knoxville in 1982.
1994, had surgery for a cancerous brain tumor.
1996, died at the age of 68.
2008, was inducted into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame.
A bluegrass/jazz supergroup that included Sam Bush (mandolin), Bela Fleck (banjo), Mark O’Connor (fiddle/guitar), Edgar Meyer (bass) and Jerry Douglas (dobro™). They were all living in the same Nashville neighborhood.
Recorded one album in 1989 for the MCA Masters Series Telluride Sessions. Fleck and Bush were still part of the New Grass Revival at the time.
Originally called themselves “Telluride” because they performed live together at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. They found out that another band was using that name and had trademarked the name for band use.
From Iona, Michigan. Also lived in Traverse City, Michigan. Moved to Nashville.
Real name: William Apostol.
While in middle school, he played in a metal band called To Once Darkened Skies. He dropped out of high school twice and after finally graduating, he rediscovered his love for bluegrass and began performing with mandolinist Don Julin, also from Michigan. Julin has worked with a variety of bands including a reggae group called the Microtones. He is also the author of the instruction book Mandolin For Dummies.
2014, Strings and Julin released first album called Fiddle Tune X (no label) which was recorded live at various venues around Michigan. They used one microphone in each location to get an old-time sound.
2016, won the IBMA Momentum Award for Instrumentalist of the Year.
2017, released first solo project “Turmoil & Tinfoil” (no label) produced by Greensky Bluegrass’ Glenn Brow.
2019, won IBMA Awards for New Artist of the Year and Guitar Player of the Year.
Full name: John Martin Stuart. He was nicknamed Marty after country music legend Marty Robbins.
Began in career in music working with fellow Mississippian Carl Jackson in the bluegrass gospel group The Sullivan Family.
Hero: Clarence White (owns one of his guitars.)
First exposure to bluegrass: heard Bill Monroe and the Sullivan Family at the National Guard Armory in Jackson, Alabama in 1970.
1972, at age 13 he played mandolin and lead guitar with Lester Flatt and the Nashville Grass (until Lester’s death in 1979.) Lester always referred to him as “Little Marty Stuart.”
1979-1985, worked with Johnny Cash.
1986, signed with CBS records and began his solo career.
Describes his music as “hillbilly rock.” Released album and single by that name in 1989.
1992, toured with Travis Tritt in the “No Hats Tour.” Marty and Travis have recorded several hits songs together, including “The Whiskey Ain’t Workin’ Anymore.”
1992, joined the Grand Ole Opry. Performed with The Opry Bluegrass Band (with Ricky Skaggs, Alison Krauss, Vince Gill and Earl Scruggs). Also has a hillbilly band (called the Tennessee Mafia Jug Band) that performs on the Opry, playing old-time music. His touring band is called The Fabulous Superlatives.
Hobby: photography. Has published a book of his photos featuring country and bluegrass music personalities.
2001, was elected to a fourth term as President of the Country Music Foundation. His personal collection of memorabilia is on display in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
2000, 2006, hosted the IBMA Awards Show.
2005, released Live At The Ryman album (Universal) with his band the Fabulous Superlatives and special guests.
2008, began hosting his own TV program on the RFD-TV network.
Father and daughter duo. Began performing together in the late 70’s, when Tammy was only 14 years old.
Jerry began his career in bluegrass in 1952 with Red Spurlock, then Red Allen and Frank Wakefield. He also performed as a member of the Sullivan Family, a legendary bluegrass gospel group.
1992, recorded an album with Marty Stuart called Joyful Noise for the Country Music Foundation.
1999, signed with Ricky Skaggs’ Ceili Records and recorded Tomorrow album.
The first band to use the term bluegrass gospel to describe their music.
Originally included Arthur, Margie, Aubrey, Enoch and Emmett Sullivan. Jerry Sullivan also performed with the band.
1949, began performing on a weekly radio broadcast over WPBB in Jackson, Alabama.
For many years, they hosted a bluegrass festival at their own 69-acre park in St. Stephens, Alabama.
For years, they performed more than 300 concerts a year and published a newsletter called The Bluegrass Gospel News.
Carl Jackson and Marty Stuart are former members of the Sullivan Family band. Marty Stuart’s first exposure to bluegrass was seeing The Sullivan Family as a youngster.
Bill Monroe gave Margie Sullivan the title “The First Lady of Bluegrass Gospel Music.”
Formed in 2008 by Jack Hicks (banjo), John Rigsby (fiddle/mandolin), Bo Isaac (guitar) and Randy Thomas (bass). Hicks and Rigsby had been working together with Melvin Goins and Windy Mountain. Isaac and Thomas were previously in a band together called Bo Isaac and the Wheelrights.
The band was named after the song “Summertime Road” recorded by Marty Raybon.
Bandleader Jack Hicks played with Bill Monroe from 1971 to 1973. Has also worked with The Whites, Jim and Jesse, Lester Flatt, Sonny James and Conway Twitty.
2010, fiddle/mandolin player Rigsby was replaced by Zach Rambo, then by Steve Thomas.
2011, disbanded with several members forming Bo Isaacs and the Rounders.
Original band included Craig Smith (banjo), Barry Berrier (guitar), Rick Allred (mandolin), Garland Carter (bass) and Kenneth Berrier (Dobro™). Jim Mills (banjo) replaced Craig Smith in 1986.
1992, joined the Kingsmen, an award-winning gospel group from Asheville, NC. Sang lead and played bass.
1992, recorded a solo project called “Gospel Music Salutes its Mountain Heritage” (with Karen Peck and Steve Gulley) on his own record label, which morphed into Mountain Home Records, a division of the Horizon Music Group.
1995, married Sonya Isaacs and soon thereafter joined her family group, the Isaacs. They were later divorced.
An all-female bluegrass band featuring Sonya Stead (guitar), Missy Pyne (mandolin), Crystal Richardson (banjo), Ashley Davis (fiddle), Julie Brown (bass).
Formed in 2005 by Ryan Frankhouser (guitar, vocals). Other band members: Billy Lee Cox (banjo), Warren Blair (fiddle), Richard Egolf (bass) and Stanley Efaw (mandolin, banjo, guitar).
Formed in 1984, broke up as a band (not as brothers) in 2001.
Includes Dale, Don Wayne and Ronnie—the three sons of banjo legend Don Reno.
Dale and Don Wayne worked with their father until his death in 1984.
Ronnie had formerly sang and played mandolin with Don Reno, Red Smiley and the Tennessee Cut-ups, worked with the Osborne Brothers and Merle Haggard.
1982, Don Wayne and Dale previously played together in a group called The Cripple Creek Quartet which recorded a Grammy-nominated album for Reader’s Digest. It sold more than 100,000 copies.
They toured with Vern Gosdin, the Whites, Randy Travis, Billy Joe Royal, Exile, Bill Anderson, Porter Wagoner and others.
They were frequent performers on the Nashville Network and CMT.
1988, released self titled album (Step One Records).
1993, they hosted a TV program on the Americana Television Network called “Reno’s Old Time Music Festival.” (The network folded in 1995). The show was revived by Ronnie Reno a few years later on the RFD-TV Network.
2004, Don Wayne formed The Reno Revival to teach his father’s banjo technique. Conducts banjo camps and workshops.
2013, Don Wayne and Dale teamed up with Mitch Harrell to record a new album “Reno Bound” (John Boy & Billy) under the name Reno and Harrell, the same name used by their fathers when they worked together.
One of the innovators and early masters of the bluegrass (three-finger style) banjo.
Like Earl Scruggs, learned to play the three-finger style from Snuffy Jenkins.
Began pro career at age 12, playing banjo with the Morris Brothers.
Mid-1940’s, was playing banjo with Arthur Smith and the Carolina Cracker Jacks when Bill Monroe invited him to join his band. Reno declined in order to serve in the Army, and Monroe hired Earl Scruggs instead.
1948, discharged from the Army and replaced Scruggs in Monroe’s band. He developed his own style of playing banjo, so as not to be compared directly with Earl.
1949, started his own band The Tennessee Cutups—the group he headed up the rest of his life. He was joined in this band by guitarist Red Smiley and they played together throughout the 1950’s and 60’s.
1964, teamed up with guitarist Bill Harrell to form Reno and Harrell. They (backed by their band The Tennessee Cutups) recorded several albums together.
Was the banjo player on the original recording of “Dueling Banjos”. He and the composer of the song Arthur Smith recorded it under the original name “Feudin’ Banjos” using a tenor banjo played by Arthur and a 5-string played by Don. The tune was later re-named “Duelin’ Banjos” by The Dillards and subsequently recorded by Eric Weissburg and Steve Mandel for the hit movie “Deliverance.”
Wrote a total of 457 songs (although most were never recorded.) Most well-known songs: “I Know You’re Married, But I Love You Still” and “I’m Using My Bible for a Roadmap.” Instrumentals: “Dixie Breakdown” and “Chokin’ the Strings.”
1984, died at the age of 57.
1992, he was elected to the IBMA’s Hall of Fame along with Red Smiley, his singing partner for many years.
One of the of the pioneering first-generation bluegrass bands.
Very popular and influential throughout the 50’s and 60’s.
Worked numerous radio and television shows across the south, including the Old Dominion Barn Dance in Richmond, VA and the “Top of the Morning” TV show in Roanoke, VA. They also made guest appearances on the Arthur Godfrey TV Show.
They incorporated elaborate comedy routines and skits into their act. As comedians, they were known as “Chicken and Pansy Hot-Rod and the Banty-Roosters.”
Last album recorded together: May, 1971, Letter Edged in Black (Wango Records).
Smiley died in 1972. Bill Harrell replaced Red for about a dozen years, and Don kept the Tennessee Cut-ups together until his own death in 1984.
Reno and Smiley’s personal manager for many years was Carlton Haney, organizer of the first bluegrass festival in 1965 (Fincastle, VA).
1992, Reno and Smiler were inducted together into the IBMA’s Hall of Fame.
Band members: Hunter Motts (banjo), Jacob Jackson (mandolin), Bill Turnbill (fiddle), Clint Groves (guitar), Brad Kaylor (bass), and Aaron Sellers (lead guitar).
2022, won the SPBGMA national band championship in Nashville.
2023, released first single “Black Vinyl 45” (Ram Cat Records)
Born in Danville, Virginia. Grew up in California.
A mandolin player, vocalist and songwriter.
The oldest of the Rice Brothers (Larry, Tony, Ronnie and Wyatt).
Late 60’s, played in a Southern California band called Aunt Dinah’s Quilting Party.
1969, began his professional career with J. D. Crowe’s first band, The Kentucky Mountain Boys.
1975, joined the Dickey Betts Band (Betts was a founding member of the Allman Brothers Band.)
1975, recorded first solo album “Mr. Poverty” (King Bluegrass).
1979, retired from music for several years, but returned in the 80’s to record three solo albums, a Rice Brothers album, and to form The Larry Rice Band.
1990’s, recorded and performed with brother Tony, Chris Hillman and Herb Pedersen as Out of the Woodwork and Rice, Rice, Hillman and Pedersen. Released two albums, Running Wild and Rice, Rice, Hillman and Pedersen.
From Danville, Virginia. Grew up in southern California, near L.A.
Considered one of the greatest flatpick guitar players of all time. Until he lost his voice in the 1990’s, he was also considered one of bluegrass music’s top lead singers.
Main influence: Clarence White whom he met in 1963. (Tony owns Clarence’s Martin D-28).
1970, left California to join the Louisville-based Bluegrass Alliance.
1971, joined his brother Larry in J.D. Crowe’s band, The Kentucky Mountain Boys (later re-named The New South). While with this band, he recorded one of the most important bluegrass albums of all time: J.D. Crowe & The New South (1973, Rounder).
1975, joined the The David Grisman Quintet, playing jazz-oriented “Dawg Music.”
1981, arranged the first Bluegrass Album Band recording with friends Doyle Lawson, J.D. Crowe, Bobby Hicks, and Todd Phillips. The album sold so well, five more were recorded and the ensemble won the IBMA award for Instrumental Group of the Year (1990).
1993, his home in Florida was destroyed in a hurricane. His guitar was underwater for three hours, but Tony dried it out very slowly and reported that “it sounds better than ever.”
1993, participated in a recording session at David Grisman’s Dawg Studios in Berkeley, California with Grisman and Jerry Garcia. The recordings were later released as The Pizza Tapes (Acoustic Disk).
1994, developed voice problems, a malady called Muscle Tension Dysphonia and was forced to curtail his singing.
1995, the Tony Rice Unit won the IBMA award for Instrumental Group of the Year.
His hobbies: photography and collecting/repairing old watches.
1997, 2000, recorded and performed with brother Larry, Chris Hillman and Herb Pederson as Out of the Woodwork and also as Rice, Rice, Hillman and Pederson.
2011, released Hartford-Rice-Clements album (Small Dog a-Barkin’) with John Hartford and Vassar Clements. This album was recorded in John Hartford’s home in 1988 but was not released until 2011.
2013, was inducted into the IBMA’s Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. His memorable acceptance speech included a seemingly miraculous recovery of his voice.
Operates Rice Recording Studio where he produces and masters recordings. He also teaches guitar and continues to perform solo and with other artists.
2016, released Something Out of the Blue album (Mountain Fever) with Massachusetts banjo player Dan Menzone (of the group Traver Hollow). The call themselves the Wyatt Rice & Dan Menzone Alliance.
2010, Galyean and Hiatt left to form a new band Micky Galyean and Cullen’s Bridge. New lineup: Jay Adams (banjo), Greg Jones (mandolin), Ronnie Edwards (guitar), Jake Harbour (bass).
2014, released Lonesomeville album (Mountain Roads).
An award-winning fiddler, she has worked with country and bluegrass artists such as Vince Gill, Patty Loveless, Emmy Lou Harris, Hank Williams Jr, Marty Stewart, Travis Tritt and Holly Dunn. She first performed at the Grand Ole Opry at age 13 and later became a member of the Grand Ole Opry staff band. Her brother
1989, was with The New Coon Creek Girls.
1991, had her own band called Second Fiddle and released In the Mood album (Webco).
2012, began touring internationally with the Chieftains.
2013, joined a band called The Likely Culprits with Ashby Frank (later replaced by Ronnie Bowman), Garnet Bowman and Melanie Cannon on vocals, Brandon Bostic (guitar/banj0) and Austin Ward (bass).
2013, joined Sister Sadie with bandmates Dale Ann Bradley (guitar), Tina Adair (mandolin), Gena Britt (banjo), Beth Lawrence (bass).
2012, formed his own band Cuttin’ Edge (Richardson-Guitar, Boyd Hulin-Mandolin, Scott Burgess-Bass, Chris Ward-Banjo). The band is known as KRACE to their fans.
He is also an award-winning songwriter with many of his songs appearing on the bluegrass and Americana charts including “Always Have, Always Will” (co-written with Chris Stapleton).
One of the best known tenor singers in bluegrass music. Plays mandolin.
Began professional career as a member of the Charlie Sizemore Band. Also worked with Vern Gosdin, the Bluegrass Cardinals, J.D. Crowe and the New South and True Grass.
1995, replaced Dan Tyminski in the Lonesome River Band.
1998, 2000, released solo projects.
1997, recorded with the group Longview, winning IBMA awards for Recorded Event of the Year and Song of the Year (1998).
1999, released first of two albums of duets with Dudley Connell Meet Me By Moonlight (Sugar Hill).
While with the Lonesome River Band, he occasionally appeared on stage as “Soup Bean” with his sidekick “Cornbread” (Kenny Smith) in bizarre comedy routines.
2001, left the Lonesome River Band to become the first Director of the Kentucky Center for Traditional Music (Morehead, KY) and to perform with his own group, Rock County and Longview. (Rock County disbanded in 2004).
2012, reunited with Ronnie Bowman and Kenny Smith (former bandmates in the Lonesome River Band) to form a part-time band called The Rambling Rooks (later to be called Band of Ruhks).
2013, sang harmony vocals on Alan Jackson’s “The Bluegrass Album.”
From Leitchfield, Kentucky. Lives in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Began playing guitar at age 13, mandolin a few years later.
1988, formed The New Tradition, a gospel group.
Has also worked with Ronnie Reno and the Reno Tradition, Larry Cordle and Lonesome Standard Time, the Marty Raybon Band, Special Consensus, Charlie Sizemore.
2000, went to work for Gibson Musical Instruments. He became head of the Gibson Mandolin Division and Plant Supervisor for Gibson (including the banjo and resophonic guitar divisions). He was also the Gibson Repair Supervisor.
2004, was a founding member of the Grascals. Toured with Dolly Parton.
2004, released first solo album Mandolin Orchard (Butler Music Group).
From Middlesboro, Kentucky. She and her husband Jim currently live in Northeast Ohio in the Lake Erie region.
Grew up as part of a popular gospel group called The Jones Family which included Tammy and her three siblings, plus mom and dad. They recorded dozens of albums and had many of their songs become hits on gospel radio stations.
1999, began her solo career in gospel music and recorded several projects which established her as an award-winning Southern Gospel artist and songwriter.
2013, released her first bluegrass album “Let It Shine” (no label), produced by Mark Fain.
From Lebanon, Virginia. Lives in Pulaski, Virginia.
Real name: Joseph Calvin Robins.
1967, won banjo contest at Union Grove Festival. Shortly thereafter, worked briefly with Bill Monroe as a teenager.
1969-1971, served in the U.S. Army’s entertainment division, stationed in South Carolina.
1971, played banjo with Charlie Moore and his Dixie Partners.
1972, recorded and toured with Leon Russell.
1973-1974, played bass with the New Grass Revival.
1975-1977, played banjo with Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper.
1977, worked briefly with Jim and Jesse.
1977-1981, played banjo with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys.
1978, released solo project “Fragments of My Imagicnation” (Rounder).
1982-1983, formed The Blue Grass Band with Alan O’Bryant, Blaine Sprouse and Ed Dye.
1983, quit performing and pursued a business career (real estate).
1989, returned to music on a part-time basis with a new version of The Blue Grass Band (including Dudley Connell, Larry Stephenson, Ronnie and Rickie Simpkins, others) to record several albums of bluegrass standards marketed primarily through info-mercials on TV. These recordings were the first for Hay Holler Records.
2003, wrote and published a book (What I Know About What I Know) chronicling his life in bluegrass music.
2007, performed with the World International Bluegrass Band in Japan, Australia and Europe.
From New England (Massachusetts/Rhode Island/Connecticut/New York).
Formed in 2013 by Alex McLeod (guitar), Billy Thibodeau (mandolin), Joe Deetz (banjo), Danny Musher (fiddle) and Rick Brodsky (bass). Austin Scelzo later replaced Musher on fiddle.
Deetz (banjo) previously has worked with Joe Val, John Herald and other New England bands. He also played banjo on the Sesame Street recording of the Garbage Man Blues.
McLeod (guitar) previously was a member of the group Northern Lights.
Thibodeau’s (mandolin) father was Sam Tidwell who was a pioneering New England bluegrass artist who performed with the Kennebec Valley Boys.
A band featuring five teen musicians and one adult who founded the band in 2005. Rick Morton. Morton is a fiddler and mandolin instructor who has performed with Brooks and Dunn and the Tractors. Other band members include Sterling Abernathy (mandolin), Eric Dysart (fiddle and banjo), Emma Hardin (cello), Zac Hardin (bass) and Carson Clemishire (banjo).
2012, following some extensive personnel changes (leaving only one original member, Sterling Abernathy), they adopted the name Belfry Fellows and moved to Nashville. The name comes from an Edgar Allen Poe story “The Devil in the Belfry” which has a fiddle playing “fellow” in it.
Formed in 2005 by husband and wife duo Kim Roe (autoharp) and Quillan Roe (banjo/guitar). Other members of the group: Adam Wirtzfeld (musical saw); Dan Gaarder (guitar); Rich Rue (steel guitar); Ric Lee (fiddle); Rob Davis (jug); Kurt Froehlich (mandolin, kazoo).
They are a “good time, old time hillbilly band,” featuring traditional instruments. They won the title of “World’s Best Jug Band” at the 2010 and 2012 Battle of the Jug Bands in Duluth, Minnesota.
2017, Kim Roe won the clogging competition at the Old-Time Music & Ozark Heritage Festival held in West Plains, MO.
They perform weekly (Monday nights) at the 331 Club in Minneapolis.
1970-75, played with a New England band called Apple Country.
1976-77, had a band with his wife Beth called “Old Dog.” This group recorded an album with Mike Auldridge “Mike Auldridge and Old Dog” (Flying Fish).
1977-1986, played guitar and sang lead with the Seldom Scene.
1983, released first solo project Matter of Time (Sierra).
Plays all the bluegrass instruments (guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, bass).
A prolific songwriter. His songs have been recorded by Johnny Cash, Bill Monroe, the Osborne Brothers and the Seldom Scene.
He is the owner of American Melody Records, a label specializing in traditional folk music for children. He is producer, composer, artist and distributor of such albums as:
From Roseburg, Oregon. He was born in Virginia but grew up in Japan and heard his first bluegrass there on the Far East Network.
A multi-instrumentalist who writes, records and performs sea songs, Scottish, Celtic and children’s music, all with a bluegrass twist.
His band “Cold Thunder” gets its name from a natural phenomenon from Ozark folklore in which frozen lakes and creeks slowly expand, forcing the earth to move and groan with a thundering roar.
He promoted an Oregon bluegrass festival called The Myrtle Creek Bluegrass and Arts Festival, or “Myrtlegrass.”
Ross is a well-known writer in bluegrass circles and a frequent contributor to Bluegrass Unlimited magazine.
1998, released “The Harper’s Reverie: Irish Music of Turlough O’Carolan” (Zephyr).
2000, released “The Crazy Zoo: An Animal Songfest” of bluegrass & folk for kids “of all ages” (Zephyr)
Since 1990 has been a regular writer and reviewer for The Roots Music Report (online).
Bands he performs (or has performed) with: The Celtic Tradition, The HotQua String Band, The Umpqua Valley Bluegrass Band, The Ceili Boys, Irish Creme, Alamojo Western Swing Band, Zephyr Duo, & The Keynotes Polka Band.
His solo shows include “Sea Breeze” (world music), “The Beatless” (music of the Beatles), “Music of the Pioneers” (early folk music), and “Folk Tales of Old Japan” (storytelling).
Since 2010 has played mandolin with guitarist Jerry Ashford in a duo/trio called “The Sunny Sky Boys” and Gypsyjazz with guitarist Jesse Scriven.
A banjo, guitar and Dobro™ player who was a close friend of the late Jerry Garcia (of Grateful Dead fame) and has performed in Garcia’s acoustic band. He also produced Jerry’s album “Almost Acoustic.”
1964, worked briefly with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys, playing banjo.
Early 1970’s, played banjo for Earl Taylor and the Stoney Mountain Boys.
Has also worked with Clarence White, Don Stover, Red Allen, Larry Sparks, New Riders of the Purple Sage and Country Joe McDonald.
1991, recorded an album of Bluegrass Guitar Duets (Sierra) with Steve Pottier, a long-time Bay-area guitarist who at the time was playing bass with High Country.
Performs a variety of musical styles including bluegrass, rock, Tex-Mex, Irish, country, rockabilly, folk and reggae.
Began performing in junior high school with a rockabilly group called the Cupids, playing mostly Buddy Holly material.
1963, began his professional career with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys.
1967, formed a rock group with David Grisman called Earth Opera. Toured with The Doors, other bands.
1969, joined a California country-rock group called Sea Train.
1973, performed with Old and In the Way with Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead and David Nelson of New Riders of the Purple Sage.
1974, worked with Richard Greene, Bill Keith, Clarence White and David Grisman in Muleskinner.
1975-1978, performed with his brothers Chris and Lorin as the Rowan Brothers. Recorded three albums including Tree On A Hill (Asylum). They reunited in 1992 for several shows.
1995, released With The Red Hot Pickers album (Sugar Hill). Band included Tony Trischka, Richard Greene, Andy Statman, Roger Mason.
1996, released Bluegrass Boy album (Sugar Hill). Band included Mike Munford, Charles Sawtelle, Laurie Lewis, Richard Greene, Roy Huskey Jr., Buell Neidlinger.
2006, formed The Peter Rowan & Tony Rice Quartet. Original group included Sharon Gilchrist and Bryn Davies (Bright). Mike Bub and Rickie Simpkins also played with this band.
2007, released Quartet album (Rounder) featuring the Peter Rowan and Tony Rice Quartet.
2007, formed The Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band with Keith Little and Jody Stecher.
Hobby: studying and painting Asian art. He is a devotee of Tibetan Buddhism.
Recent band configurations: the Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band, Peter Rowan’s Big Twang Theory (rockabilly), Peter Rowan’s Twang and Groove (Rhythm and Blues), Peter Rowan and Crucial Reggae (Reggae) and The Free Mexican Air Force (Tex Mex).
Formed in 2021 by Ricky Stroud (mandolin), Cliff Waddell (guitar), Ronald Smith (banjo), David Nance (Dobro™) and Adam Poindexter (bass). Poindexter was replaced by Bailey Moore (bass).
Nance, Waddell and Stroud are former members of the Hagars Mountain Boys, also from Roxboro.
Waddell is also a solo artist and has recorded several albums of Gospel music under his own name.
Smith played banjo for several years with the Lost and Found.
Nance was a member of Jimmy Martin’s Sunny Mountain Boys for more than 15 years (until Jimmy’s passing in 2005).
Moore is the nephew of the late Jason Moore (bassist with Sideline and other bands).
Best known as the singing partner of Laurie Lewis. He plays a rare 1924 Gibson Lloyd Loar F-5 mandolin.
1974, played with The Summerdog Experience and Mariachi Ensemble in Tucson, Arizona.
1978), played with Geoff Stelling and Hard Times and The Rhythm Rascals in San Diego, California.
1982) played with Flying South in Flagstaff, Arizona.
1986, joined Laurie Lewis and Grant Street.
1994, was seriously injured in an auto accident with Laurie Lewis while on tour. Doctors weren’t sure he would ever walk again, but he recovered completely.
1996, his duet album with Laurie Lewis The Oak and the Laurel (Rounder) was nominated for a Grammy Award.
He is also an artist (graphic design and illustration) and has a degree in biology.
Band members include brother and sister Matt Rolland (fiddle, guitar) and Grace Rolland (cello, vocals) and sisters Bekah Sandoval Rolland (fiddle, vocals) and Jen Sandoval (mandolin, vocals). When touring they also have a fifth member, playing bass.
2009, won the Pickin’ In The Pines band competition.
2011, won the Telluride Bluegrass Festival band competition.
2013, appeared on “A Prairie Home Companion” with Garrison Keillor (twice).
2013, released “So Sang the Whippoorwill” album (no label).
A comedy act (1992-1995) specializing in bluegrass adaptations of Motown and classic rock songs.
The brainchild of Bernie Leadon, founding member of The Eagles.
Name is a take-off on the name of the popular rap group, Run DMC.
According to the story line of their first album (1993), Run C&W is a band featuring The Burns Brothers, a family of bluegrass pickers who migrated from the backwoods of Kentucky to Detroit, Michigan, where they learned to play “that good old soul music—the way God intended for it to be played—bluegrass style.”
First gained recognition when they played at the CMA’s Fan Fair in Nashville and did a spoof of Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Achy Breaky Heart” called “Itchy Twitchy Spot.” What started out as a joke turned into a full-fledged album project.
Members of Run C&W: Rug Burns is Russell Smith (formerly with the Amazing Rhythm Aces.) Crashen Burns is Bernie Leadon (formerly with the Eagles.) G.W. “Wash” Burns is Vince Melamed (a.k.a. Dan Fogelberg), and Side Burns is Jim Photoglo (a Nashville songwriter). Their fictional father was known as Dad Burns.
A banjo player who worked with Del McCoury’s Dixie Pals from 1969-1977. He played banjo on McCoury’s classic “High on a Mountain” LP (Rounder) in 1973.
2015, (at age 75) released “Lonely Tonight” album (Patuxent) with his band Smith Hollow.
So far, no bluegrass bands or artists have made the “Q” category. Maybe the closest would be Rhonda Vincent who sometimes bills herself as the “Queen of Bluegrass.” If your band has a “Q” name (Quiet Grass, Quickstep Reunion, the Quaalude Mountain Boys, etc.), you could be the sole owner of this category! Let me know if you are up to the challenge.
Formed in 2004 along the sandstone bluffs of St. Paul, Minnesota by Justin Bruhn (bass), Kevin Kniebel (banjo), J Lenz (guitar), and Nate Sipe (mandolin, steel guitar, fiddle). Also in the band: Chris Forsberg (fiddle), Matt Cartier (percussion). Ryan Young (of Trampled by Turtles) was an original member.
They play a blend of bluegrass and string band music influenced by metal, electronic, rock, reggae and more.
They have performed with Steve Martin, the Flaming Lips, Trampled By Turtles, the Del McCoury Band, the Yonder Mountain String Band, Sam Bush and others.
2023, released Waiting Days, their eighth studio album (no label).
2011, at age 8 made an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
2014, appeared for the first time 2016on the Grand Ole Opry with Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder.
2016, appeared on Little Big Shots with Steve Harvey (NBC).
He has also won several youth fiddle championships.
2016, released “Christmas Time in the Country” (no label), a holiday single.
2017, formed a band called Iron Mountain with his father Jamie (guitar), Eric Marshall (banjo), Ben Marshall (bass) and Austin Tate (mandolin). Eric and Ben Marshall are also father and son
2018, released “Praises from the Mountain” (no label), a gospel album.
2018, appeared with Ricky Skaggs on Skaggs’ induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
2021, appeared on The Voice TV show and received a “four-chair turnaround” from the judges during his first performance on the program. He was coached by Blake Shelton.
From Nashville, Tennessee. Originally from Easton, Massachusetts.
A historian of bluegrass and country music and has performed with several bluegrass bands in Massachusetts, Texas, and Tennessee.
Formerly performed with a gospel group called Zion Mountain Bluegrass and the Andy Owens Project.
1990, got a degree in pastoral ministry from Southwestern Assembly of God University. Served as a minister of music at a church in Mansfield, Massachusetts.
He has also worked as a fish delivery truck driver, a telemarketer, and a landscaper.
1996, released solo project Jesus Use Me (no label).
1998, formed his band “1946.”
Band name comes from the year the original bluegrass band (Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys with Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs, Chubby Wise and Cedric Rainwater) first recorded. They wear vintage 1940’s attire when performing.
An all-female band formed in 1988 by Andrea Campbell (Roberts) who had previously worked with Wendy Smith and Blue Velvet, a Detroit-based band.
Other members of the band: Robin Roller (banjo), Gail Rudisill (fiddle) and Gena Britt (bass).
The group recorded three albums for Pinecastle Records.
Several members of Petticoat Junction, past and present, attended South Plains College in Levelland, Texas—at the time, the only college offering a degree in bluegrass music.
1998, the group disbanded and bandleader Roberts joined Special Consensus. She later formed a talent agency in Nashville.
Son of Earl and Janis Phillips (Janis was a member of the gospel singing group, The Lewis Family,).
1972, at age two began touring with the Lewis Family.
At age six, played banjo on a Carol Burnett CBS-TV special.
2001, released a solo album Empty Fields (Daywind).
2010, after the Lewis Family disbanded, he began performing in a new band called The Lewis Tradition with his mother Janis Lewis Phillips, his cousin Travis Lewis, son of the late Wallace Lewis, and Travis’ oldest son, Jameson.
From the San Francisco Bay area (born in San Jose). Now lives in Nashville.
One of the top bass players in bluegrass music. He has been playing since age 11.
1975, was an original member (with Tony Rice) of the David Grisman Quintet.
1980, was an original member of the Tony Rice Unit.
Has also worked with The Good Old Persons, Laurie Lewis, Psychograss and The Bluegrass Album Band.
1996, produced the Grammy winning album “True Life Blues: The Songs of Bill Monroe,” which also won the 1997 IBMA award for Album of the Year and Recorded Event of the Year.
Is also a luthier, photographer and a graphic artist.
1998, joined New Grange with Darol Anger, Mike Marshall, Tim O’Brien and Alison Brown. Also worked with Laurie Lewis and her Bluegrass Pals.
2000, formed a trio with Matt Flinner and David Grier (Phillips, Grier and Flinner).
2008, moved to Nashville. Toured for two years with Joan Baez. Also worked with Psychograss, Russ Barenberg, the Bluegrass Album Band, others.
A banjo player who was inspired as a teen by Bela Fleck.
2002, played in a college jam band called Waffle Hoss, also worked with Czech guitarist Slavek Hanslik,
2003, joined Leftover Salmon.
2004, joined the John Cowan Band.
2004, released first solo project In the Maze (Compass).
2006, joined The Punch Brothers.
2010, won the first annual Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass ($50,000). This was not a competition but a surprise award given by Martin and selected by a panel of judges including Earl Scruggs, Pete Wernick, Tony Trischka, Anne Stringfield, Alison Brown, Neil V. Rosenberg, Béla Fleck and Martin himself.
Formed in 1998 by guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Jimbo Whaley and banjo player Kipper Stitt. Other band members have included Bill McBee, Clint Damon, Roscoe Morgan, Michael Fagan, Matt DeSpain, Matthew Flake, Eli Johnson, Mark Cable, Elmer Burchett, Jerry Butler, Jerry Cole, Dale Perry, Dale Thomas and Danny Barnes.
2001, signed a sponsorship deal making them the official bluegrass band of Odom’s Tennessee Pride Country Sausage. They were heard weekly on the Grand Ole Opry singing the product’s theme song.
Performed regularly at Dollywood and other venues around Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, working for the department of tourism there.
A band featuring Bud Brewster (guitar), Larry Mathis (banjo), Jim Smith (mandolin), Randall Collins (fiddle), Jerry Moore (fiddle) and Ray Rose (bass).
Brewster and his brother Willie previously worked together as The Brewster Brothers. They toured for ten years with Carl Story. Brewster also played banjo with Story’s Rambling Mountaineers for several years.
1974, released “Take a Look and Listen” album (Atteiram).
1075, released “The Pinnacle Boys” album (Rounder).
1975, released “The Award-winning Pinnacle Boys” album (Atteiram).
1977, released “I See A Bridge” album (Atteiram).
1978, released “West Bound and Down” album (CMH).
1980, released “High Lonesome Bluegrass” album (CMH).
1997, Brewster, Mathis and Smith reunited to form a new group called The Knoxville Bluegrass Band.
As a teenager, he played in a bluegrass band with his brother and a friend. Keith Whitley was a hero.
2014, at age 21 began his professional career in country music as a singer and guitarist. Signed with Curb Records, moved to Nashville and had his first single released “Country” co-written by Pitney and Bill Anderson.
2016, married Emily Bankester (of the Bankesters).
2020, released Ain’t Looking Back (Curb). This album included “Old Home Place” which featured his “all star band” with J.D. Crowe, Aubrey Haynie, Marty Stuart, Ricky Skaggs, Jerry Douglas, Barry Bales, Jon Randall and others. The single and video was released again in 2023.
Formed in 2014 by Derek Kretzer (banjo), Andrew Jordan (guitar), Brett Kretzer (mandolin), Jody Mosser (dobro, lap steel), and Kevin Johnson (bass). Robbie Mann (fiddle) is also a member of the band.
2019, they won the Podunk Bluegrass Telefunken Band Contest.
Formed in 2014 by C.J. Lewandowski (mandolin), Josh Rinkel (guitar), Jereme Brown (banjo) and Jasper Lorentzen (bass).
Lewandowski (mandolin) is originally from Missouri. He previously worked with David Davis, and with Karl Shifflett and the Big Country Show.
Rinkel (guitar) is originally from Louisville, Kentucky. He formerly worked with Tommy Brown and the County Line Grass (12 years), playing banjo and guitar.
Jereme Brown (banjo) is the son of Tommy Brown and still plays lead guitar with Tommy Brown and the County Line Grass.
They worked 4 months with James King as his backup band.
They are endorsed by Pointer Brand overalls and Anchors hair pomade.
The band had a dog named Dip Stick.
Every band member has an antique car, mainly Cadillacs.
2023, Palser recorded a single “What Crosses Your Mind,” a duet with Danny Paisley (Pinecastle).
2024, Taylor and Blaney left the band to go back to school and pursue other musical interests. Palser re-formed the band under her own name Sage and Prairie Wildfire.
From Monroe, North Carolina. He owned a farm and studio there called “Bluegrass Hill.”
Began musical career in 1954.
Recorded two albums for RCA, produced by Chet Atkins. He and his band “The Country Pardners” were the first bluegrass artists to record in what was then called “high fidelity.”
Was a member of Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys in the 1950’s. Also worked with Jimmy Martin’s Sunny Mountain Boys.
1960’s, made several guest appearances on the Grand Ole Opry with his wife Betty. Bill Monroe saw Price’s show in 1965 and when he saw that Price had added electric guitars and drums to his band, Monroe stopped speaking to him. It took almost 25 years (1989) to reconcile. In 1991, they performed together once again.
Due to personal tragedy (his wife and two children died) he left the music business for several years.
From Uneeda, West Virginia. Lives in Parkersburg, WV.
Began pro career as fiddler with the Goins Brothers Band.
1994, released “The Old Mountaineer” album on Hay Holler Records.
1995-2003, was a member of Ralph Stanley’s Clinch Mountain Boys.
1998, released “Southern Flavor” album on Freeland Records.
2003, released “Fiddlin’ the Old Time Way” on Rebel Records.
After leaving Stanley’s band, he formed a bluegrass band called James Price and Kentucky Reign and a country band called James Price and Native Country.
They perform bluegrass and Southern gospel music in churches and other gospel-music venues.
Formed in 1973 by two sets of brothers: Reagan and Larry Riddle, and Furman and Norman Wilson. They discovered their ability to harmonize and make music together while on a fishing trip. The original group was called the Riddle-Wilson Quartet.
1976, began performing full-time. Furman Wilson was replaced by Mike Riddle, brother of Reagan and Larry. Changed their name to the Primitive Quartet.
1986, added new member Randy Fox.
2014, Norman Wilson passed away and was replaced by Jeff Tolbert.
They have recorded more than thirty albums on labels such as Pisgah and Mountain Heritage.
From Nashville, relocated to New York City in 2008.
Formed in 2007 by mandolinist Chris Thile (formerly of Nickel Creek), enlisting the musicians from his solo project “How to Grow a Woman from the Ground.”
Original members: Thile, Chris Eldredge (guitar), Noam Pikelny (banjo), Greg Garrison, (bass) and Gabe Witcher (fiddle).
Band name comes from a Mark Twain description of a sign in a subway station instructing conductors to: “Punch brothers! Punch with care! Punch in the presence of the passenjare.” (Conductors punched subway tickets at the beginning of the ride.)
Formed in 1973 featuring featuring Jerry Garcia (of the Grateful Dead) on banjo, David Grisman on mandolin, Peter Rowan on guitar, Vassar Clements on fiddle, and John Kahn on bass.
They made several appearances over the course of about a year, playing venues like Paul’s Saloon and The Boarding House in San Francisco.
1975, a live recording of the band was released (Old & In the Way) and became one of the biggest-selling bluegrass albums of all time.
According to Grisman, the group never really got very tight because “Garcia hated to practice.”
1996, re-united for a concert at the Telluride Music Festival with Herb Pederson filling in for Jerry Garcia.
2002, the new version of the group released an album called Old & In the Gray (Arista).
1998, began as buskers (street musicians) playing “pre-war jug band music.” The busked their way west across Canada and then back east to Boone, North Carolina.
Founding members of the band: Ketch Sekor (fiddle, banjo, harmonica), Critter Fuqua (banjo, guitar, Dobro™), Kevin Hayes (Guitjo), Ben Gould (bass), Willie Watson (guitar, banjo, fiddle).
They are known by their fans as simply Old Crow.
While performing on a street corner in Boone, NC, they were heard by Doc Watson and invited to play Merlefest.
2000, moved to Nashville and busked and were invited to play at the Grand Ole Opry. Eventually they were hired to entertain Grand Ole Opry audiences between shows. They became members of the Opry in 2013.
2001, first tour, opening for Del McCoury.
2003, performed on a float for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade (New York).
2004, David Rawlings produced their first album O.C.M.S. (Nettwerk Records). This album included the song “Wagon Wheel” (coauthored by Sekor and Bob Dylan) which went gold in 2011 and platinum (selling over a million copies) in 2013. This song has subsequently been covered by Darius Rucker and other country, bluegrass and folk groups.
2011, the band went on hiatus and disbanded.
2012, reunited after founding member Fuqua and Watson returned. Released Carry Me Back album (ATO Records).
From the Pacific Northwest (Seattle, Washington and Sisters, Oregon).
Formed in 2017 by Dale Adkins (guitar, banjo, mandolin), Paul Elliott (fiddle), Don Share (guitar), and Joseph Wilmhoff (bass).
Adkins is a virtuoso guitarist who formerly worked with the Kate McKenzie band, and has also worked with Dan Crary, Frontline and other Northwest bands.
Elliott is a well known fiddler who has worked with The Good Old Persons, John Reischman, Michelle Shocked, Alison Brown, Buell Neidlinger, and others.
Formed in 2012 by Ryan Murphey (banjo) and Dustin Eiskant (guitar). Other members: Justin Wallace (mandolin), John Brighton (fiddle), Jesse Farrar (bass). Eiskant was later replaced by guitarist Rob Kindle.
Banjo player Murphey is also a horticulturist. Farrar is a hip-hop producer and also played bass on a national tour of the Four Freshman.
2015, won the FreshGrass Band competition (North Adams, Massachusetts).
From northeastern Pennsylvania. Now lives in Nashville.
Grew up in a musical family. Her father Mark Orshaw played guitar in a bluegrass band called the Lonesome Road Ramblers. He also owned a music store. Laura began playing fiddle as a youngster and made her first recordings at age 12.
Attended Berklee College of Music. Lived in Cambridge, Massachusetts for several years. While there, she performed with numerous northeastern bluegrass acts including Danny Paisley, Della Mae, Chasing Blue, Jenni Lyn and Darol Anger.
She is also a Master’s level counselor at Lesley University as Coordinator for their Expressive Therapies Graduate Program.
From Hyden, Kentucky (Lives in Portland, Tennessee)
The elder of the Osborne Brothers, he formed his own band The Rocky Top Xpress, after brother Sonny retired in 2004.
He is the only bluegrass artist (so far) to be elected twice into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame (as a member of the Osborne Brothers and also as a member of the Lonesome Pine Fiddlers.)
2006, was appointed to a professorship at Hazard Community & Technical College in Hyden, Kentucky (his home town), teaching music.
Songwriting credits include: Bluegrass Express, Big Spike Hammer, Memories, I’ll Be All Right Tomorrow, Son of a Sawmill Man, Pain in My Heart and This Heart of Mine Can Never Say GoodBye.
His son Bobby Osborne Jr. is a member of his band, known as “Boj.”
1949, Bobby began musical career with banjo player Larry Richardson and the Cline Brothers (Ray and Charlie) in The Lonesome Pine Fiddlers.
1950, Sonny joined the Lonesome Pine Fiddlers at age 13.
1951, Sonny was hired by Bill Monroe to play banjo with the Blue Grass Boys.
1953, Bobby and Sonny teamed up with Jimmy Martin and performed on a radio station in Detroit as as “Jimmy Martin and the Osborne Brothers.” They were invited to come to Nashville to do a radio program, but turned it down because the pay wasn’t good enough. The sponsors hired Flatt and Scruggs instead. The show was “The Martha White Show” on WSM.
1955, parted company with Martin and worked with Charlie Bailey in Wheeling, West Virginia on WWVA.
1956, formed their own band with Red Allen singing lead. Signed by MGM Records.
1964, joined the Grand Ole Opry.
1968, recorded their biggest hit “Rocky Top.” In 1984, the song was designated the state song of Tennessee. (The Osborne Brothers performed it live before the Tennessee State Legislature.)
1969, went electric, infuriating many of their fans. At one concert, someone snuck up on stage and snipped the electric chord to Sonny’s banjo.
1970, Sonny invented a six-string banjo which had one extra bass string. Played it for several years but eventually abandoned the idea.
1971, won the CMA Award for “Vocal Group of the Year.”
1973, were the first bluegrass group to perform at the White House (for Richard Nixon).
1974, stopped using electric instruments, except for an electric bass.
1991, dropped the electric bass in favor of the acoustic string bass.
1994, were inducted into the IBMA’s Hall of Fame.
2000, a section of Route 421 in Kentucky was named “Osborne Brothers Way.”
2004, Sonny retired due to a shoulder operation which impacted his ability to play up to his standards. He began building and selling banjos with his Sonny Osborne Banjo Company, specializing in a banjo called “The Osborne Chief.” For several years, he wrote a column for Bluegrass Today called “Ask Sonny Anything,” which became the website’s most popular feature.
2005, Bobby formed his own band called Bobby Osborne and the Rocky Top X-press.
2014, Pinecastle released a previously unreleased album of 1970’s era recordings by the Osborne Brothers called Nashville.
Best known as an accomplished mandolin and fiddle player.
His family is from the Ukraine.
Has toured regularly with Robin and Linda Williams, Norman Blake and the Rising Fawn Ensemble, and Chet Atkins. He also worked with Jethro Burns, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Johnny Gimble, Greg Brown, John Hartford and Taj Mahal, among others.
He is makes regular appearances on radio’s A Prairie Home Companion, and for several years served as Music Director for the show. He has also appeared on Austin City Limits, Late Night with David Letterman, and Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.
He is also very much involved in the Children’s Music Theatre in Minneapolis.
As a composer, his works have been performed by the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Minnesota Sinfonia, the Rochester (Minnesota) Symphony Orchestra, the Des Moines Symphony and the Kremlin Chamber Orchestra, among others. He composed and performed the underscore for Ken Burns documentary about Mark Twain (PBS).
2001, was the recipient of a Bush Artist Fellowship for Music Composition.
Formed in 2004 by Danny Barnes, Elmer Burchett, Jr., Kevin Harper, Wesley Probst and Kim Gardner.
Barnes (mandolin) is from Kentucky and has performed with the Barnes Family Band, Charlie Sizemore, David Parmley and Continental Divide, Pine Mountain Railroad.
Burchett (banjo) is from Kentucky and has worked with Lou Reid and Carolina, David Parmley and Continental Divide, Wyatt Rice and Santa Cruz, Ronnie Bowman, Brooks and Dunn.
Harper (fiddle) is from Louisiana and has worked in numerous country bands including the Tracy Lawrence band.
Probst (guitar) is from Missouri and worked with Harold Morrison and other artists before becoming a full-time songwriter.
Gardner (Dobro™) is from North Carolina and has worked with the Lonesome River Band, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, Larry Cordle and many others.
First release: a novelty song called “Christmastime in Texas.”
Born in Louisville, Kentucky. For many years lived in Dallas, Texas. Now living in North Carolina.
Sings, writes songs and plays all the bluegrass instruments. Mandolin is his specialty.
Has an MBA from SMU. In addition to his musical interests, he has owned a recording studio, a construction business, a business that manages practices for medical doctors in the Dallas area and a sleep disorder clinic.
Formed a band called The Andy Owens Project in 1991.
Was a founding member of Danger in the Air (1983-1991) a Dallas-based band which morphed into the Dixie Chicks. Also worked with The Fredonia Rebellion (1976-1981), Les Fauves (1981-1983), a “punk-grass” band and Killbilly.
1999, he and his wife Cathy sold everything and left Dallas with their two sons to go on a 12-month musical walkabout they called “The Bluegrass Expedition.” They performed in 28 countries before returning home to settle in North Carolina (near Deep Gap, home of Doc Watson). He has a recording studio there called Lonesome Pine Studio.
Hobby: coon hunting and scuba diving.
2006, began touring and recording with the Czech band Druha Trava. Together they recorded an album called Drive South (1-800-Bluegrass).
Formed in 1980 by John Lair of the Renfro Valley Barn Dance to carry on the tradition of the original Coon Creek Girls. Multi-instrumentalist Vicki Simmons was the first member of the band to sign on.
The original Coon Creek Girls were a popular female hillbilly band led by Lily Mae Ledford in the 30’s and 40’s performing primarily on the old Renfro Valley Barn Dance out of Cincinnati, Ohio. They were one of the first—if not the very first—country music acts to perform at the White House. They did so in 1938 for then-President Franklin D. Roosevelt. They disbanded in 1957. Simmons met Lily Mae Ledford before she died and learned to play clawhammer-style banjo from her. Ledford gave Simmons permission to use the name Coon Creek Girls to carry on the tradition of the original group.
They were one of the first all-female bluegrass bands.
The band went through many personnel changes over the years with Vickie Simmons being the only original member to remain. Other members of the band included Pam Perry, Ramona Church Taylor, Pam Gadd, Deannie Richardson, Katie Penn and Dale Ann Bradley.
An Americana band featuring Tim O’Brien, Mike Marshall, Alison Brown, Darol Anger, Todd Phillips and pianist Philip Aaberg.
1998, the group was formed by Anger and Marshall to record a Christmas album (it was eventually re-released on Compass Records: A Christmas Heritage.) They decided to stay together, tour nationally and record again.
Original members: Sam Bush (mandolin), Courtney Johnson (banjo), Curtis Burch (guitar and Dobro™), Ebo Walker (bass). Bush, Johnson and Walker had previously worked together in the Bluegrass Alliance.
First gig: Elizabethton, Tennessee. There were 12 people in the audience.
First album: 1972 “Arrival of the New Grass Revival” (Starday).
1970’s, toured with John Hartford, Leon Russell, and Cheech and Chong.
1990, the group broke up. Bush went to work with Emmylou Harris and the Nash Ramblers. Fleck formed a band called the Flecktones. Cowan formed a group called the Sky Kings. Flynn worked as a solo artist, studio musician and record producer in Nashville.
1996, Courtney Johnson died. The band reunited for one show that year to benefit his widow.
1997, Bush and Cowan reunited to form The Sam Bush Band and a blues band called Duckbutter.
1997, Garth Brooks recorded two NGR songs: “Do What You Gotta Do” (written by Pat Flynn) and “Callin’ Baton Rouge” (with NGR providing instrumental backing).
2009, they reunited for a performance of one song “White Freightliner Blues” at Merlefest.
A short-lived group formed in 1986 featuring Terry Baucom (banjo), Jimmy Haley (guitar), Randy Graham (bass) and Alan Bibey (mandolin).
Baucom, Graham and Haley were members of Doyle Lawson’s band Quicksilver until 1985. They left to form their own band and decided to take the name Quicksilver with them. Lawson, however, claimed ownership of the band name, so Baucom and company added the word “New” to their name.
1988, disbanded.
1991, Baucom and Haley joined two other former members of Doyle Lawson’s band (Russell Moore and Ray Deaton) to form “IIIrd Tyme Out.”
1998, their album was reissued under the name Baucom Bibey Graham & Haley (Rebel), which led to the formation of a new band, BlueRidge.
Formed in 2002 by Dave Carroll (guitar) and Ron King (mandolin).
Carroll has written songs for the Lonesome River Band (“The Game is Over”), Blue Moon Rising (“This Old Martin Box”) and many others.
2011, released album I’m Moving On (Kindred) dedicated to the memory of band member Jerry Chaney (Dobro) who was killed in an auto accident as the album was being completed.
Formed in 1988 and won “best band” at the SPBGMA awards show. This led to a record contract with the gospel music giant, Brentwood Music, the label’s first bluegrass act.
2000 lineup: Johnson, Llewellyn, Gena Britt (banjo), Greg Martin (bass) and Kim Gardner (Dobro™).
2000, played last show at IBMA Fan Fest.
Johnson (mandolin, lead vocals) writes much of the band’s original material. He has also recorded as a solo artist and performs with a band called The Grass Cats.
Before forming New Vintage, Johnson performed professionally as a magician.
2007, the group was re-formed by Johnson (who is also in the Grass Cats).
The group formed in 2001 as a gospel group featuring vocalist Tim Shelton who had recorded previously as a solo artist. The group eventually transitioned to a progressive bluegrass band.
Original members: Carl “Junior” Williams (banjo), Tim Shelton (guitar), Tim Caudill (bass) and Rob Baker (mandolin).
2002, released first album Newfound Road (Mountain Home).
Began playing the banjo at age 10. Took lessons from Steve Dilling.
2016, at age 16 formed his own band and was being featured at Lorraine Jordan’s Coffee House (he also works as a barista there) and appears with her on the road.
Originally from Padukah, Kentucky and lived in Fredericksburg, Virginia for many years. Moved to Nashville in 2004.
At age 14, played in his father’s band, called Frog Newton and the Tadpoles.
Mid-70’s, put together his first band, Cabin Hill.
1976, joined the Heights of Grass.
1978, joined the Knoxville Grass.
1981, re-joined the Heights of Grass.
1983, formed the Virginia Squires with four of the five members of the Heights of Grass.
1988, quit the music business.
1990, formed the Mark Newton Entertainment Agency and began promoting the Graves Mountain Bluegrass Festival in Virginia.
1992, teamed up with banjo legend Bill Emerson to form The Bill Emerson and Mark Newton Band.
1995, joined the Tony Rice Unit.
1998, recorded his first solo album Living a Dream (Rebel) with Bill Emerson, Ralph Stanley, Tony Rice, Dudley Connell, others.
1999, formed the Mark Newton band and recorded an album Follow Me Back to the Fold (Rebel) featuring duets with Rhonda Vincent, Lynn Morris, Claire Lynch, Dale Ann Bradley, other women singers.
Formed originally as the Kati Penn Band. They changed their name to NewTown in 2011.
Band members: Kati Penn-Williams (fiddle), Junior Williams (banjo), C.J. Cain (guitar), Clint Hurd (mandolin), and Terry Poirier (bass). James Kee was the original mandolin player (2010-2012)
Kati Penn-Williams began playing as a youngster. At 12 (1995), she performed and recorded with the “Young Acoustic All-Stars” a group coached by Pete Wernick. She has worked with Wild Rose, the New Coon Creek Girls, Dale Ann Bradley, the Jim Hurst Band, Bill Anderson and J.D. Crowe. In 2003, she recorded her first solo album “Crazy or Not.”
Junior Williams (married to Kati) is a former member of NewFound Road.
2010, released first album “My Turn to Cry” (no label).
2007, was a founding member of Balsam Range (playing mandolin). He previously worked with the Alecia Nugent Band, Audie Blaylock, Hazel Creek and the Crowe Brothers.
He also fronts his own group, The Darren Nicholson Band. Members include Steve Sutton (banjo), Kevin Sluter (bass) and Griff Martin (guitar).
2014, released Things Left Undone album (Bearded Baby) featuring special guests Rhonda Vincent, Carl Jackson, Tim Surrett, John Driskell Hopkins, Audie Blaylock, Aaron Ramsey, Steve Thomas and others.
2018, released Fret a Spell album (Bearded Baby), all instrumentals.
First appearance: 1989 at the San Diego Bluegrass Festival (Lake Henshaw, CA). They also began making regular appearances at “That Pizza Place” in Carlsbad, CA).
They began as a “kid band” featuring Sean and Sara Watkins (brother and sister on guitar and fiddle), Chris and Scott Thile (father and son on bass and mandolin). The three kids were all under 12 at the time.
They were mentored and taught by John Moore and Dennis Caplinger of Bluegrass Etc.
Their band name came from a tune on one of Byron Berline’s fiddle albums. Nickel Creek is actually a ranch in Texas where Byron wrote the tune. When the ranch owner found out about the Nickel Creek band, he invited them to perform there—their first out-of-state gig.
1991, released first album on cassette “Nickel Creek” (no label). Sean was 14 years old; Chris and Sara were both 10 years old.
1994, released second album on cassette “Little Cowpoke” (no label).
First DJ to play Nickel Creek on the radio: Wayne Rice, KSON-FM San Diego!
1995, group was split geographically when the Thiles moved to Murray, Kentucky.
1997, released “Here to There” album (no label).
1997, got first national TV exposure on the Statler Brothers Show (TNN).
1999, recorded Nickel Creek album, produced by Alison Krauss.
2000, had a hit video on CMT. Signed by the William Morris Agency.
2000, won IBMA award for Emerging Artist of the Year.
2001, received two Grammy nominations: Country Instrumental Performance and Bluegrass Album.
2001, worked several shows with Dolly Parton.
2001, won the IBMA award for Instrumental Group of the Year. Chris also won award for Mandolin Player of the Year.
2001, were featured in a double-page photo spread and article in TIME magazine as one of the top 100 “Innovators of the Year.”
2001, was nominated for Vocal Group of the Year and the Horizon Award at the CMA Awards. Performed on the show.
2003, won Grammy Award for This Side album (Best Contemporary Folk Album)
2004, “This Side” album was certified Gold.
2004, did a “Mutual Admiration Society” tour with Glenn Phillips (Toad the Wet Sprocket), Pete Thomas (Elvis Costello) and John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin).
2007, did their farewell tour before disbanding.
2007, Chris Thile formed a bluegrass band called the Tensions Mountain Boys, which later became the Punch Brothers.
Since the band breakup: Sara and Sean Watkins have been performing and recording as a duo, as solo artists, as The Watkins Family Hour and The Fiction Family. Sara has appeared on, and guest-hosted Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion radio broadcast. She is also a member of I’m With Her (with Aoife O’Donovan and Sarah Jarosz). Chris has recorded solo projects as well as with the Punch Brothers and became full-time host of NPR’s A Prairie Home Companion (now called Live from Here with Chris Thile).
2014, Nickel Creek reunited to record A Dotted Line album and to tour in support of it, celebrating their 25th anniversary as a band.
2009, released an album called “Let’s Kick Some Ass” with Blue Highway (excluding Jason Burleson). A year later, he re-released it with a less-controversial title Lets Kick It (Bones).
Formed in 2010 by Richard Propps (guitar), Rick Hayes (mandolin), Tony Kakaris (bass), Tim Jackson (Dobro™) and Ronnie Stewart (banjo). Nightflyer’s Stewart is not the same Ronnie Stewart who has performed with the Boxcars, Seldom Scene, etc.
Hayes is a well-known bluegrass luthier (Rick Hayes Instruments) and promoter (opened a bluegrass venue in Covington, Kentucky). He previously performed with Blue and Lonesome and the The Gibson Brothers.
2012, released first self-titled album Nightflyer (no label).
Formed in 1966 by John McEuen, Jimmy Fadden, Jeff Hanna, Jimmy Ibbotson.
Started out as a jug band, incorporating elements of country-rock and bluegrass.
1970, released Uncle Charlie & His Dog Teddy (Capitol) which included several bluegrass cuts like “Clinch Mountain Backstep” and “Jesse James.”
1972, scored first #1 hit: Jerry Jeff Walker’s “Mr. Bojangles.”
1972, they appeared in the movie “Paint Your Wagon.”
1972, recorded a platinum-selling, Grammy-award winning album Will the Circle Be Unbroken (Capitol) with guest artists including Earl Scruggs, Roy Acuff, Mother Maybelle Carter and Jimmy Martin.
During the 1980’s, the NGDB had 17 consecutive #1 songs on the country charts including “Dance Little Jean” and “Long Hard Road.”
1988, John McEwen quit the band to pursue a solo career and other musical interests.
1989, released Will The Circle Be Unbroken, Vol. 2 (MCA Nashville), also featuring numerous special guests. It also won a Grammy Award in the Bluegrass category (for Bruce Hornsby’s “The Valley Road.”)
2001, John McEuen returned as a member of the band after a 15-year hiatus as a solo artist.
Nixon learned to sing in church. Began singing with country bands at age 14.
1989, she and husband Nick formed a country band called Slate River.
2002, formed Michelle Nixon and Drive with mandolin player Vernon Hughes (formerly with the Heights of Grass, Appalachian Drive) and bass player Jim Green (formerly with Bluegrass Etc., Fastest Grass Alive).
Band members: Kody Norris (guitar), Mary Rachel Nalley (fiddle), Josiah Tyree (banjo) and Charlie Lowman (bass).
Their “show” moniker comes from their wardrobe: colorful, tailored suits adorned with rhinestones, ties, classic hats and ornate boots.
2017, released When I Get The Money Made (no label) which won the award for Bluegrass Album of the Year by the National Traditional Country Music Association.
Founding members: Taylor Armerding (mandolin), Bill Henry (guitar) and Bob Emery (bass).
Alison Brown was a member of the band in the early-1980’s while she attended Harvard University. Later replaced by Mike Kropp.
Armerding is also a reporter and assistant editor for North Shore Sunday, a weekly magazine based in Danvers, Mass. His father was a minister and the former president of Wheaton College.
1995, Taylor Armerding’s son Jake joined the band, playing fiddle.
1999, made appearances with with Tom and Ray Magliozzi (AKA “Click and Clack), hosts of the PBS radio program Car Talk.
2000, released a live album Three August Nights (no label) with guest Vassar Clements on fiddle.
2002, Henry recorded a solo project Red Sky (OMS).
2003, Armerding left the band after 28 years to pursue his own musical interests. Performs occasionally with The Bluegrass Gospel Project, Southern Rail and the Jonathan Edwards trio. He was replaced by Ben Demerath, formerly with Sugarbeat. Also joining the band: Dave Dick (banjo) and John Daniel (bass.)
Several members of this group were previously in The East Coast Bluegrass Band.
Members: Mike Andes (mandolin), Gary Farris (guitar), Mitchell Davis (banjo), Chris Sexton (fiddle) and Tony Shorter (bass). Andes writes most of the band’s material and sings lead.
2001, hosted their 1st annual bluegrass festival in Buena Vista.
They have won the SPBGMA’s “Entertaining Band of the Year” award multiple times.
2021, Jake Lauzon joined the band, replacing Caleb Cox on guitar. Current lineup: Andes (mandolin), Sexton (fiddle), James Cox (bass), Jacob Flick (banjo) and Lauzon (guitar).
2022, Lauzon left the band and was replaced by guitarist Curt Gausman.
2023, James Cox (bass) left the band and was replaced by Jenkins (that’s his stage name).
Formed in 2003 by a husband-wife duo Carolyn and Daniel Routh (bass and guitar). Other band members: Levi Austin (banjo) and Austin Koerner (mandolin).
Shortly after the band’s formation, Carolyn had a series of strokes which affected her ability to talk and walk. After several years of therapy, she recovered fully and was able to resume her singing career.
2009, signed by Pinecastle Records just a few months before the label went out of business.
2010, under new ownership, Pinecastle Records released their album Nights.
2011, released second album Blu-Disc (Pinecastle).
1988, began her professional singing career at age 13 with her family band Southland Bluegrass (AKA The Nugent Family Band). This band had been performing together since 1973.
2001, released a solo album For Love’s Sake (no label) produced by Carl Jackson under her married name Alecia McRight. It was re-leased in 2004 as Alecia Nugent, her first album for Rounder Records.
A guitarist and vocalist who performs with many bands: John Reischman and the Jaybirds, The David Grisman Bluegrass Experience, Nell Robinson, Bangers and Grass, Dix Bruce, Keith Little, Judy Forrest, and Due West.
He is a two-time winner of the Western Open Flatpicking Championship.
1991, played guitar on the CBS-TV special “Snoopy’s Reunion” (based on the Peanuts comic strip).
1994, played guitar on the soundtrack to the feature film “The Beverly Hillbillies” with Bela Fleck, Mike Marshall and Sam Bush.
He is a record producer and engineer at a SF recording studio (won Grammy award for his work on “True Life Blues: The Songs of Bill Monroe.”)
A family band that began performing together in 1945 (they ranged in age from 7 to 19 at that time.)
Featured brothers Lloyd (guitar), Haskell (banjo), Kelly (mandolin) and William Harold (bass.)
Recorded for Fred Rose’s Hickory record label. They were heard by Ernest Tubb who was flying over Gallatin in a small plane and heard them on the radio. Tubb urged Rose to sign them and he did.
1955, recorded the original version of “The Bugle Call Rag.” Their signature song was the lighthearted “Red Hen Boogie.”
1970, recorded an album for Metromedia Records called “Brass Meets Grass” featuring horns with bluegrass instrumentation.
Haskell also worked with country singer Marty Robbins and played banjo with Lester Flatt’s Nashville Grass (1971-1973). While with Lester, he recorded two originals: “McCormick String Picnic” and “The Haskel Stomp.”
2001, some members of this band formed a group called Bluegrass Invasion.
From Orange County, California. Lives in Aspen, Colorado.
Founding member of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
Began his show-business career at age 16 with comedian Steve Martin doing magic tricks at Disneyland. (John gave Steve banjo lessons during that time.)
Inspired musically by Doug Dillard (The Dillards).
Made numerous appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and Nashville Now (TNN) which he has also hosted.Wrote the score for one feature film—”The Man Outside” with Levon Helm, as well as several NBC-TV specials.
1976, produced the Grammy-winning Will the Circle Be Unbroken album (Capitol) featuring the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band with Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs, Roy Acuff and many other bluegrass and country music legends.
1985, released first solo project John McEuen (Warner Brothers).
1987, left the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band to spend more time with his family and pursue other career opportunities.
Age 15, James won the Southern States Banjo Championship.
Age 19, he moved to Nashville and directed Opryland’s bluegrass show. Also worked as a studio musician.
1980, toured with Vassar Clements.
1982, won the National Banjo Championship in Winfield, Kansas.
1987, moved back to Dallas and formed Danger in the Air with wife Angela.
1990, moved back to Nashville and formed the James and Angela McKinney Band.
2004, released first album “A Clear View.”
2008, Angela formed her own band called Angela McKinney and Her Mighty Small Band (based in Tennessee). James formed a band called James McKinney and the Night Travelers (based in Georgia).
He is known as one of the top Scruggs-style banjo players in bluegrass music. He became known as “The Duke of Drive,” a reference to his ability to “drive” or push a song with his steady banjo picking.
1963, began playing banjo at age ten. Performed with his father’s group The Rocky River Boys.
1967, learned to play the fiddle at age 14.
1970, got his first professional job, playing fiddle with Charlie Moore (three years.)
1976, joined Ricky Skaggs, Jerry Douglas and Wes Golding to form “Boone Creek.”
1979, was a founding member of Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver.
1985, formed The New Quicksilver with Randy Graham, Alan Bibey and Jimmy Haley. This group later became known as Baucom, Bibey, Graham and Haley.
1991, was a founding member of IIIrd Tyme Out.
1992, with Lou Reid formed “Lou Reid, Terry Baucom and Carolina.”
1996, left the road to freelance and teach music in the Charlotte, NC area.
1998, formed BlueRidge (a re-united New Quicksilver).
2001, formed Baucom, Bibey and BlueRidge.
2003, re-joined Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver.
2007, left Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver to pursue “banjo-focused opportunities,” including teaching and producing instructional DVD’s.
2008, worked with the Mark Newton Band and the Kenny & Amanda Smith Band.
2009,worked with Dale Ann Bradley, the Mashville Brigade and Mountain Heart.
2011, released first solo project In a Groove (Kneedeep).
2013, won IBMA award for Recorded Event of the Year (for “What’ll I Do” featuring Sam Bush, Buddy Melton and others).
2014, formed his own band The Dukes of Drive.
2015, was inducted into the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame (Wilkesboro, North Carolina).
2017, released song Fourth and Goal (John Boy and Billy) and was invited to perform during induction ceremonies for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
Performed together as a family from 1972 through 1989.
Were associated with the armed forces which took them to more than 80 foreign countries as “America’s Ambassadors of Traditional Music.”
Often performed with symphony orchestras and were the first bluegrass band to do so.
Bought the Big Hill Farm near Berea and for 13 years hosted the first “international” bluegrass festival featuring bands from the U.S. and abroad.
Included Raymond K. McLain, father of the McLain Family Band and a professor of musicology at Berea College (he died in 2003); Raymond W. McLain, Michael K. McLain, Ruth McLain Riopel, Michael Riopel, and Nancy Ann McLain.
Recorded more than a dozen albums on their own label, Country Life Records.
Raymond K. McLain passed away in 2004.
Michael K. and his wife Jennifer perform together as a duo.
The entire family has been involved in teaching bluegrass music for decades beginning with the elder Raymond K. McLain, who was a professor of musicology at Berea College in Kentucky, and continuing with Raymond W. McLain’s work at East Tennessee State University and Morehead State University in Kentucky, Michael McLain’s work with the bluegrass program at Belmont University in Nashville, Ruth McLain Smith’s teaching at Morehead State University, and Al White’s (husband of Alice McLain and a former band member) teaching at Berea College.
2013, were presented with the IBMA’s Distinguished Achievement Award.
They reunited for several years with Raymond W., Ruth, Nancy Ann and Michael Riopel performing occasional shows.
2024, they were inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.
Michael plays banjo, Jennifer plays mandolin (although Jennifer is also an award-winning banjo player).
A husband-wife duo, they began performing together in 1997 as the McLains with Michael’s brother Raymond. Raymond departed the band in 2000.
Michael was a member of the McLain Family Band, Sam Hill (which later morphed into Crucial Smith), Claire Lynch and the Front Porch String Band. He was also a music instructor at Belmont University.
Jennifer is an accomplished session musician and vocalist, and she also holds a masters degree in counseling.
Michael and Jennifer also perform with a group called The Banjocats.
From Lewisville, North Carolina (originally from Carroll County, Virginia)
Learned to play mandolin from age 8.
1950, moved to Winston-Salem, NC and worked as a cook and auto repairman.
1960, joined Larry Richardson and the Blue Ridge Boys.
1965, joined the Wandering Valley Boys.
1968, joined the Blue Ridge Partners.
1970, formed the High Country Boys (Grady Bullins (guitar), Audine Lineberry (bass), Ray Edwards (banjo), Carl Joyner (fiddle) and McMillan (mandolin).
McMillan wrote many songs, many of which have been covered by other artists. His song “Wandering in the Darkness” was recorded by the Lonesome River Band as “When You Go Out Walking” on their One Step Ahead album and was nominated for Song of the Year by the IBMA in 1996.
1998, joined Larry Sparks and the Lonesome Ramblers (age 18 at the time).
2003, released first solo project Pickin Time (Copper Creek).
2007, left Larry Sparks band to become a Nashville sideman. He has since worked with Leon Russell, Marty Stuart, Vince Gill, Curly Seckler and Charlie Sizemore.
Original band formed in 1963, with Udell, Larry and Dewey McPeak. Udell dropped out in 1966 and the youngest McPeak brother, Michael took his place.
1974, discovered by country music star Mel Tillis, who arranged for them to record an album called “Bluegrass at its Peak” on RCA Records.
1993, after several years of inactivity, the McPeak Brothers came out of retirement. They recorded “You Won’t Ever Forget Me” album (no label) and began performing again.
Began his career playing banjo with Charlie Collins and the original Pinnacle Mountain Boys, a Tennessee group.
Age 17, he and Collins landed a job playing banjo and guitar respectively with Roy Acuff and the Smoky Mountain Boys on the Grand Ole Opry. He lost his job with Acuff because his Scruggs-style playing didn’t fit Roy Acuff’s mountain-style music.
1969, moved to Los Angeles and replaced John Hartford as Glen Campbell’s banjo player on the CBS-TV show “The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour.”
He became well-known for his mastery of the chromatic or melodic-style banjo technique originated by Bill Keith.
As a session musician, he worked with the Smothers Brothers, Mac Davis, Barbara Mandrell and many others. He also played banjo on the soundtrack to the TV show “The Dukes of Hazzard.”
From Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. He was born in Scotts Hill, Tennessee.
Best known as an early banjo virtuoso who played with Bill Monroe, Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper, Danny Davis and the Nashville Brass and other bands. He also appeared on recordings by such artists as The McCormick Brothers, George Jones & Melba Montgomery, Chubby Wise, Wade Ray, Wayne Raney, Hylo Brown, Leon Payne, Curly Fox & Texas Ruby, The Willis Brothers, C.W. McCall and many others.
1956, he subbed for Earl Scruggs in the Foggy Mountain Boys when Earl was injured in an automobile accident.
Owned a music shop in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee called “McPeake’s Unique Instruments.”
1960-61, played with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys.
1960-1969, he was the staff banjo player for the Grand Ole Opry.
1966, he invented a 10-stringed banjo (doubling the strings on a regular five-string banjo).
1969-1987, played banjo with Danny Davis and the Nashville Brass.
1987, formed his own band The Natchez Express.
2018, received a Distinguished Achievement Award from the IBMA.
2018, released “The Good Times Outweigh the Bad” album (Swift River Music).
1993, signed with Epic Records and had a hit single “Jukebox Junkie.” Later recorded for Curb Records.
Has written songs recorded by Willie Nelson, Deirks Bentley, George Jones, Hank Williams, Jr., Mark Chesnutt, other country artists.
2009, released a bluegrass album Rural Route (no label) with special guests Sonya Isaacs, Vince Gill, Rhonda Vincent and other notable bluegrass artists.
Began playing fiddle while in college (Western Carolina University).
1995, played with a gospel group called Rock Springs Reunion. Marc Pruett (formerly with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder) was also in this band.
After Rock Springs Reunion, worked with a country band called Jubal Foster (named for a moonshiner in an Andy Griffith episode).
2007, released a self-titled solo project with guest musicians Tony Rice, Marc Pruett, Adam Steffey, Tim Surrett and others.
2008, formed Balsam Range with Marc Pruett and Tim Surrett.
2012, was seriously injured in a freak farm accident when he was kicked in the face while loading cattle. He required facial reconstruction surgery from which he quickly recovered. He was back on stage performing with Balsam Range a month later.
2014, won the IBMA Award for Male Vocalist of the Year.
2016, released a duet album with songwriter Milan Miller “Secrets, Dreams and Pretty Things” (no label).
Formed in 2018 by Tim Raybon (guitar) and Daniel Grindstaff (banjo). Band members include: Jayd Raines (bass), Stephen Burwell (fiddle), Eli Johnston (bass), Nick Chandler (mandolin), Gary Hultman (Dobro), Derek Deakins (fiddle), Jason Burleson (mandolin) and Josh Dosh (guitar).
Their band name is a blend of Merle Haggard and Bill Monroe.
Raybon is the brother of Marty Raybon (Shenandoah) and performed with him as the Raybon Brothers. They had a hit record in 1997 with “Butterfly Kisses.”
Grindstaff has worked with Jim and Jesse as well as the Osborne Brothers on the Grand Ole Opry. He has also worked with Marty Raybon’s band Full Circle.
Besides music, Raybon and Grindstaff are both businessmen. Tim has a real estate agency in Nashville, and Daniel owns an insurance agency in Elizabethton, TN.
A musical instrument repairman by trade. (Has a college degree in Musical Instrument Technology.)
Formed his own band Back Roads in 1980. Has also worked with the Sykes Brothers, the Fox Family Band, the Berkshire Mountains Festival Band, and others.
Turning point in his life: met Bill Monroe at 1976 Berkshire Mountains Bluegrass Festival (the first he ever attended) and was struck by lightning at the same festival. He was hit in the neck and thrown ten feet in the air. His heart and lungs stopped and both eardrums were punctured. He was revived and while recuperating in the hospital, Monroe called him to wish him well. They later became friends.
1991, began hosting a radio program called “Blue Grass Time” (WUSB-FM, Long Island, NY).
A gospel group featuring John D. Messer (mandolin), Kenny Stanley (guitar), Jerry Sturgell (resophonic guitar), Brent Amburgey (banjo), Kayla Amburgey (bass) and Albon Clevenger (fiddle).
Messer and Clevenger were formerly with 5 for the Gospel, Cumberland Gap Connection.
Clevenger previously worked with the Lost and Found, Dave Evans and River Bend.
For more than a decade (70’s and 80’s) she was a very popular Washington D.C. area bluegrass, folk and country artist with her own band.
1987, went to Holland on tour and while there married Peter Groenveld, owner of Strictly Country Records. She moved to the Netherlands and after having her first child, became a full-time mom.
1995, began performing and recording again with her band Big City Bluegrass.
1998-2003, performed in a duo with guitarist Mark Cosgrove.
Toured with the Austrian group Nugget, the Berlin-based Hot String Quartet, and the Czech band Fragment.
She has recorded several albums accompanied by such musicians as Ron Block, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Bela Fleck, Byron Berline, David Parmley and Emmylou Harris.
2005, released album The Storm (Strictly Country).
2011, died after a ten-year battle with breast cancer.
An Anglo-Irish, all-female band formed in 2017 by Leanne Thorose (mandolin), Charlotte Carrivick (guitar), Laura Carrivick (fiddle and reso-guitar), Eleanor Wilkie (bass), and Tabitha Benedict (banjo).
2019, Tabitha Benedict (formerly Agnew) married David Benedict (mandolinist with Mile Twelve). She also plays banjo with another British band called Cup O’Joe.
A band formed in 2020 by Noam Pikelny (banjo), Chris Eldridge (guitar), Greg Garrison (bass), Andrew Marlin (mandolin) and Alex Hargreaves (fiddle). Pikelny and Eldridge are also in the Punch Brothers. Garrison is in Leftover Salmon. Marlin is in Mandolin Orange and Hargreaves is in Billy Strings.
They decided to form this band so that they could perform more traditional bluegrass.
How they got their name: On a live recording by Bill Monroe and Doc Watson, after performing the song “What Will You Give in Exchange for Your Soul,” Bill remarked to Doc that the song as recorded by himself and his brother Charlie had been “mighty poplar” down in the Carolinas.
2023, released first album Mighty Poplar (Nonesuch). It was nominated for a Grammy award in 2024.
Formed in 2014 by Evan Murphy (guitar), Bronwyn Keith-Hynes (fiddle), Nate Sabat (bass), BB Bowness (banjo) and David Benedict (mandolin).
Their name comes from a 12-mile marker that the band passes on the highway at the city limits of Boston. “It has become a signpost for our musical adventures when we’re leaving town or coming home.”
Murphy is the only Boston native (from Milton, Massachusetts).
2017, released their first album Onward (no label). produced by Stephen Mougin.
2017, won the IBMA’s Momentum Award for Band of the Year.
2019, released City on a Hill album (Delores the Taurus), produced by Bryan Sutton.
2019, banjo player and native New Zealander BB Bowness became a naturalized citizen of the United States.
2020, won the IBMA Award for New Artist of the Year.
2021, fiddler Keith-Hynes won the IBMA Award for Fiddle Player of the Year.
2021, Benedict and Keith-Hynes left the band and were replaced by Ella Jordan (fiddle) and Korey Brodsky (mandolin).
A multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter who has worked with several bands and as a solo artist.
2004-2005, played banjo with The Lovell Sisters.
2005-2008, played banjo with Carrie Hassler and Hard Rain.
2008-2014, played banjo with Newfound Road until the group disbanded.
As a songwriter, he has written songs that have been recorded by IIIrd Tyme Out, the Highland Travelers, the Darrell Webb Band, Volume Five and others.
He also works in the field of software.
2022, released first single as a solo artist “County Wishing Well” (no label).
From Waynesville, North Carolina. Moved to Nashville in 1999.
A multi-instrumentalist and songwriter. Songwriting credits include Caney Fork River and Papertown by Balsam Range, Pretty Little Girl From Galax by Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out, and Terry Baucom’s What’ll I Do.
2013, released solo project Poison Cove (no label)
2014, released single “The Man from Valdese,” a tribute to George Shuffler.
2006, won his sixth IBMA award for Banjo Player of the Year (also won in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2005).
2010, left Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder to work full time as a collector and dealer of vintage pre-war Gibson banjos. He owns the Jim Mill Banjo Showroom in Durham, North Carolina.
Formed in 2010 by Jacob Sharp (mandolin), Joseph Terrell (guitar) and Wood Robinson (bass). All three are graduates of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. They are often joined by Libby Rodenbough on fiddle.
Their name (Mipso) has no meaning other than it’s original with the band.
Terrell and Robinson previously played together in a funk-rock cover band called Funkasaurus Rex.
He is a singer, songwriter and music teacher who performs as a solo artist and also with his Mike Mitchell Band.
His primary instrument is fiddle, but he plays all the bluegrass instruments.
2005, founded the Floyd Music School and teaches there; it occupies the same building that formerly housed County Sales, the famous mail-order business run by Bluegrass Hall of Famer Dave Freeman.
Early 1990’s, played bass and mandolin with the Dixie Chicks when they won the band contest at Telluride.
Recorded for Electra Records with her trio “The Domestic Science Club.”
Was a founding member of the band Red Oak.
Sang the National Anthem at World Cup Soccer matches.
Sang with Ralph Stanley on his “Clinch Mountain Sweethearts” album, with Emmylou Harris on her “Caught in the Web” album, and with Gail Davies on her “Live and Unplugged at the Station Inn” album.
One of Japan’s top mandolin players. Has won many awards in Japan for his playing, including Moonshiner magazine’s Mandolin Player of the Year award (1988).
1985, formed a group in Japan called Birdland.
1988-1989, hosted a bluegrass radio show in Kyoto.
1991 and 1996, placed third at the U.S. National Mandolin Championship in Winfield, Kansas.
1997, released Man-O-Mandolin album (Grave) and toured with a band including Ronnie McCoury, Rickie Simpkins, Richard Bailey and Gene Libbea.
Live on a tiny island 23 miles off the coast of North Carolina (Ocracoke Island). They own and operate Deepwater Theatre, performing there June-September.
Tour under the auspices of the North Carolina Performing Arts Council.
Band includes Gary Mitchell (guitar), Dave Tweedie (fiddle), Marcy Brenner (mandolin), Lou Castro (Dobro™), Gerald Hampton (bass).
1998, their album Citybound (no label) reached #1 on the European Country Music charts.
Began playing guitar at age 10. Added banjo and fiddle to his repertoire during his teen years. He is best known as a fiddler.
He is a regular instructor at Mark O’Connor Fiddle Camp, Rocky Mountain Fiddle Camp, Alasdair Fraser’s Valley of the Moon and Sierra Fiddle Camps, Swannanoa Gathering, and others.
1973, went the Galax Fiddler’s Convention and heard old-time music for the first time. Got hooked.
Attended Cornell University, became a mechanical engineer.
1994, performed with “Fiddles on Fire,” a national tour.
2003, performed and recorded with “Fiddlers 4” with Darol Anger, Michael Doucet and Rushad Eggleston.
2004, released solo project Poor Man’s Troubles on Rounder Records which won a 2001 “Indie” award for Best Traditional Folk Recording
2006, toured with “Highlands, Heath and Holler” with Martin Hayes & Alasdair Fraser.
2002, released “Then Sings My Soul” album (no label).
2003, won Best Female Vocalist, Best Guitar, Best Mandolin and Best Banjo from the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association at their 25th Anniversary Awards Banquet.
2003, received the Minnesota Music Academy’s Bluegrass Album of the Year Award, and was one of only six artists statewide (and the first Bluegrass band EVER) to be nominated as Artist of the Year
2011, rleased their 11th album Plays the Music of Bill Monroe with band members Lisa Fuglie (fiddle), Matt Thompson (mandolin), Mark Anderson (bass), Benji Flaming (banjo) and Derek Johnson (guitar).
Mentors: “Uncle Pen” (Pendleton) Vandiver, a fiddler; and Arnold Schultz, a African-American guitarist and fiddler whom Monroe credits with inspiring the blues in bluegrass.
Began playing music when he was eight years old. His brothers and sisters played fiddles and guitars, and Bill wanted to do the same. But since he was the youngest, he was given the mandolin.Lived with his Uncle Pen Vandiver (his mother’s brother) after his parents died (they both died before Bill was 17). He learned fiddle music from him.
1929, at age 18, began performing with his brothers Birch and Charlie in east Chicago, while working at the Sinclair refinery (during the Great Depression.)
1934, formed “The Monroe Brothers,” a duo with his brother Charlie. Signed by on RCA Victor’s “Bluebird” label and made first record on February 17, 1936.
1938, moved to Little Rock, Arkansas and formed “The Kentuckians.” Later moved to Atlanta and formed “The Blue Grass Boys,” named after the nickname of his home state.
1939, auditioned for the Grand Ole Opry and was hired on the spot.
First song sung on the Grand Ole Opry: “The Muleskinner Blues.”
1940’s, traveled with a professional baseball team that played local semi-pro teams in exhibition games preceding the concert.
Experimented with various musicians during the early 40’s, including an accordian player and a clawhammer style banjo played by David “Stringbean” Akeman.
1945, Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs joined Monroe’s band and bluegrass music as we know it today was born. Other members of the original “bluegrass” band: Chubby Wise on fiddle, and Howard Watts on bass.
The only bluegrass artist to have remained with a major record label throughout his career. He began on RCA, but switched to Columbia Records in 1945 because he didn’t want to be on the same label with his brother, Charlie. In 1950, he switched again to Decca (now MCA) because he didn’t want to be on the same label with Flatt and Scruggs who left his band to form their own. While he did not record new material during the latter part of his life, MCA claims that he was still with their label until his death in 1996.
1951, purchased the Brown County Jamboree in Bean Blossom, Indiana and hosted bluegrass festivals there beginning in 1967.
1966, was made an honorary Kentucky Colonel.
1970, was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
1981, survived a bout with cancer.
1986, U.S. Senate passed a resolution recognizing and honoring Monroe’s contribution to American music.
1989, was awarded the first Grammy Award in the newly-created Bluegrass category (for his album Southern Flavor).
1991, had double heart bypass surgery.
1991, inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame (then known as the Hall of Honor.) Monroe is considered the Hall’s first inductee although Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs were inducted that same year.
1993, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from NARAS (National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences) at the Grammy Awards—the highest honor that can be presented to a recording artist.
1995, awarded the National Medal of the Arts by President Clinton at the White House.
1996, died of complications from a stroke (September 9) just 3 days short of his 85th birthday.
1997, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.
Last recording of an original song: “The Days Gone By” (on his 1988 Southern Flavor
album).
Last recording session: Feb. 21, 1996, sang harmony on an album by Billy and Terry Smith: Bill Monroe Tribute (K-Tel Records).
Last live performance: The Friday night Opry, March 15, 1996. He sang “True Life Blues.”
RECOMMENDED ALBUMS:
Music of Bill Monroe From 1936-1994 (MCA) This is a 4-CD set featuring highlights from Monroe’s entire career. A wonderful overview of his musical legacy.
The older brother of Bill Monroe. (According to Sam Bush, that makes him the “uncle” of bluegrass.)
1934-1938, Bill and Charlie recorded and performed as the Monroe Brothers. Their biggest hit for was “What Would You Give In Exchange for Your Soul?” (RCA Victor).
1938, after Bill left to form The Blue Grass Boys, Charlie formed The Kentucky Partners and remained very popular, performing on radio stations all over the south. Made over 120 recordings on RCA Victor and Decca Records. Lester Flatt and his wife Gladys (aka Bobbie Jean) were members of The Kentucky Partners before Lester teamed up with Bill Monroe and Earl Scruggs in 1945.
Began his musical career as bass player for the Blue Grass Boys in 1964. Became lead singer and guitarist in 1969.
1971, formed his own band, The Midnight Ramblers.
After his father’s death in 1996, James oversaw the Monroe Estate including Monroe Talent Enterprises. He also produced the Bill Monroe Memorial Festival held in Rosine, Kentucky.
Formed in 2010. Most of this band had been the nucleus of Barry Scott’s band “Second Wind.”
Original band: Matt (AKA “Scooter”) Munsey (mandolin), Daniel Salyer (bass), Travis Houck (resonator guitar), Zane Petty (banjo), Seth Taylor (guitar) and Matt Flake (fiddle.)
2010, appeared on the Today show (NBC). How it happened: NBC sent correspondent Jenna Wolfe to shoot a piece on the Ole Smoky Distillery in Gatlinburg, TN, the first to offer lawful moonshine whiskey since Tennessee allowed counties to approve legal distilleries last year. Monroeville performs there on occasion, and were on hand for the NBC taping.
2012, won the first IBMA “Momentum” Award in the band category.
2013, after numerous personnel changes, settled into a three-piece band featuring original member Munsey, Rachel “Mayo” Mayanavic (fiddle/vocals) and Carl “Carebear” White (electric bass).
2014, band members are: Munsey (mandolin), Matt Fox (guitar), Andy Ruff (resonator guitar) and McCoy Borg (banjo).
From Piedmont, South Carolina; later, Richmond, Virginia.
Began performing at age 17 (1952) with his group The Dixie Partners
1960, formed a partnership with Bill Napier and performed as Moore and Napier throughout most of the sixties, recording several albums for King Records. They were famous for their truck driving songs which got heavy juke-box play.
1969, re-formed The Dixie Partners and recorded several more albums for Old Homestead and Leather Records.
As a songwriter, he is best known for songs like “Kentucky Girl” (recorded by Larry Sparks) and “The Legend of the Rebel Soldier” (recorded by the Country Gentlemen), a song based on the life of his great grandfather.
Had his own TV show in the Greenville-Spartanburg, SC region. Also was a country DJ.
From Vista, California (near San Diego). He lived for several years on Palomar Mountain, near the famous Observatory. In 1997, he moved to Colorado.
1973, as a 12-year-old he was in a kid band called The Pendleton Pickers with Stuart Duncan. They won a radio station talent contest and played the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
1980, formed a San Diego-based band with Dennis Caplinger called Bluegrass Etc. They have released three albums including Bluegrass Etc. (Tricopolis).
1990, joined the band California with Byron Berline, John Hickman, Dan Crary and Steve Spurgin.
He gave Chris Thile mandolin and guitar lessons.
He has performed on numerous movie soundtracks and television commercials.
Day job: he is a professional cowboy. He breaks and trains horses on ranches both in the US and abroad.
In high school, she played flute and oboe in her school band and was a drum major and band director. She started singing as a child in church.
Her big break came when she was introduced to Tom T. Hall at his Florida home on St. George Island. Her first album Local Flowers (Blue Circle) became a pet project for Tom T. and wife Dixie, as they wrote the songs and produced the album.
Born in Livingston, Kentucky but spent most of his musical career in Southern California. Now lives in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
A journeyman guitarist and singer who was part of the early “country-rock” music scene during the sixties. Worked with Clarence White, Gib Gilbeau, Gene Parsons, Vern Gosdin, Glen Campbell and other influential musicians of that era.
Has had a long relationship with famed record producer Gary Paxton.
Played in bands such as The Four Young Men (1959-1963), The Castaways (1963-1966), The New Hollywood Argyles (1966), Nashville West (also known as The Reasons 1967), The Gosdin Brothers (1969), The Flying Burrito Brothers (1971) and several others.
From Lamesa, Texas. Lives in Winchester, Virginia.
Learned to play guitar at age 12 from the same man who taught Buddy Holly to play.
Went to school in Colorado, and there began playing banjo in a bluegrass band. Her first professional gig was performing at a local McDonald’s restaurant for $10 a day.
Won the national banjo championship at Winfield, Kansas twice (1974 and 1981) while a member of the Denver-based group City Limits Bluegrass. She was the first person to win the Winfield banjo contest twice.
1980-1986, performed with a Pennsylvania band called Whetstone Run. Her future husband Marshall Wilborn was also in that band.
1987, worked for a short time with Laurie Lewis and Grant Street.
1988, formed the The Lynn Morris Band with husband Marshall Wilborn when the Johnson Mountain Boys broke up. Joining them in the band were banjo player Tom Adams and mandolinist David McLaughlin who had also been with the JMB.
Was the the first woman elected to the board of the IBMA.
Notable appearances: On the steps of the Library of Congress, the Grand Ole Opry, The Aladdin Hotel (Las Vegas), Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary.
An animal activist, she adopted many abandoned animals and was sponsored by SPAY/USA, an organization that provides affordable spay/neutering services for house pets.
One of a long line of country performers to combine banjo virtuosity and country humor. He was also a versatile session musician who played banjo, guitar, pedal steel and Dobro™.
1953-1954, worked with Jimmy Gately at the WWVA Jamboree.
1955-1957, was a regular on Red Foley’s Ozark Jubilee.
1957, moved to Nashville to work with Johnny and Jack and Kitty Wells.
1965, released Hoss, He’s The Boss album (Decca) which included his classic novelty song “The Great Bicycle Wreck.”
He played banjo on Loretta Lynn’s hit single “Blue Kentucky Girl.”
1960’s, was a regular on the Wilburn Brothers TV show.
1969, worked with George Jones and Tammy Wynette.
1973, released “The Harold Morrison Show” album (GKG) with Billy Smith (guitar), Buddy Spicher (fiddle), Buck White (mandolin), Jerry Douglas (Dobro™) and Johnny Rice (bass).
1976, formed his own band called Smokin’ Bluegrass with his daughter Karla and Benny Williams.
1984, released Blue Grass Classics (Old Homestead) with his band The Maple Hill Boys.
1992, worked with Mac Wiseman in Branson, Missouri.
2018, joined Blue Highway to play resophonic guitar.
2018, won the IBMA Award for Dobro™ Player of the Year.
2019, he is featured in the Country Music Hall of Fame’s American Currents exhibit with his 2018 IBMA Dobro Player of the Year award and childhood mandolin on display.
2019, appeared on PBS TV Special “Ken Burns: A Celebration of Country Music” recorded live from the Ryman Auditorium. He played banjo and resophonic guitar.
2019, signed with Mountain Fever Records.
2020, won the IBMA Award for Resophonic Guitar Player of the Year.
A family bluegrass-gospel band featuring Summer McMahan (fiddle & lead vocals), Brayden McMahan (banjo), and their dad Sam McMahan (bass). Other band members: Luke Dotson (guitar) and Dustin Norris (mandolin).
McMahan is pronouned Mack-ma-HAN.
Paul Harrigill (of Flatt Lonesome) is a former member of this band.
2010, they worked with Barry Scott as his back-up band.
The family owns a filling station, tire shop (“High Country Tire”) and deli in Sylva, North Carolina. Members of the band work there during the week.
2014, released Blue (Mountain Fever), their first non-gospel album.
2014, Cory Piatt (mandolin) joined the band, replacing Dustin Norris.
2015, appeared on the TV show “America’s Got Talent!” and made it to the semi-final round of voting. They were also invited to perform at U.S. military bases in the Middle East and sing the national anthem at a Carolina Panthers NFL game.
Formed in 1998 by Adam Steffey, Steve Gulley, Barry Abernathy, Jim Van Cleve and Johnny Dowdle after having worked with Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver. Steffey was replaced during the recording of the band’s first album by Alan Perdue. Since then, the band has experience numerous personnel changes.
1999, released first album Mountain Heart (Doobie Shea).
1999, Jason Moore replaced Dowdle on bass. Moore had formerly worked with James King.
1999, won IBMA award for Emerging Artist of the Year.
2011, Stargel left the band to join Sierra Hull and Hwy 111 and was replaced by Seth Taylor (formerly with Monroeville and Pine Mountain Railroad).
2014, Taylor (guitar) left the band to join Dailey and Vincent.
2014, Van Cleve left the band to devote more time to his recording and production business. Remaining members: Abernathy (banjo), Ramsey (mandolin), Taylor (guitar), Moore (bass) and Shilling (guitar, keyboards).
2014, Moore and Abernathy departed, selling the band’s assets to the other members. Van Cleve (fiddle) and Taylor (guitar) returned and the group re-organized with Van Cleve, Taylor, Shilling and Ramsey plus new bass/Dobro™ player Jeff Partin (formerly with Volume Five).
2015, Molly Cherryholmes (fiddle) replaced Van Cleve. She joins Shilling (guitar, keyboards), Ramsey (mandolin), Taylor (guitar), and Partin (bass, resophonic guitar).
From East Tennessee. Mulder is originally from Hillsboro, North Dakota.
2011, graduated from the Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music in Hyden, Kentucky.
2015, formed a band called Midnight Run while working as a bartender at the Ole Smokey Moonshine Distillery in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Band members: Mulder (mandolin), Colton Powers (banjo), Ben Watlington (guitar) and Max Etling (bass). They play regularly at the distillery as well as other show dates and tours.
He is a singer/songwriter whose songs have been recorded by a variety of bluegrass bands including Southern Rail. He specializes in songs of “faith, family and fun.”
Mullins previously played banjo with the Traditional Grass. He also was a founding member of the band Longview.
Joe’s father Paul Mullins was also a member of the Traditional Grass and a popular radio personality in Ohio.
1995, Mullins purchased radio station WBZI in Xenia. Later purchased WKFI (Wilmington) and WEDI (Eaton).
1995, released an album of banjo/fiddle duets with fiddler Gerald Evans of the Traditional Grass called Just A Five String & Fiddle (Rebel).
2006, formed his band The Radio Ramblers to promote his radio stations, The band included Adam McIntosh (guitar), Evan McGregor (fiddle), Mike Terry (mandolin), and Tim Kidd (bass).
2009, released Rambler’s Call album, his first with the Radio Ramblers (no label).
From Norman, Oklahoma. Has lived in Nashville, Los Angeles, Levelland and Wimberly Texas, Oklahoma City.
1969, began playing banjo professionally at age 22 with 16-year-old Sam Bush in a band called Poor Richard’s Almanac.
1970, joined Jimmy Martin and The Sunny Mountain Boys.
1972, moved to Los Angeles and with Byron Berline, Roger Bush and Kenny Wertz, formed The Country Gazette, a band that he would lead in one form or another for the next 30 years. During this time he also performed with The Flying Burrito Brothers.
1976, released first solo album Banjo Sandwich (Ridge Runner).
1980, released “The Banjo Kid Picks Again” album (Ridge Runner).
1986-2007, taught bluegrass music at South Plains College in Levelland, Texas. He has also written and recorded dozens of banjo instruction books, recordings and videos.
1994, formed a duo with former Country Gazette member Joe Carr (guitar, mandolin) performing what they called “Border Bluegrass,” a mix of bluegrass with Tex-Mex influences. They released several albums for Flying Fish Records.
Plays banjo with a group called the Disco Mountain Boys but is best known as a world-renowned fine artist. He is a Master Signature Member of the Oil Painters of America and holds Master Status with the American Impressionist Society.
1969, moved to Southern California where he played at various times with Byron Berline, Dan Crary, Pat Cloud and other SoCal musicians. He formed a band called the Tarzan Swing Band.
1978, moved back to Indiana, his home state, where he has focused primarily on his fine art pursuits.
2011, released solo project called Road Trip (Moon Surf Records) featuring guest musicians Jeff Autry, Randy Kohrs and other bluegrass artists.
From Ellenburg Depot, New York (in the Champlain Valley, upstate New York.)
Eric (banjo) and Leigh (guitar) Gibson formed their band in 1991. Eric is the older of the two by eleven months.
Their family tree includes Orville Gibson, founder of the musical instrument company, who is from the same area.
Before going full-time with the band, Leigh was a dairy farmer and Eric was a school teacher.
1998, won IBMA award for “Emerging Artist of the Year.”
1998, signed with Ceili Records, moved to Nashville and began performing and recording more country-oriented material. But in their own words, they were “too country for country.”
2002, returned to bluegrass with the release of Bona Fide (Sugar Hill Records.)
2013, won IBMA awards for Entertainer of the Year, Vocal Group of the Year and Song of the Year (for “They Called It Music.”)
2015, released Brotherhood album (Rounder), a salute to brother duets of the past.
2015, Eric and Leigh Gibson were both awarded honorary doctorates (Doctor of Fine Arts) from the State University of New York. They had previously earned their bachelor’s degrees at SUNY (Plattsburgh, NY).
From Bethlehem, North Carolina; lives in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Was a fiddle child prodigy, playing in front of audiences at age 8.
1996, at age 11, won first place at the Galax, VA fiddle contest (the youngest to do that) and has since won it twice more (he is a three-time winner of that prestigious contest).
2000, recorded his first album Extra Medium (Patuxent Records) at age 15.
2003, released Mojo Expresso album (Patuxent Records.)
2005, she began performing at age seven with the Tuttles, a family band that featured Jack Tuttle and his children Michael, Sullivan and Molly. A. J. played mandolin and sang lead and harmony vocals. The act was later billed as “The Tuttles featuring A.J. Lee.”
2014, she made her first solo recordings, two EPs “AJ Lee” and “Song for Noah.”
She also performed with a group called OMGG (Obviously Minor Guys and a Girl).
2015, after the Tuttles disbanded (Molly went to the Berklee School of Music), A.J and Sullivan Tuttle formed a new group called Blue Summit.
2019, released “Like I Used To” album (no label).
2019, Blue Summit won the FreshGrass Band Contest and Sullivan Tuttle won the 2019 National Flatpicking Contest (Winfield, Kansas).
2019, A. J. won the IBMA Momentum Award for Vocalist of the Year.
2021, released “I’ll Come Back” album (no label).
2022, current band members: A. J. Lee (mandolin), Sullivan Tuttle (guitar), Scott Gates (guitar), Chad Bowen (bass) and Jan Purat (fiddle).
A multi-instrumentalist, he is best known as a mandolin player. He also plays fiddle, guitar and banjo.
He has worked in several bands including the Alan Munde Gazette (playing fiddle), The Jim Hurst Trio (fiddle and mandolin) and his own band, The Hard Road Trio.
2015, won an IBMA Momentum award for Instrumentalist of the Year.
2017, joined the Becky Buller Band (mandolin).
He named his mandolin “Wonderbat,” a reference to the baseball bat used by Homer Simpson on the TV Show “The Simpsons.”
Formed in 1989. The name came from combining the names of two of the members previous bands: “The Left Hand String Band” (led by Drew Emmitt) and “The Salmon Heads” (led by Vince Herman).
They called their music “Poly-ethnic Cajon Slam Grass.”
Original members: Drew Emmitt (mandolin), Vince Herman (guitar), Mark Vann (banjo), Jeff Stipe (drums), Tye North (bass.)
Began playing fiddle at age 6. Won the Tennessee State Fiddle Championship (for beginners) at age 9. Also played on stage with Bill Monroe at age 9.
Began playing mandolin at 12, guitar at 14.
Age 13, worked with Mike Snider on the Grand Ole Opry.
1998 (age 15), joined Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike.
2001, joined Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder playing fiddle (replaced Bobby Hicks).
2003, recorded first solo album Ride (Skaggs Family Records).
2005, formed a jazz trio with Rob Ickes (Dobro™) and Dave Pomeroy (bass) called Three Ring Circle. Released two albums with this group, Three Ring Circle and Brothership (no label).
Has won numerous awards at the Eastern Canadian Bluegrass Music Awards, including Mandolin, Fiddle, and Guitar Player of the Year.
Holds the distinction of being the only mandolin player to work with Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys (other than Bill himself). He filled in for Monroe in 1982 when he was ill.
1986, won the National Mandolin Championship (USA) in Winfield, Kansas.
1996, won Fiddle Player of the Year (Central Canadian Bluegrass Awards).
1997, released River of No Return album with Dobro™ player Roger Williams (Strictly Country).
Has toured with Tony Rice, Michelle Shocked, Alison Brown and many others.
2002, worked with the Dick Smith/Mike O’Reilly Band.
Has his own band called Acoustic Horizon.
He is musical director for a Canadian TV show called “Fiddlehead Country” and is also the house fiddler for the french music show “Pour L’Amour De Country”.
Had his own group for several years called The Emory Lester Set. Also had bands called “Grassworks” (bluegrass) and Earthen Sky (new age/soft rock).
Has also worked with The Tony Rice Unit, Jerry Douglas, The Del McCoury Band, The Eddie Adcock Band, Bill Emerson, Wayne Taylor Jimmy Gaudreau, Gary Feguson and Sally Love and others.
1993, won “Mandolin Player of the Year” at the Canadian Bluegrass Awards show.
1999, formed a duo with banjo player Mark Johnson.
2002, released “Cruisin’ the 8” album (Quiet Fire).
2006, released “Acoustic Rising” album with Mark Johnson (Mountain Home).
2012, released Acoustic Vision album with Mark Johnson (Bangtown).
2013, released “1863” album with Mark Johnson (Bangtown).
1988, recorded Blue Rose album with Cathy Fink, Sally Van Meter, Molly Mason and Marcy Marxer (Sugar Hill).
1989, released Love Chooses You album (Flying Fish). The title song (written by Laurie) was subsequently recorded by Kathy Mattea and went to #1 on the country charts.
1992, 1994, won IBMA award for Female Vocalist of the Year.
1992, made first appearance at the Grand Ole Opry.
1993, released True Stories album (Rounder Records).
1994, she and mandolinist Tom Rozum were seriously injured in an automobile accident while traveling to a performance in Arizona (they both recovered).
1998, disbanded Grant Street and began working as a trio with Tom Rozum and Todd Phillips. She added Craig Smith (banjo) and Mary Gibbons (guitar) to the trio and performed as Laurie Lewis and Her Bluegrass Pals.
2013, released One Evening in May album (Spruce and Maple), recorded live at the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley, CA.
2014, released a duet album with Kathy Kallick “Laurie and Kathy Sing the Songs of Vern and Ray” on Spruce and Maple Records.
2016, released “The Hazel and Alice Sessions” album (Spruce and Maple) with her band The Right Hands, a tribute to the music of Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard.
They were known as “The First Family of Bluegrass Gospel Music.”
1950, they were first known as the Lewis Brothers: Talmadge, Esley and Wallace, along with Dad (Roy) and Miggie.
In the mid-fifties, they changed the name of the group to The Lewis Family, and included sisters Miggie, Polly and Janis, brothers Wallace, Talmadge and Little Roy, and Pop (Roy, Sr.)
They were one of the first bluegrass groups to feature female vocalists.
Over their 50-year career in music, they recorded more than 100 albums of bluegrass gospel music for such record labels as Starday, Canaan, Hollywood, Benson, Crest, Federal, Thoroughbred, Riversong, Gusto, Mountain Home, Music Mill, Sullivan, Daywind, Ember, Nashville, Melodisc and Timberline.
1954, began their own TV show in Augusta Georgia (final broadcast: September 13,1992.)
1993, purchased the late Conway Twitty’s bus and matching trailer.
2000, Pop Lewis was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame (May 24).
2002, they received IBMA’s Distinguished Achievement award.
2003, Mom Lewis died, 2/8.
2004, Pop Lewis died, 3/23.
2006, they were inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.
2007, Wallace Lewis died 5/16.
2009, after winning two more Dove Awards (Gospel music’s highest award), the Lewis Family officially retired. Little Roy Lewis began performing as a duo with his foster daughter Lizzie Long.
2010, Travis Lewis (son of Wallace) and his son Jameson, Janis Lewis and her son Lewis Phillips formed a new band called The Lewis Tradition and released “Precious Memories” album (Thoroughbred).
2015, they were inducted into the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame (Wilkesboro, North Carolina).
1973-4, was a member of Ralph Stanley’s Clinch Mountain Boys.
1975, worked with Lillimae and the Dixie Gospelaires.
1976-1986, was lead singer for Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys (the longest tenure of any lead singer in the Blue Grass Boys. He appeared on 12 of Monroe’s albums.)
1986-present, joined the Cumberland Highlanders and co-hosts their TV show on the Outdoor Channel
Formed in 2010. Band members: Andy Dunnigan (dobro), Scott Parker (upright bass), Matt Cornette (banjo), Jake Simpson (fiddle) and Matt Rieger (guitar).
How they got their name: At their first paid gig, the green room was supplied with beer, toothpicks and a plate of Lil’ Smokies sausages. At that time, they didn’t have a band name. After the show, when asked the name of their band, they looked at the empty plate of toothpicks and had their answer.
2013, won The Northwest String Summit Band Competition in Oregon.
From Boston, Massachusetts. Originally from Clear Creek, West Virginia.
Two brothers: Everett and Michel (an odd spelling of “Michael” that was often mis-pronounced “Mitchell” so he went by “B” the first initial of his middle name “Burt”).
In 1938, began performing as the Lonesome Holler Boys. During the 1940’s, they also performed as “The Smiling Mountain Boys.”
1948, made their recording debut with Red Belcher and the Kentucky Ridge Runners.
1948, joined the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree as the Lilly Mountaineers.
1952-1953, Everett played mandolin with Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs on many of their classic early recordings.
1952, moved to Boston and joined fiddler Tex Logan and banjo player Don Stover to form The Lilly Brothers. For 17 years (until 1970), they performed almost every night at Boston’s Hillbilly Ranch.
Also recorded as The Lilly Brothers and Don Stover to highlight Stover’s banjo playing.
Credited with bringing bluegrass to New England, they influenced such future bluegrass artists as Peter Rowan, Jim Rooney, Bill Keith and many others.
2001, began performing again with their band “The Lilly Mountaineers.”
2002, were inducted into the IBMA’s Hall of Fame. Bill Keith made the presentation.
From Buffalo, Missouri (about 30 miles north of Springfield).
A family band, formerly known as the Greer Family.
Formed in 2005 by John (bass) and Kathie Greer (guitar) and their children: Katie Greer (mandolin), Tate Greer (banjo) and Jase Greer (fiddle). Katie Greer (Hutson) is the lead singer on most songs.
They re-named their group Lindley Creek–after an actual creek near where John grew up.
The Flatbellys were formed in 2008 by several college students who were jamming at a local festival. They got their name after a jam at one of these festivals, where a picker proclaimed “It’s good to see a bunch of you flatbellies out here pickin with us grey-beards!”
Lindsay Lou (Rilko) was a classical music singer who converted to bluegrass after meeting Josh Rilko, mandolinist with the Flatbellys. She eventually became his wife as well as the lead singer and guitarist of the band in 2010. Other members (2012): PJ George (bass), Mark Lavengood (Dobro™) and Keith Billick (banjo).
2007, joined the Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band. He also works solo and with long-time friend and collaborator Jim Nunally. He also works with the David Grisman Bluegrass Experience.
2013, formed his own group The LittleBand (one word) with musicians Michael Witcher (Dobro™), Josh Tharp (banjo), Luke Abbott (fiddle and mandolin), Steve Swan (bass) and occasionally Blaine Sprouse (fiddle).
A band formed in 1989 by Scott Vestal (banjo) following his stint with Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver. Bandmates included Wayne Benson (mandolin), Robert Hale (guitar) and Ernie Sykes (bass).
They were considered a newgrass band at the time because of their used of amplifiers and untraditional material.
1990, released one and only album Wired! (Rounder).
Formed in 2010 by Herb Pederson (guitar), Bill Bryson (bass), Tom Sauber (fiddle) and Pat Sauber (banjo).
Pederson and Bryson have worked in many bands together including the Desert Rose Band and the Laurel Canyon Ramblers. Tom Sauber and son Pat are well-known Southern California bluegrassmusicians. Pat also works frequently with Laurie Lewis, the Bladerunners and the Brombies and was featured in the 2003 movie “A Mighty Wind.”
The band got it’s name from an obscure Flatt and Scruggs song, Loafer’s Glory (recorded in 1965)
A gospel group featuring the Allen Brothers: Russell (guitar), Josh (mandolin) and Larry (bass). Also in the band, their close friend Andy Blalock (guitar). They all attend Evans Chapel Baptist Church in Locust Ridge.
2013, released Healed album (Rural Rhythm) with special guests Steve Gulley, Dale Ann Bradley and Justin Moses.
Members: George Clements (guitar, lead vocals), Patrick M’Gonigle (fiddle), Matt Witler (mandolin), Gabe Hirshfeld (banjo) and Charles Clements (bass). George and Charles Clements are identical twins.
Formed in 2012. They were hired as a wedding band to perform Beatles songs bluegrass-style and decided to stay together. They called themselves BeatleGrass.
Several of the group members are (or have been) students at the Berklee School of Music in Boston.
2015, won the IBMA Momentum Award for Band of the Year.
Formed in 1983 by Tim Austin and Jerry McMillan. Current and former members of the band include Adam Steffey, Dan Tyminski, Dale Perry, Kenny Smith, Ricky Simpkons, Sammy Shelor, Ronnie Bowman, Don Rigsby, Darrell Webb, Jeff Parker and Brandon Rickman.
1995, founding member Tim Austin (guitar) left the band to develop his own recording studio and label, Doobie Shea Records. He is a top sound engineer for the Grand Ole Opry and touring country music shows.
1996 line-up: Ronnie Bowman (bass, lead vocals), Sammy Shelor (banjo), Kenny Smith (guitar), Don Rigsby (mandolin).
1998, all four members of the band won IBMA awards: Bowman (Male Vocalist), Shelor (Banjo Player), Smith (Guitar Player), and Rigsby (Recorded Event, Song of the Year for his work with “Longview”).
2000, Ricky Simpkins joined the band.
2001, Bowman, Smith, Rigsby and Simpkins departed en masse. Shelor acquired the band name and re-organized the group with new members: Brandon Rickman (guitar), Jeff Parker (mandolin), Barry Berrier (bass) and Mike Hartgrove (fiddle). Irl Hees soon replaced Berrier.
2011, Shelor received the Steve Martin prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass.
2012, won the IBMA Award for Instrumental Recording of the Year (for “Angeline the Baker” from Life Goes On album featuring various artists (Musicians Against Childhood Cancer).
2012, Shelor won the IBMA Award for Banjo Player of the Year.
2014 lineup: Shelor (banjo), Rickman (guitar), Hartgrove (fiddle), Barry Reed (bass) and Randy Jones (mandolin.)
2015, Jesse Smathers (mandolin) joined the group, replacing Randy Jones.
2017, Smathers won the IBMA Momentum Award for Vocalist of the Year.
2021, Brandon Rickman (guitar) departed and was replaced by Adam Miller (mandolin). Smathers switched from mandolin to guitar. Also, Barry Reed (bass) was replaced by Kameron Keller.
RECOMMENDED ALBUMS
Looking for Yourself (Rebel, 1989) First CD with band that included Tim Austin, Dan Tyminski, Jerry MacMillian and Dale Perry.
Carrying the Tradition (Rebel, 1991) Their landmark album featuring Tyminski, Austin, plus new members Ronnie Bowman and Sammy Shelor.
Old Country Town (Sugar Hill, 1994) Another classic LRB album featuring strong vocals by Tyminski and Bowman.
One Step Forward (Sugar Hill, 1996) First of three albums with Bowman, Shelor and new members Don Rigsby and Kenny Smith.
A trio formed in 1993 at Oberlin College by Ed Helms (banjo/guitar), Ian Riggs (bass) and Jacob Tilove (mandolin). They were originally called “Weedkiller.”
Helms is an actor and comedian (“The Office,” “Hangover,” “The Daily Show”) and founder of The Bluegrass Situation.
Formed by Justin Hoffenberg (fiddle) and Martin Gilmore (guitar) in 2005. Band also includes Pete Wernick (banjo), Jordan Ramsey (mandolin) and Andrew Bonnis (bass).
A project band made up of musicians who at the time were performing with other bands: Dudley Connell (Seldom Scene), James King (The James King Band), Joe Mullins, Don Rigsby (Lonesome River Band/Rock County), Glen Duncan (Rock County) and Marshall Wilborn (The Lynn Morris Band).
The idea for this band originated at the Denton, NC bluegrass festival in 1994, when Don Rigsby, Dudley Connell and James King sang together in a group called The Rounder All-Stars.
The name comes from the recording studio: The Long View Farm, in North Brookfield, Mass.
1997, recorded first album Longview (Rounder) which won the IBMA Award in 1998 for Recorded Event of the Year and Song of the Year (for “Lonesome Old Home”).
2003, Scott Vestal replaced Joe Mullins (banjo) for live shows.
2008, the group re-formed to record Deep in the Mountains album (Rounder) with three original members King, Wilborn and Rigsby plus Lou Reid, J.D. Crowe and Ron Stewart.
2015, released Journey With No End album (no label). By this time all the girls were between the ages of 17 and 21.
Members: Ashley Nate (banjo), Avery Davis (fiddle), Channing Russell (guitar), Grace Wilson (bass) and Lindsey Nale (mandolin).
2019: Grace Davis (formerly Wilson) left the band to play full-time with Shannon Slaughter’s group County Clare. She is married to banjo player Jason Davis.
Formed in 1985 by Phil Round (guitar/bass), Ben Winship (mandolin) and Ted Wells (banjo). They previously performed together in a Vermont-based group called The Homegrown Revue.
Avid skiers, they moved to Jackson Hole to work in ski resorts.
1986, won the Telluride Bluegrass Festival band championship.
1987, won second in the Kentucky Fried Chicken “Best New Bluegrass Bands” contest in Louisville. First place was won by Alison Krauss and Union Station.
1988, recorded a classic Christmas album called Yule Ties (Snake River).
1991, released “Up & Down the Highway” album (Snake River).
1994, released “Tangled Roots” album (Blue Planet).
Name origin: “We are loosely tied to traditional bluegrass.”
Original guitarist Joel Kaserman is from Australia. Rex Flinner (brother of Matt Flinner) also played guitar.
Banjo player Ted Wells has the distinction of being the first and only graduate of St. Lawrence University with a banjo degree.
1994, John Lowell (Kane’s River) joined the band to play guitar.
September, 1996, played last concert.
Mandolinist Ben Winship went on to work with the Judith Edelman Band and Kane’s River.
2008, the band reunited for a sold out show at the Jackson Hole Center for the Arts.
2009, founding member Phil Round formed the Snake River Band.
Formed in 1973. Original members: Allen Mills (bass, lead vocals), Gene Parker (banjo), Roger Handy (guitar) and Dempsey Young (mandolin).
Began recording in 1976 on the Outlet label, then were signed to Rebel Records in 1980.
On the name, says Mills, “At the time we started this band, all of us were lost in other bands; but we found each other through a mutual love for bluegrass music.”
Bass player and bandleader Allen Mills previously worked with the Easter Brothers and a country group called the T-Birds. As a songwriter, he is best known for “Love of the Mountains,” which has become a bluegrass standard.
Mills and Young formed the core of the group and preserved it’s sound. Other band members have included over the years Ronnie Bowman, Barry Berrier, Shane Bartley, Greg Luck, Jody King, Lynwood Lunsford, John Lewis, Scottie Sparks, Ben Green, Steve Wilson and others.
1974, the original band was formed by Dave Dickey (guitar), Walden Dahl (mandolin), Pat Brayer (fiddle), Nick Haney (bass) and Lauren Seapy (banjo).
1978, Dahl and Brayer left the band. Jerry Service (fiddle) joined and band leader Dickey switched to playing mandolin. Guitarist Ken Orrick also joined and eventually became the band leader (after Dickey departed a couple of years later). Orrick was originally from Smithville, Tennessee. He previously played in a gospel group called the Premanaires, which included Faye DeMent (older sister of Iris DeMent).
1979, released “Hard Road to Travel” album (no label).
1981, Stuart Duncan (fiddle) joined the band, replacing original member and band leader Dave Dickey (mandolin).
1982, released “Lost Highway” album (no label), recorded at South Plains College in Levelland, Texas (Duncan was a student there at the time).
1983, Duncan left the band to join Larry Sparks & the Lonesome Ramblers. He was replaced by Jeff Harvey (mandolin).
1985, released “Memories of the Past” album (no label).
1987, the group disbanded and then re-united in 1996. Members of the “new” Lost Highway included Ken Orrick (guitar) and Jeff Harvey (mandolin) who were with the group previously. New members: Dick Brown (banjo), Paul Shelasky (fiddle) and Marshall Andrews (bass).
2006, they performed in Oman (southeastern coast of the Arabian peninsula).
2007-2009, Orrick continued to perform with various part-time musicians but largely was unable to keep the band together due to his failing health. He died in 2009 at the age of 68.
2024, won SPBGMA’s Bass Player of the Year award and added Jake Goforth (guitar) to his band. Other band members: Zack Autry (mandolin) and Anthony Howell (banjo).
Brothers Ira and Charlie Loudermilk began singing together as teenagers in the 1940’s. They later changed their performing name to Louvin and became one of the most popular brother duets in country music during the 50’s and 60’s.
1955, joined the Grand Ole Opry.
Changes in the country music industry coupled with Ira’s alcoholism and erratic behavior led to a breakup in 1963. Charlie continued performing as a solo artist and had several chart-topping singles including “See the Big Man Cry” and “I Don’t Love You Anymore.”
Ira died in an auto accident on Father’s Day, 1965.
Charlie formed a duo for several with Charles Whitstein (of the Whitstein Brothers), recreating the duet harmonies of the Louvin Brothers.
Many of their songs have become bluegrass standards: “I Don’t Believe You’ve Met My Baby,” “I Wish You Knew” and “Ashes of Love” to name a few.
1992, The Louvin Brothers were honored with an IBMA Distinguished Achievement Award for their lifetime contributions to bluegrass music.
1994, Charlie recorded a bluegrass album called “Bluegrass Style” (Niptune).
2010, Charlie authored a book titled Satan Is Real: The Ballad of the Louvin Brothers.
Formed in 2010 by Jesse Harper (guitar) and Adam Larabee (banjo). They were joined by Andy Thacker (mandolin), Darrell Muller (bass) and Nate Leath (fiddle).
Larabee teaches music at the University of Virginia and Virginia Commonwealth University. He is also a former member of Joy Kills Sorrow.
Harper teaches music at Woodberry Forest School. He is a former member of Old School Freight Train.
They play covers of popular 80’s songs.
2012, released two albums: “Greatest Hits” and “Greatest Hits Volume 2.”
Began her professional music career as a teenager singing with the Wilburn Brothers. Her name was Patricia Ramey at the time. She married the Wilburn’s drummer, Terry Loveless upon graduation from high school.
Had dozens of #1 country hits including “You Can Feel Bad (If It Makes You Feel Better),” “How Can I Help You Say Goodbye,” etc.
1988, became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
As of 2001, has won 19 CMA Awards including the Horizon Award (twice), Female Vocalist of the Year (seven times), Album of the Year (four times), Single of the Year (three times), Vocal Event of the Year (four times).
2001, recorded her first bluegrass album Mountain Soul and appeared on the Down from the Mountain tour with many bluegrass and traditional artists.
2002, co-hosted (with Ricky Skaggs) the IBMA Awards Show.
2009, appeared on the Grand Ole Opry; released Time To Grow album (2DefPigs).
2010, Jessica left the group and the two remaining sisters (Megan and Rebecca) renamed their act “Larkin Poe,” after a distant relative. They also began transitioning to a more folk-rock sound.
He is a singer/songwriter who has been a member of numerous bands: Medicine Wheel, Wheel Hoss, Deep River, Kane’s River, Loose Ties, the Growling Old Men (with Ben Winship), the John Lowell Band (a European touring group), Two Bit Franks and the Lone Mountain Trio.
He worked as a purchasing agent for Gibson musical instruments.
Has played banjo with Tony Trischka’s Double Banjo Bluegrass Spectacular Band, The Rarely Herd, Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time, The Jim Hurst Band, Radio Flyer, Paul Adkins & The Borderline Band and the Apocalyptic Cowboys.
2003, joined Chris Jones and the Night Drivers.
2010, recorded and toured with guitarist Stephen Mougin as Nedski and Mojo.
He is a DJ on Sirius/XM’s Bluegrass Junction. He is also the backstage announcer for the IBMA Awards Show.
2016, joined the Becky Buller Band full-time.
2018, won the IBMA Award for Banjo Player of the Year.
2023, won the IBMA Award for Broadcaster of the Year.
2024, was inducted into the American Banjo Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City.
Originally from Kingston, New York. Moved to Alabama at age 12.
1974, formed The Front Porch String Band in Birmingham, Alabama with husband Larry. Disbanded the group in 1982 to start a family.
Has sang on albums by Linda Rondstadt, John Starling, Pam Tillis, Ralph Stanley, Skip Ewing, Dolly Parton, Kathy Mattea, Emmy Lou Harris, Patty Loveless, many others.
Has written many songs recorded by such artists as Patty Loveless, the Whites, Kathy Mattea, The Seldom Scene, Pierce Pettis, Valerie Smith, others.
1990, began touring again with a reorganized Front Porch String Band.
1993, released Friends for a Lifetime album (Brentwood Music). Re-released in 1998 on Rounder Records.
1997, released Silver & Gold album (Rounder), nominated for a Grammy in the Best Bluegrass category.
2000, disbanded the Front Porch String Band once again to spend more time at home with her family.
2000, released Lovelight album (Rounder), nominated for a Grammy in the Best Bluegrass category.
2000-2002, toured with Dolly Parton, providing background vocals.
2005, returned to performing and recording with her own band.
2014, won IBMA awards for Song of the Year (for “Dear Sister,” co-written by Louisa Branscomb and Claire Lynch) and Recorded Event of the Year (for “Wild Montana Skies” with the Special Consensus and Rob Ickes).
2019, won IBMA Award for Gospel Recording of the Year for “Gonna Sing, Gonna Shout,” written by Rick Lang.
From Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Lives in the Nashville area.
A prolific songwriter, her songs have been recorded by such artists as Alan Jackson, Trisha Yearwood, Loretta Lynn, Pat Green, Brother Phelps, Rhonda Vincent, Claire Lynch, Darrell Scott, The Whites, the Osborne Brothers and others.
1989, recorded a solo project on MCA Records which was never released except for one single “You Are a Rock.”
1969, began performing with her father Royce in a popular country duo called “The Kendalls.”
1977, scored first number one hit record, “Heaven’s Just a Sin Away.” Won a Grammy (Best Country Vocal Performance) and a CMA Award for Single of the Year.
Recorded for now-defunct Ovation Records, also Mercury and MCA/Curb Records.
1998, the Kendalls signed with Rounder Records to record a bluegrass album but Royce died before the album was finished. Jeannie finished the album on her own and Jeannie Kendall was released in 2003.
A legendary California bluegrass band of the 1960’s featuring the White Brothers—Roland, Eric and Clarence.
The White brothers were born in Maine to French Canadian parents. (There were 17 White children altogether.) They moved to Southern California in the 1950’s.
Originally called themselves The Country Boys (1956).
As youngsters, they won a talent contest which landed them a job as regulars on a Los Angeles television show called “The Town Hall Party.”
1957, banjo player Billy Ray Lathum joined the band which was re-named The Kentucky Colonels.
1959, began playing regularly at the Ash Grove, one of L.A.’s most prestigious folk clubs. Fiddler Scott Stoneman was added and Eric White was replaced by Roger Bush on bass. LeRoy Mack (McNees) also joined the group, playing Dobro™.
1960, appeared on one episode of the Andy Griffith TV Show. (Replaced in later episodes by the Dillards.)
1964, released Long Journey Home album (reissued on Vanguard in 1991).
1964, released Livin’ in the Past album (live recordings released 1975 on Sierra Records).
1966, broke up.
1973, they reunited for a European tour, with Herb Pederson playing banjo.
Clarence became a session musician in L.A. and later joined the Byrds. He died in 1973 at the age of 29 in an auto accident. He is credited with bringing the guitar into prominence as a lead instrument in bluegrass. Tony Rice was inspired by Clarence and now owns Clarence’s Martin D-28 guitar.
Roland went on to work with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys, Lester Flatt and the Nashville Grass, The Country Gazette and The Nashville Bluegrass Band.
Billy Ray Lathum joined the Dillards in the 1970’s and worked with Herb Pederson in an L.A. band The Laurel Canyon Ramblers. He also had a San Diego-based group called Banjovi.
Roger Bush joined fiddler Byron Berline to form The Country Gazette.
LeRoy Mack formed a gospel group called Born Again Bluegrass and later, Gloryland. He has also recorded several solo projects and continues to tour, performing at festivals and churches.
2016, Clarence White was inducted into the IBMA’s Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.
2017, Roland White was inducted into the IBMA’s Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.
2019, the Kentucky Colonels (as a band) were inducted into the IBMA’s Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.
Formed in 1973 by Marvin Davis (mandolin), Dennis Barret (guitar, lead vocals), Ralph King (banjo), Avery Gabbard (bass) and Roger Smith (fiddle). Glenn Duncan also played fiddle with this band.
1974, released “Headin’ South” album on Pine Tree Records.
1975, released “True Bluegrass” album on King Bluegrass Records.
1976, released “A Day in October” album on King Bluegrass Records.
1977, released “Kentucky Heritage” album on King Bluegrass Records.
1978, released “Most Requested” album on Old Homestead Records.
1982, released “New Time” album on Old Homestead Records.
1982, released “Who Will Open the Church Door” album on Old Homestead Records.
A family band including brother and sister Kacey and Caleb O’Neal (fiddle/mandolin), mom Shelane O’Neal (bass) and dad Terry O’Neal (manager/bus driver/soundman). Other members: Jesse Meador (banjo) and Justus Ross (guitar).
Their name was chosen because they wanted to just “be themselves.” Hence, Kentucky Just Us.
Meador’s brother John of Authentic Unlimited was a former member of this band.
2022, Meador won the Walnut Valley 50th Anniversary National Banjo Championship and Ross placed second in the National Flat-Pick Guitar Championship.
Members: Lynda Dawson (guitar), Jamie Dawson (mandolin), Ben Walters (banjo), Patrick Walsh (bass), Matt Hooper (fiddle).
Formed in 2000, as backup group for the Chapel Hill Cloggers.
2003, won a talent contest in Raleigh and used prize money to finance their first recording Backroads (2004, no label), produced by Steve Dilling of IIIrd Tyme Out.
Two time Juvenile National Banjo, Guitar and Mandolin Champion.
Signed an endorsement contract with Gibson at age ten.As a teenager, won the Kentucky State Banjo Championship, the Georgia State Banjo Championship and both the Winfield National Guitar and Mandolin championships.
1993, appeared at the IBMA Awards Show as part of the Bluegrass Youth All-Stars.
1996, worked with the band High Lonesome at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta
1997, appeared on TNN’s Prime Time Country with Dick Clark, Grandpa Jones and Loretta Lynn.
1997, released Just Me (Rebel Records), playing all the instruments (guitar, banjo, mandolin, bass and Dobro™).
2000, joined Sally Jones and the Sidewinders.
2001, joined Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, playing lead guitar.
Plays mandolin with the Cumberland Highlanders TV Show. Has also worked with Larry Sparks, Mac Wiseman, Wayne Lewis, Tom Ewing, Josh Graves, James Monroe, other bands.
1979, joined Larry Sparks’ band.
1982, performed at the World’s Fair in Knoxville.
2006-2012, joined Larry Sparks’ band a second time.
Has played bluegrass music since the 1950’s with groups like Mountain Grass, Flint Hill Special, F&W String Band, Wild Turkey String Band, Southern Sounds of Grass, Kimmel, Rosenstein & Company, others.
Plays mandolin, guitar, and clawhammer banjo. Also a singer and songwriter.
Has written numerous articles and record reviews for Bluegrass Unlimited and other publications. Has written album liner notes for several artists, including Del McCoury.
Has a Ph.D in biology. Works as a wildlife biologist for Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources.
Hobby: wild turkey hunting.
Called “The Ambassador of Bluegrass” because of his international involvements in bluegrass music. He was chairman of the IBMA’s International Committee.
1992, released “Wild Turkey Rag” album (Copper Creek).
1994, released Road to Braemar album with Leo Rosenstein (Copper Creek).
1996, released Ramblin Away album by Kimmel, Rosenstein & Co. (Copper Creek).
1996, released 25 Year Collection album (Copper Creek), a collection of his recordings from 1969-1991.
From Cana, Virginia but lived most of his life in Amelia, Virginia at the foot of Fancy Gap Mountain.
Started playing rock music at age 12. Was a big fan of Alice Cooper, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Steppenwolf. Then at age 15, someone turned him on to the Stanley Brothers. “That music was in my blood all the time, I just didn’t know it.”
He was a furniture refinisher by trade.
His father was a fiddler. He was also strongly influenced by Ted Lundy.
1982, played with a band called the Chesapeake Bay Boys.
1983, joined Dealer’s Choice
1985-8, joined the Blinky Moon Boys
1985, recorded with Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys.
1988, formed his first band: James King, Brian Wetzel and the Misty Valley Boys.
1989, released “It’s a Cold Cold World” album (Webco).
Formed in 1994 at their home church, Mountain View Baptist Church. They became known as the King James 1611 Boys, named after the King James edition of the Bible that was first published in 1611 (which is still widely used today.) They later dropped the “1611” from their band name.
Original band: Randy Spencer (guitar), Jeff Dover (bass), Jarred Spencer (mandolin), Kyle Atkins (mandolin), Derrick Mabry (Dobro™), David Mabry (banjo).
2015, released their “20 Year Compilation” album (no label) which featured highlights from their previous eight albums.
1993, began performing (singing and playing bass) with a group called Bluegrass Addiction. Her husband Joe was also in that band.
She is the founder and director of Lori King Productions, which produces concerts, festivals and other music events in the midwest.
2014, formed her band Junction 63. Members include Lori King (bass), Joe King (guitar), Keven Amburgey (mandolin), David Brack (mandolin, guitar, fiddle) and Alex Riffle (banjo). Several of the band members live in Missouri.
She also fronts a country band called Midnight Blue.
From Charlottesville, Virginia (although no one in the band is actually from Virginia. Individually, the original band members are from Ohio, Wisconsin, New York, Maryland, North Carolina and Tennessee.)
Named after Bill Monroe’s favorite horse.
Formed in 2002 by Ted Pitney (guitar) and Reid Burgess (mandolin), both graduates of Kenyon College in Ohio.
Other band members: Abe Spear (banjo), Drew Breakey (bass), Nick Reeb (fiddle), John McDonald (guitar).
Formed in 1976. Early members were Jimmy Millsapps (banjo), Glenn Laney (guitar & banjo), Paul Brewster (guitar), Darryl Wolfe (mandolin), Mike Davis (bass). Mark Newton (mandolin), Gary Ferguson (banjo & guitar), Byron Doss (fiddle) and Karl Tomasso (bass) were later members of this band.
Home base: Buddy’s Bar-B-Q in Knoxville, where they performed regularly.
1977, released self-titled album on Atteiram Records.
1978, released “Darby’s Castle” album (Thunderhead).
1979, released “Evolution” album (Thunderhead).
1980, released “Live at Buddy’s Barbecue” (Vasari).
1981, released “Painted Lady” album (Leather).
Newton left to form the Virginia Squires. He has since performed and recorded as a solo artist.
Brewster went on to work with the Pinnacle Boys, the Osborne Brothers and Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder.
1997, Laney formed a new group called The Knoxville Bluegrass Band.
2000, they re-united to play the Graves Mountain Bluegrass Festival (produced by Mark Newton).
Plays all the bluegrass instruments but is best known as a Dobro™ player. He is well known as a top Nashville session musician and producer. He has toured and recorded with many of the top country acts.
As a teenager, he played with a Missouri bluegrass band called Possum Trot.
1995, moved to Nashville and got a job with Tom T. Hall.
1998, joined David Parmley, Scott Vestal and Continental Divide.
2000, joined the John Cowan Band.
2001, released first solo album Crack in My Armour (Junction) and formed his own band The Lites.
2002, toured with Dolly Parton.
2004, released second solo project I’m Torn (Lonesome Day).
1995, won her 4th IBMA Award for Female Vocalist of the Year (also won in 1990, 1991, 1993).
1995, she won her second IBMA Award for Entertainer of the Year (also won in 1991).
1995, performed at the White House for President Bill Clinton, Vice President Al Gore and other dignitaries.
She has appeared on soundtracks for numerous movies: “Twister” (1996), “Prince of Egypt” (1998), “O Brother, Where Art Thou” (2000), “Cold Mountain” (2004), others.
2000, produced Nickel Creek’s debut album.
2001, won an IBMA award for Gospel Recording of the Year (duet with Gillian Welch “I’ll Fly Away” from the “O Brother, Where Art Thou” soundtrack).
2004, recorded “Whiskey Lullaby” with Brad Paisley which went to #1 on the country charts for several weeks.
2005, she co-hosted the IBMA Awards Show for the third time (with Ricky Skaggs). She co-hosted previously with Dan Tyminski (2003, 2004).
2005, won her sixth CMA Award. She has won awards for “Album of the Year,” “Female Vocalist of the Year”, “Single of the Year,” “Song of the Year,” “Horizon Award” and “Vocal Event of the Year.”
2007, recorded and toured with Led Zepellin’s Robert Plant.
2009 (July), performed for President Barack and Michelle Obama at the White House.
2012, won her 27th Grammy Award, tying her with Quincy Jones for the most Grammy wins. She holds the record for the most Grammy wins by a female artist (she overtook Aretha Franklin in 2004).
2019, was awarded the National Medal for the Arts by President Donald Trump in a ceremony at the White House.
2007, realized a lifelong ambition when they performed with the Bangor Symphony Orchestra to present the world premiere of “Music from the Spring: A Romantic Serenade for Banjo, Guitar, Bass & Orchestra” (orchestrated by Jens Krüger).
2013, Jens was awarded the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass Music.
2015, a documentary film about the Krüger Brothers titled “Beautiful Nothing” (the name of one of Jens Kruger’s most popular compositions) was released.
The group formed in 1975 as a Russian folk band. Their first exposure to bluegrass was an early eighties tour of the Soviet Union by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. At the time they were called Ornament. They later changed their name to Kukuruza, which means “corn” in Russian.
During their bluegrass music years, they featured the vocals of Irina Surina who joined the group in 1989.
Plays the a Japanese stringed instrument called the “Shami-sen” which resembles the banjo.
Studied bluegrass music for one year at East Tennessee State University (under the sponsorship of the Japanese government) and while there, recorded two albums (“Appalachian Shamisen” and “Sushi and Gravy”) with a band made up of ETSU faculty and students called “The Last Frontier.” He also performed on the 2005 IBMA Awards Show.
He is a well-known musician and storyteller in Japan. Owns and performs at the Tokyo Theatre in downtown Tokyo and was featured in the Academy Award nominated film “Mt. Head.” He is a regular on several Japanese TV soap operas and children’s programs.
They recorded more than 50 albums for Capitol, Columbia, Epic, Kentucky, CMH, Rounder, Opryland Old Dominion, Pinecastle.
First public appearance: 1941 in St. Paul, Virginia (an amateur talent contest).
First influence: grandfather Charlie McReynolds, a fiddler and member of the Bull Mountain Moonshiners.
They were heavily influenced by the Delmore Brothers.
First band: the Cumberland Mountain Boys (1947-1948).
First radio show: on WNVA in Norton, VA (1947).
First recording: a collection of Gospel songs with their 1950 group, The Virginia Trio (which eventually became The Virginia Boys.)
1952, recorded for Capitol in the historic Tulane Hotel in Nashville. The Virginia Boys included Sonny James on fiddle and Curley Seckler on guitar.
1962, performed their first song on the Opry: “I’ll Never Love Anybody But You.” Jesse wrote the song as a joke (intended to be a rock and roll song) but it caught on and became a hit.
1964, joined the Grand Ole Opry.
1966-7, had their own syndicated TV show, sponsored by Martha White.
1966, to expand their audience, they recorded an album of Chuck Berry songs called “Berry Pickin’ in the Country.” It flopped.
1967, had their only “top 10” song on the country charts– “Diesel on My Tail.”
1969, Jesse played mandolin on an album by The Doors.
Close friends with the Louvin Brothers. Jesse and Charlie Louvin were in the army together during the Korean war. 1982, Jim and Jesse recorded a trio album with Charlie.
Jesse has a trademark style of playing the mandolin which has become widely known as “McReynolds-style mandolin.” It is a distinctive cross-picking style which Jesse developed while trying to make his mandolin emulate the sound of the bluegrass-style banjo.
1993, they were inducted into the IBMA’s Hall of Fame.
They were also inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame’s “Walkway of Stars,” the Virginia Country Music Hall of Fame, and Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Hall of Fame.
1996, Jesse McReynolds married Joy Tipton.
March 29, 1997, celebrated 50 years in music with a celebration at the Grand Ole Opry House.
September, 1997, received a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship award from First Lady Hillary Clinton at the White House.
1998, Jesse’s grandson Luke McKnight joined the Virginia Boys.
2002, Jim McReynolds died of cancer on New Year’s Eve at the age of 75.
2003, Jesse re-organized the Virginia Boys with Charles Whitstein singing his brother’s parts. Bobby Hicks also joined the band, playing fiddle.
An innovative banjo player who recorded two popular banjo albums in the 1960’s: “Twelve Shades of Bluegrass” (Parkway) and “New Sounds in Bluegrass: Bluegrass Banjo with Strings” (MGM).
1958, worked briefly with Bill Monroe.
1959-1960, worked with Walter Forbes and the Lonesome Travelers, making frequent guest appearances on the Grand Old Opry. Norman Blake was also in that band.
During the 60’s, he was an A-list studio musician, playing banjo on such hits as the Statler Brothers “Flowers on the Wall.”
From Washington, D.C. area (Gaithersburg, Maryland).
Formed in 1975 as a duet featuring Dudley Connell on banjo and Ron Welch on guitar. Connell eventually switched to guitar and added other musicians to form a full bluegrass band: Ed D’Zmura (guitar, mandolin), Eddie Stubbs (fiddle), Richard Underwood (banjo), Larry Robbins (bass). Over the years, the band also included David McLaughlin (mandolin), Tom Adams (banjo) and Marshall Wilborn (bass).
There is no such place as Johnson Mountain. Connell originally named the band The Johnson Boys because it just sounded good, but later added “Mountain” because he discovered a folk group already had the Johnson Boys name.
While they were together, they performed in some of the nation’s most prestigious venues: Madison Square Garden, The White House, the Lincoln Center and the Grand Ole Opry. Also toured England, Japan, and Africa.
1981, released “The Johnson Mountain Boys” album (Rounder).
Connell (guitar) took a job with the Smithsonian Institution as director of the Folkways Record Collection. In 1995 he joined the Seldom Scene as guitarist and lead singer. He also worked with Hazel Dickens and the part-time band Longview.
Eddie Stubbs (fiddle) moved to Nashville in 1995 where he took a job as fiddle player with Johnny Wright and Kitty Wells, and also became a DJ and Grand Ole Opry announcer on WSM-AM. He won the CMA award for Broadcast Personality of the Year in 2002. He has also won that award twice from the IBMA (1996, 2002).
David McLaughlin (mandolin) formed a duo with Josh Crowe and has worked with several other bands.
Tom Adams (banjo) went on to work with the Lynn Morris Band, Blue Highway, Rhonda Vincent, Dale Ann Bradley, Bill Emerson and other bands.
From Garrison, New York. Lives in Crystal River, Florida.
Plays clawhammer-style banjo.
Calls his music “Clawgrass” and also named his backup group (formed in 1996) Clawgrass.
Took up the banjo in 1971, learned from fiddler Jay Unger (composer of “Ashokan Farewell”).
Works for Florida Power Authority at its Crystal River Facility. While working there, he met Larry Rice and his brothers Tony, Ronnie and Wyatt. In 1993, they recorded an album together at Tony’s home.
From Woodbridge, Virginia. Lives in Asheville, North Carolina.
Plays all the bluegrass instruments but is best known as a mandolin/fiddle player with Travers Chandler & Avery County.
First performed on the radio at age 6.
Has worked with such artists as Dave Evans, James King, Frank Wakefield, Charlie Waller, the Stoneman Sisters, Gillis Brothers, Junior Sisk, Don Stover, Joe Meadows, Bobby Hicks, Buzz Busby and Bill Harrell.
2012, released solo album A Better Man on Patuxent Records.
From Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. Lives and works in Nashville.
1992, won the Kentucky State Harmonica Championship. He also has won numerous fiddle contests and plays all the bluegrass instruments plus many others (piano, saxophone, drums, etc.)
He is the band manager and tour director for Christian Davis. He has also toured with John Schneider, Cross Country, and Masters Voice.
2020, released single “There’s a High Lonesome Sound,” a tribute to Bill Monroe.
Early 1960’s, played guitar with Earl Taylor’s Stoney Mountain Boys.
1965, teamed up with banjo player Frank Necessary as Al Jones, Frank Necessary and the Spruce Mountain Boys. They recorded several albums for Rounder, Old Homestead Records. Necessary died in 2011.
1987, released “Frank Necessary, Al Jones and Buzz Busby” on Old Homestead Records.
From Pomona, New York (near Buffalo). Lives in Franklin, Tennessee.
During his teen years, played oboe in the school orchestra.
He and Ron Block (of Union Station, and a former bandmate in Weary Hearts) are married to sisters from Canada.
Because he sings in a lower range, his music has been called “the low lonesome sound.”
His wife Sally also performed and recorded with her own band, the Sidewinders.
1978, at age 18, formed a band in New York called Horse Country.
1981-1985, joined The Special Consensus.
1985-1995, he worked with Dave Evans, Whetstone Run, Weary Hearts, The Lynn Morris Band and The Vassar Clements Band. He also worked with the McCarter Sisters, a country act.
1995, formed his band the Night Drivers, named for the night driving that bluegrass bands typically do to get from one gig to another.
2001, became a full-time announcer for Sirius/XM Satellite Radio’s bluegrass music channel. He had previously hosted a bluegrass radio program in Franklin, Tennessee.
2003, toured with the Chieftains and formed a new band called the Chris Jones Coalition with Jeremy and Glen Garrett (formerly of the Grasshoppers).
2005, changed his band name back to Chris Jones & the Night Drivers.
2007, won the IBMA award for Broadcast Personality of the Year as well as the IBMA award for Song of the Year (for “Fork in the Road” which he co-wrote with John Pennell and was recorded by the Infamous Stringdusters.)
“Known worldwide as the fastest acoustic guitarist alive.” (from his website). He also plays j
1993, toured with the Schankman Twins.
1995, toured with Bluegrass Etc.
He has released numerous solo albums including Blue As I (Pistol River) with guest musicians Shawn Lane, Tim Stafford, Missy Raines, Alison Brown, Dan Tyminski, Mike Compton, others.
He teaches music from his home in Georgia and performs as a solo artist as well as with various ensembles.
From Alberta, Canada. Lives in Franklin, Tennessee.
After graduating from Trinity Western University in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, she married Chris Jones, who was a member of The Weary Hearts at the time. Her sister Sandra married Ron Block, who was also a member of that band.
Has a graduate degree in English.
First musical job: a background singer for Marie Osmond.
1994-1997, was a member of Petticoat Junction.
1997, joined Harley Allen’s band.
2000, recorded first solo project and formed her own band.
2015, released Country Grass album (Pinecastle) featuring guest appearances by Crystal Gayle, Lee Greenwood, Jim Ed Brown, Lynn Anderson, the Kentucky Headhunters, T.G. Sheppard, Eddy Raven and John Conlee.
Moved to Nashville at age 19 to pursue a career in country music, her career was put on hold when she married and had children. Seven years later, after her divorce, she re-married and resumed her singing career.
2006, won a Momentum Award for Country Artist of the Year from Indiehaven.com (a popular Christian music music web community).
1962, played banjo with a group called the Delta Ramblers in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
1964, moved to Nashville and worked with Jimmy Martin as well as Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper.
1967, joined Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys.
1969, joined Lester Flatt’s Nashville Grass. He was the first banjo player to work full time with Flatt after Earl Scruggs.
1971, joined Jim and Jesse.
As a Nashville session musician, he worked with Dolly Parton, Hank Williams Jr., the Oak Ridge Boys, Jerry Reed, Loretta Lynn and many others. He played banjo on movie soundtracks for “Coal Miner’s Daughter” and “Smoky and the Bandit.”
1973, released “Pickaway” album (Atteiram). His composition “Pickaway” was popularized by Mike Auldridge as a Dobro™ instrumental. It was named after a small town in West Virginia. Vic was driving Lester Flatt’s bus one night and Roland White spotted the “Pickaway, West Virginia” sign at three in the morning and suggested it to Vic as the name of his new banjo tune.
1978, released “Banjo Nashville” album (Sugar Hill)
1981, released “Greatest Christmas Songs of our Land” album (Power Pak).
1990-91, had his own band, Old Hickory.
1992, worked in the “Hee Haw” TV show band.
1995, worked with Wayne Newton in Las Vegas and Branson, Missouri.
1996, returned to Nashville to do session work.
2013, was presented with the IBMA’s Distinguished Achievement Award.
Began playing bass as a youngster, then gravitated to mandolin and guitar. He is well-known as one of the top guitarists in the world, and an authority on “Gypsy Jazz” music. He has worked with such artists as Earl Scruggs, Bonnie Raitt, Elton John, Bob Dylan and many others.
1985, was a founding member of the Desert Rose Band.
1990, 1991, won the Academy of Country Music Award for Guitarist of the Year.
1990, formed The Hellecasters, an electric guitar band.
1994-2000, worked with Elton John, touring and recording.
2004, formed the John Jorgenson Quintet, performing gypsy-jazz music.
2004, portrayed the legendary gypsy-jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt in the movie “Head in the Clouds” starring Charlize Theron and Penelope Cruz.
2014, formed the John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band (or J2B2) with Herb Pederson (banjo), Jon Randall (guitar), and Mark Fain (bass). Jorgenson plays mandolin in the band.
2015, released a three-CD set Divertuoso (Cleopatra), which included a disc featuring the John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band. That disc was later released as From the Crow’s Nest (Purple Pyramid). It was recorded at Sheryl Crow’s home studio.
From Buehl, Germany. Lives in Nashville, Tennessee.
Jutz is pronounced “Yootz.”
He learned guitar as a teenager and began performing country music in Germany in various cover bands.
Studied classical guitar at the Stuttgart Conservatory of Music.
2003, emigrated to the U.S. on a Diversity Immigrant Visa program.
After coming to Nashville, he worked with singer/songwriter Mary Gauthier and also with Nanci Griffith’s Blue Moon Orchestra, eventually producing an album for her. He has also worked with and produced albums for Bobby Bare, Maura O’Connell, David Olney, Kim Richey and others.
His songwriting credits include several bluegrass songs including “Around the Corner” (Terry Baucom & the Dukes of Drive) and “Carolina Wind” (Irene Kelley). He teaches a songwriting class at Belmont University.
Band members: Chris Long (guitar), Craig Jarvis (bass), Ron Seebaugh (banjo), Glenn Jarvis (fiddle), Bruce Jones (Dobro™) and Dustin Frame (mandolin).
They host two bluegrass festivals each year: The Poston Lake Bluegrass Festival in Guysville, Ohio, and the Blluegrass Winterfest in Ripley, West Virginia.
Originally based in Nashville. Now Charlottesville, Virginia.
Formed in 2005 by guitarist Chris Eldridge (son of Seldom Scene banjo player Ben Eldridge).
Original name of the group was The Stringdusters” but they found that another band in New York was using a similar name (The String Dusters). So they added “Infamous” to their name.
Eldridge (AKA “Critter”) graduated from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music (Ohio).
Original Members: Eldridge (guitar), Chris Pandolfi (banjo), Andy Hall (dobro), Jeremy Garrett (fiddle), Jesse Cobb (mandolin), and Travis Book (bass).
2006, Eldridge left to work with Chris Thile (Punch Brothers) and was replaced by guitarist Andy Falco.
2011, Chris Pandolfi gave the keynote address at the IBMA conference; band announced that it was no longer going to brand itself as a bluegrass band in order to widen its audience.
2011, fiddler Jesse Cobb left the band.
2012, released Silver Sky album (High Country Records).
2014, released Let It Go album (High Country Records).
2015, released “Undercover” album (High Country Records).
2016, released Ladies & Gentlemen album (Compass) featuring female vocalists Claire Lynch, Lee Ann Womack, Sara Watkin, Aoife O’Donovan, Celia Woodsmith, others.
2017, released Laws of Gravity album (Compass). They also released a live version of the album.
2018, won the Grammy Award (Best Bluegrass) for Laws of Gravity album.
Members: Tony Robertson (mandolin), Ricky Rogers (bass), Anthony Richardson (banjo), Vance Henry (guitar).
Several members had previously worked with Jake Landers and Rual Yarbrough.
2003, they were approached by CMH Records to record a tribute album to the heavy metal band Metallica, which they did. Since then, they have recorded numerous bluegrass tribute albums for CMH including:
2012, formed Bo Isaac and the Rounders. Released “Dollar” album.
2014, joined a part-time band called Mountain Jacks, the pre-show band at the Lumberjack Feud dinner theatre in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee four nights a week.
2019, began hosting a bluegrass music radio program on Kool Hits 105.7 in Ashland, Kentucky.
Before forming The Isaacs, Joe worked with Larry Sparks, The Stanley Brothers, Frank Wakefield and the Greenbriar Boys. He plays banjo and guitar.
1970, Joe’s brother Delmer died in an auto accident, which led Joe and his wife Lily to devote their lives to singing Gospel music. Their first band was called The Calvary Mountain Boys. Next came Sacred Bluegrass (this group had a TV show in Hamilton, Ohio) and later the Isaacs.
1995, recorded a duet album of gospel music with Ralph Stanley called Gospel Gathering (Freeland Records).
1999, Joe left the Isaacs and has since recorded several solo projects including Dreaming Of Home (2003, Mountain Mill Entertainment). He and Lily divorced.
2003, had open heart surgery.
2010, Joe married Stacy York, a traditional bluegrass singer who has worked with the Cumberland Highlanders and the Hazel Holler Girls. They perform together as “Joe and Stacy Isaacs.”
2011, John Bowman recorded a tribute to Joe Isaacs called Family Chain (Mountain Home Records).
From Statesville, North Carolina. Lives in Gallatin, Tennessee.
Began musical career at age 13 (Ole Mountain Opry).
1971, played banjo with Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys.
1973, formed group called Blue Denim (recorded several albums for Old Homestead Records).
1978, recorded an album with Bobby Hicks, Del McCoury and Herschel Sizemore.
2000, recorded “Scenic Roots” album (no label) with guest musicians John Duffey, Ben Eldridge, Tom Gray, Mike Auldridge, T. Michael Coleman, Jimmy Gaudreau, Chris Eldridge and Jimmy Arnold.
2006, released “Comin’ Back to Bluegrass” (after working for several years in country music.)
He was a musician, songwriter, steamboat pilot, author, artist, disc jockey, calligrapher, dancer, folklorist, father, and historian.
Began his career with several bluegrass bands around the Missouri-Illinois area, including the Ozark Mountain Trio, the Missouri Ridgerunners, and the Dixie Ramblers (with Rodney and Doug Dillard.)
1965, moved to Nashville and signed with RCA records, recording several solo projects. RCA thought John might be their “Bob Dylan.” Later signed with Warner Brothers, recording for them until 1971.
1968, moved to Los Angeles and worked as a comedy writer for the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour (with Steve Martin) and also appeared as a regular on the Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour. While in LA he appeared on the Byrd’s “Sweetheart of the Rodeo” album.
He was a prolific songwriter. His biggest hit was “Gentle on My Mind” which became Glen Campbell’s first #1 song and one of the most popular songs of all time (according to BMI). In his words, “that song brought my freedom.”
He worked primarily as a solo artist during much of his career, accompanying himself on banjo, fiddle and guitar. He also danced while performing, shuffling his feet on a sheet of plywood dusted with sand.
He was a licensed river boat captain. His passion is the river and big paddle-wheel steamboats (inspiration for many of his songs). Has piloted the Delta Queen and for many years worked at least ten days per year aboard the Julia Belle Swain out of Peoria, Illinois. He lived in a house overlooking the Cumberland River.
His given name: John Cowan Harford, without the “t.” Changed it to Hartford because “people invariably spelled it that way anyhow.”
Early 1990’s, toured and recorded with his son Jamie, who went on to pursue his own career in music.
1993, founded his own record label called “Small Dog a’ Barkin’.”
2000, performed on the soundtrack album for “O Brother Where Art Thou” and hosted a concert at the Ryman Auditorium featuring artists appearing in the movie.
Died of non-hodgkins lymphoma in 2001.
2009, a band was formed to preserve and perform Hartford’s music. Members included Chris Sharp (guitar), Bob Carlin (banjo), Mike Compton (mandolin), Matt Combs (fiddle) and Mark Schatz (bass). They recorded an album “Memories of John” and performed at the IBMA Awards to commemorate Hartford’s induction into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.
2010, was inducted into the IBMA’s Hall of Fame.
2019, was inducted into the American Banjo Hall of Fame.
A family band formed in 1979 by Myron “Pete” Hart (mandolin), Heamon “Tib” Hart (banjo) and Arman “Sam” Hart (guitar). Prior to that, they performed as Lester Young and the Hart Brothers (Young played fiddle.)
1983, Sam passed away. Pete and Tib have continued to perform together.
2003, added guitar player Randy Glenn (formerly of the Idaho-based Grasshoppers and the ex-husband of Honi Deaton.)
They host an annual bluegrass festival at Poston Lake, Ohio (near Athens).
As of 2013, they have recorded six albums, three for Old Homestead and three on their own label.
Features lead vocals and fiddling of Revonda Roberts. Other band members: Lonnie Roberts (mandolin), Justin Bowles (guitar & banjo), Robert Quisenberry (bass), Brandon Rowe (banjo), James Torrence (Resonator Guitar).
2004, released self-titled album on MasterShield Records.
2005, released The Traveler album (Lamon Records).
Grew up singing in church. She was heavily influence by Southern Gospel music.
2003, began performing bluegrass music for the first time.
2006, formed her band Hard Rain, with Josh Miller (banjo), Kevin and Keith McKinnon (identical twins, mandolin and guitar respectively), Travis Anderson (bass) and Jamie Harper (fiddle).
Formed in 2013 after hearing music from the Oscar-nominated Belgian movie “The Broken Circle Breakdown.” They began rehearsing and recorded the song “Wayfaring Stranger” which was posted to YouTube and went viral. Since then they have recorded several YouTube songs and performances and have grown in popularity.
Their music is a blend of bluegrass, Americana, pop, Celtic and Norwegian folk music.
Band members: Rebekka Nilsson (Vocals), Joakim Borgen (Mandolin), Ole Engrav (Guitar), Magnus Eriksrud (Banjo), Moa Meinich (Fiddle), David Buverud (Bass), Emil Brattested (Dobro™), Sjur Marqvardsen (Accordion).
2020, were invited to perform at the IBMA Awards Show (virtual).
2021, released first album Migrants (no label).
2021, were invited to perform at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
2022, Rebekka Nilsson won the IBMA Momentum award for vocalist of the year.
Formed by Barley Scotch and Enus and Talcum, the Younger Brothers — Dale and Don Wayne Reno in real life.
2001, recorded a bluegrass album of AC/DC songs.
Original name of the group was AC Dixie, but decided to change it for legal reasons.
2002, released “A Hillbilly Tribute to Mountain Love” featuring covers of other rock artists (from Ted Nugent to Aerosmith).
2003, released “Kiss My Grass” — a bluegrass tribute to the rock group KISS.
While Hayseed Dixie converts rock to bluegrass, they also perform as The Kerosene Brothers, doing precisely the opposite–converting bluegrass songs to rock.
2013, Dale and Don Wayne teamed up with Mitch Harrell to form a second generation version of Reno and Harrell. The original band featured their fathers Don Reno and Bill Harrell.
Formed in 1975 by Don Grubb (guitar), with Charles Bishop (banjo), Denny Williams (bass) and Kenny Tackett (mandolin). Other band members included Richard Ward (banjo), Vernon Hughes (mandolin), Sonny Mead (fiddle) and Billy Lux (bass), Mark Newton (mandolin), Rickie Simpkins (fiddle) and Sammy Shelor (banjo).
After Grubb left the band in the early eighties, they evolved into The Virginia Squires.
1976, released “Introducing the Heights of Grass” album (no label).
1978, released “Ghost Riders” album (Outlet)
1978, released “Louisiana Saturday Night” album (Outlet)
1980, released “Encore” album (CMH) produced by Sonny Osborne.
1982, released “Live at the Flat Rock” album (HOG).
A legendary luthier and guitarist. Has recorded albums with Doc Watkins, Butch Robins, Steve Kaufman and others.
As a guitar maker, he has made guitars for Peter Rowan, Gillian Welch, Doc Watson and Eric Clapton.
1995, was presented with the Folk Endowment for the Arts award by President Bill Clinton at the White House.
1995, the Wayne C. Henderson Music Festival and Guitar Competition was established in his honor in Wilson, Virginia. It takes place on the third Saturday of June every year.
Sometimes performs as “W.C. Henderson and Co.”
2000, toured and recorded with the “Masters of the Steel Stringed Guitar.”
2007, performed as part of the “Music from the Crooked Road” tour.
2019, was featured in the award-winning documentary film about the Galax Fiddlers Convention titled “Fiddlin.”
Original members: Eric Lambert (guitar), Jon Goldfine (bass), Ben Wright (banjo), Grant Ziolkowski (mandolin). Some of them previously worked with another Chicago-based band called “the Back Porch Ramblers.”
2008, composed and performed the soundtrack to a PBS documentary “The Ride Of Our Lives,” produced by NBC Today Show features correspondent Mike Leonard.
2009, released A Dark Rumor produced by Don Stiernberg and Greg Cahill. Stiernberg also played mandolin.
2010, won the Rockygrass band contest.
2010 and 2011, won Chicago Music Award for “Best Country/Western Entertainer”
From Frederick County, Virginia. Lives in Nashville.
Grew up playing bass with her family group Red and Murphy and their Excellent Children. Casey’s mother Murphy is a well-known producer of banjo instructional videos, and a columnist for Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine. Casey writes for Banjo Newsletter.
2000, graduated from the University of Virginia.
2001, recorded a banjo album called “Real Women Drive Trucks.”
2001, joined Tim Graves and Cherokee, playing bass. Also worked with Uncle Earl and Jim Hurst.
2004, recorded with a group called The Tennessee Heartstrings.
2005, formed “Casey & Chris and the Two-Stringers,” a band with her brother Chris (mandolin). Disbanded in 2007.
2009, Casey joined the Dixie Bee-Liners, playing banjo.
He is a tenor singer and bass player (although he can play all the bluegrass instruments).
Worked with Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver for four years. Wrote several songs recorded by Doyle Lawson including “Light on My Feet, Ready to Fly,” “Sing Me A Song About Jesus,” and others.
Moved to Nashville in 1986. He played all the bluegrass instruments, spending most of his career working as a sideman. He was also known as a superb harmony singer.
1988, worked with the Ricky Skaggs band. Played banjo,
1989, worked with Patty Loveless.
1999-2013, worked with Kenny Chesney.
2007, recorded a solo album Long Monday (Rural Rhythm), produced by Kenny Chesney and Buddy Cannon.
2008, made first appearance as a solo act on the Grand Ole Opry.
A country singer and guitarist with roots in bluegrass music.
2002, appeared on the Grand Ole Opry at age 11 with Marty Stuart and Earl Scruggs. He also made several appearances with Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash.
2003, recorded first album, produced by Tom T. Hall.
2004, recorded second album at age 13 with his band Drivin’ Force: Backin to Birmingham (Copper Creek).
1958-1966, was founder and lead singer of The Greenbriar Boys.
Given name: John Whittier Sirabian. He is Armenian. His father was a poet in Greenwich Village.
1976, formed with The John Herald Band with another Greenbriar Boy, Bob Yellin.
1978, released “John Herald and the John Herald Band” album (Bay) with band members Roly Salley (bass), Caroline Dutton (fiddle), Wanamaker Lewis (banjo) and Gordon Titcomb (mandolin).
1984, released “The Real Thing” album (Rooster) with band members Cyndi Cashdollar (Dobro™), Caroline Dutton (fiddle) and George Quinn (bass).
Among John Herald’s fans: Linda Rondstadt, who heard John’s version of “A Different Drum” in the sixties and recorded the song almost note for note with her group The Stone Ponies, selling more than a million copies (a gold record).
1992, he and Yellin’ reunited briefly to perform as the New Greenbriar Boys.
2005, he died at the age of 65. He committed suicide.
Performs extensively around the Washington, D.C. area.
Has taught music since he was in high school. One of his students was actress Goldie Hawn.
Retired from the Federal Government (21 years with NASA, 6 years with U.S. Navy).
Played with a D.C. group for 20 years called Foggy Bottom.
Performs in a duo with his son Michael, and with other children in a group called Pointer Ridge. Ray and Michael performed at Bill Clinton’s first Inaugural Dinner.
1994, won the Winfield banjo contest.
1996, recorded his first banjo instrumental album “Five Picker” (no label).
1996, on the way to register for the banjo contest at Merle Fest, he suffered a heart attack (he recovered.)
From Columbus, Ohio. Lived in Southern California for more than 30 years and then moved to Guthrie, Oklahoma.
An influential banjo player who began his musical career with an Ohio group called Sid Campbell and the Country Cut-ups.
1962, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps.
1968, joined Earl Taylor’s Stoney Mountain Boys.
1969, moved to California to take a job in the lumber business. He formed a group with his brother George called The Hickman Brothers and also played banjo on several movie soundtracks and the TV show “The Dukes of Hazzard.”
1976, formed an informal partnership with fiddler Byron Berline which lasted for the rest of his life. Together they played in band such as Sundance, The L.A. Fiddle Band, BCH (Berline, Crary, Hickman), California and the Byron Berline Band.
1978, was a member of the L.A. band Corn Bred.
1978, released his only solo project Don’t Mean Maybe (Rounder).
1995, moved to Guthrie, Oklahoma with Byron Berline. Besides performing in the Byron Berline Band, he did repair work in Byron’s “Double-Stop Fiddle Shop.”
2001, added steel guitar to his repertoire (with the Byron Berline Band).
Members: Ronny Singley (mandolin), Bob Stegall (bass), Don Eaves (banjo), John Early (lead guitar).
Founding member Rolan Foster died of cancer in 1996. Replaced by Jimmy Godwin (guitar/fiddle).
Founders John Early and Rolan Foster began playing music together while in junior high school. They lived across the street from each other in Avinger, Texas.
Major influence: The Eagles (Don Henley is also from East Texas).
1982, released “Coyote Night” album (no label).
1983, released “Historical Collection” album (no label).
1985, released “It’s About Time” album (no label).
1990, released “Reminiscing” album (no label).
1993, won “Band of the Year” honors from the Arts and Entertainment Council of East Texas.
From Newton, North Carolina. Lives in Asheville, North Carolina.
Began playing the fiddle at age nine.
1954-1960, played fiddle for Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys, recording such classics as “Cheyenne,” “Big Mon,” “Scotland,” “Wheel Hoss,” and “Brown County Breakdown.”
Also worked and toured with Porter Wagoner, Mel Tillis, other country acts. Had his own dance band.
1963-1970, lived and worked in Las Vegas, performing with singer Judy Lynn.
A member of the Bluegrass Album Band with Tony Rice, J.D. Crowe, Doyle Lawson, Todd Phillips and Jerry Douglas.
1980-2002 (22 years), was a member of Ricky Skaggs’ band Kentucky Thunder.
Played fiddle on several Skaggs #1 hits, including “Uncle Pen,” “Country Boy,” “Cryin’ My Heart Out Over You,” and “I Wouldn’t Change You If I Could.”
1980, released a fiddle duet album with Kenny Baker called Darkness on the Delta (County).
1998, released his second solo project Fiddle Patch (Rounder). This album won the IBMA award for Instrumental Album of the Year.
2002, was inducted into the Fiddlers Hall of Fame.
2003, played dates with Jesse McReynolds and the Virginia Boys.
2004, joined the North Carolina band Hazel Creek.
Bobby and his wife Cathy operate a Wild Bird Center in a shopping center in Asheville where they sell bird feeders and birdseed.
2008, fell and broke one of his fingers, requiring surgery. Within three months, he was back playing again. Made several appearances with Earl Scruggs.
2015, released an album with guitarist Mark Kuykendall Down Memory Lane (Rebel Records).
2017, released second album with Mark Kuykendall Forever and a Day (Rebel Records).
2017, was inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.
Their band name came from the world of trains. The 48 was a type of box car used in France during World War I. Originally called a “40 & 8″ — after the sign painted on the side of each car indicating its capacity of 40 men or 8 mules — the 48 carried American troops to and from the front in World War I.
Members: Rich Casey (bass), Eric Christopher (fiddle), Chad Johnson (mandolin), Marty Marrone (guitar) and Anthony Ihrig (banjo)
2008, won first place in the band competition at Rockygrass (Lyons, Colorado).
Only remaining original member: mandolinist Butch Waller, who founded the group.
1971, they were the first west coast band to be invited to Bill Monroe’s Bean Blossom festival.
Butch Waller and the late Charlie Waller (of the Country Gentlemen) are not related but they share the same birthdate: January 19.
1982, Waller married Kathy Kallick (then of the Good Ole Persons).
Waller first band was a group that included Herb Pederson, who at the time was a classmate of Waller’s at St. Augustine’s grammer school in Berkeley, California.
1999, Waller released a solo album of mandolin instrumentals called “Golden Gate Promenade.”
Butch Waller also has performed and recorded with his brother Bob as “The Waller Brothers” (classic country duets).
2009, released “Perfect Companions” album.
2018, celebrated their 50th anniversary as a band with a concert in Berkeley.
Formed in 2014 by Jeremy Stephens (banjo/guitar), Corrina Rose Logston (fiddle), Kurt Stephenson (banjo), Vickie Vaughn (bass) and Daniel Amick (mandolin/guitar/banjo).
The dictionary definition of the term High Fidelity is “the reproduction of an effect (such as sound or an image) that is very faithful to the original.” The phrase was often emblazoned on long-play album covers of the 50’s and 60’s as a selling point.
Stephens (guitar) formerly worked with the famous gospel group The Chuck Wagon Gang. He also worked with country singer Ray Stevens and with Jesse McReynolds.
Logsdon (fiddle) formerly worked with David Peterson & 1946, Jesse McReynolds & the Virginia Boys, Chris Henry & the Hardcore Grass, and Jim Lauderdale. She is now married to Jeremy Stephens.
Stephenson (banjo) won the 2010 National Bluegrass Banjo Champion at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas.
Vaughn (bass) previously worked with Patty Loveless, The David Mayfield Parade, Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike, and also fronts her own group, The Vickie Vaughn Band.
From Johnson City, Tennessee, Citico, Tennessee & Galax, Virginia.
Formed in January, 2018 by Adam Steffey (mandolin), Keith Garrett (guitar), Gary Hultman (Dobro™), Jason Davis (banjo) and Kameron Keller (bass).
Steffey, Garrett and Hultman were formerly with the Boxcars; Davis and Keller were formerly with Junior Sisk and Ramblers Choice. Both of those groups disbanded in 2017.
March, 2018, released self-titled album (Mountain Fever).
November, 2018, disbanded after Steffey’s decision to take a break from from the music business. Garrett returned to his original band Blue Moon Rising; Hultman joined Blue Highway; Davis and Keller joined Claybank.
Members: Patrick McDougall (banjo), Shane Lail (guitar), Ty Gilpin (mandolin), Tim Gardner (fiddle), Mark Davis (bass). Much of the band’s material is written by McDougall and Lail.
2005, won the North Carolina State Bluegrass Band Competition.
2006, won the Fiddler’s Grove band contest.
2008, released first album Greater Storm on Mountain Home Records. Gilpin does radio promotion for the label.
The name Hillbenders is a derivative of “Hellbender,” a native Ozark amphibian.
Band members include Mark Cassidy (banjo), Gary Rea (bass), Jim Rea (guitar), Nolan Lawrence (mandolin), Chad Graves (Dobro™).
Graves previously worked with Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike. He has family ties to Uncle Josh Graves.
Gary and Jim Rea (cousins) were formerly with a band called “The Arkamo Rangers.”
Cassidy is from California and originally wanted to be a rapper. His parents took him to the Huck Finn Bluegrass and Country Jubilee (Victorville, CA) and he became a banjo player instead.
Lawrence was an All State Tenor singer in high school. Majored in vocal performance in college. Later studied at South Plains College in Levelland, Texas with Alan Munde and Joe Carr and was smitten by bluegrass.
2009, won the Telluride Bluegrass Festival band contest.
2010, won the National Single Mike Championship at Silver Dollar City.
2015, released Tommy: A Bluegrass Opry album (Compass), a bluegrass remake of the Who’s classic rock opera. They also perform concerts featuring what they call “WhoGrass,” their unique blend of classic rock and bluegrass music.
Members: Dave Asti (banjo/mandolin), Trae Buckner (guitar, clawhammer banjo), Jamie Lynn Buckner (lead and harmony vocals), Ty Jaquay (fiddle), Ryan Cramer (bass).
They have appeared on Mountain Stage, Song of the Mountains, Woodsongs, Red Barn Radio and The Wheeling Jamboree.
From Rancho Santa Fe (San Diego) California. Lives in the Ventura, California area.
Early-sixties, played mandolin in the San Diego-based bluegrass group, The Scottsville Squirrel Barkers. Also included banjo player Kenny Wertz, an original member of the Country Gazette and Bernie Leadon, who later was a member of the Eagles. Recorded a now-classic supermarket LP in just five hours. Each member of the band was paid $50 for their work on the album.
Mid-sixties, played with The Golden State Boys (AKA The Hillmen) an L.A.-based band with Don Parmley (Bluegrass Cardinals), Vern Gosdin, and Vern’s late brother Rex Gosdin.
1965, he was an original member of The Byrds. Played bass.
1969, formed The Flying Burrito Brothers with Gram Parsons, Gene Parsons, Sneaky Pete Kleinow, Al Perkins and several others (the band experienced numerous personnel changes).
1971-1975, he and Al Perkins joined Stephen Stills’ band Manassas. He also performed with the Souther-Hillman-Furay band with songwriter John David Souther and ex-Poco member Richie Furay.
1976, embarked on solo career.
1984, released Desert Rose album (Sugar Hill Records).
1985, released a gospel album called Ever Call Ready (Maranatha) with Bernie Leadon, Al Perkins and Jerry Scheff.
1985, formed Desert Rose Band with Herb Pedersen, John Jorgensen, Bill Bryson and J.D. Maness. This group had some success in country music (several #1 songs) but broke up in 1995. They have performed several reunion concerts.
1991, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Byrds.
1996, began recording and performing as a duo with Herb Pedersen, doing mostly classic country music. They released Bakersfield Bound (Sugar Hill Records).
1997, 1999, recorded three albums with Tony Rice, Larry Rice and Herb Pedersen as Rice, Rice, Hillman and Pederson.
2010, released At Edwards Barn album (Rounder) with Herb Pedersen.
2020, published his autobiography Time Between (BMG).
Formed in the early 1960’s by Don Parmley (banjo), Vern Gosdin (guitar) and Rex Gosdin (bass). Chris Hillman (mandolin) joined the group in 1963 after playing with the Scottsville Squirrel Barkers.
The real name of the band was The Golden State Boys. The Hillmen was only used on the release of the group’s album by Sugar Hill Records, years after the group broke up. The album was originally produced by Jim Dickson.
They were regulars on a Los Angeles TV show called “Cal’s Corral” (promoting Cal Worthington’s car dealerships). They also played a various Southern California bars and nightclubs.
Formed in 2001 by husband and wife Rebecca Frazier (then Rebecca Hoggan, guitar) and John Frazier (mandolin). Other members of the band: Andy Thorn (banjo), Todd Livingston (Dobro™), Steve Roy (bass.) Gene Libbea (formerly with Nashville Bluegrass Band) played bass in 2003.
2002, won band contest at Rockygrass Bluegrass Festival (Lyons, Colorado).
2003, won band contest at Telluride Music Festival.
2004, released first album Beauty Fades (no label, recorded at Doobie Shea studios).
2005, won band contest at SPBGMA international band competition (Nashville).
A child prodigy who made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry at age five. By age six, had recorded with Earl Scruggs, Tom T. Hall and the Del McCoury Band.
Has appeared on numerous TV shows, including Oprah Winfrey, Nickelodeon and PBS.
Plays banjo, guitar, mandolin and Dobro™.
2004, co-hosted the video curriculum “Discover Bluegrass” with Sierra Hull (produced by IBMA’s Bluegrass in the Schools committee.)
Band members: Mike Adams (bass), Jason Blankenship (fiddle), Robert Edwards (guitar), Millard Edwards (banjo), David Holtsclaw (mandolin), Brian Vicchio (guitar).
Former host of the Nashville Network’s “Fire on the Mountain” TV show, which was the network’s highest-rated show in 1985. Cancelled due to production costs and lack of sponsorship in 1986.
Calls himself “A One Man Celebration of Stories and Songs.”
Plays banjo, guitar, hammered dulcimer, fiddle, bones, autoharp, squeeze box, and jaw harp. Sings, dances, tells folk tales and does a little “hollering.”
Has a one man show called “From Here to Kingdom Come” (Kingdom Come is a community in the hills of Eastern Kentucky.)
A former elementary schoolteacher and a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara.
Established The Appalachian Music Program at Warren Wilson College (North Carolina).
First television exposure: “Folkways” on PBS (1982).
Host of “Riverwalk: Classic Jazz from the Landing” broadcast on the American Public Radio Network live from San Antonio, Texas.
Plays a 125-year-old banjo.
1984, Esquire Magazine selected him as one its first “Annual Register of Men and Women Who Are Changing America” (along with Steven Spielberg, Sally Ride, and Meryl Streep, among others.)
1992 album “Grandfather’s Greatest Hits” nominated for a Grammy Award in “Best Folk Recording” category.
2000, appeared in the movie “O Brother, Where Art Thou” starring George Clooney. He played one of the village idiots.
2011, formed a trio with Bryan Sutton (guitar) and T. Michael Coleman (bass) and released album “Sutton, Holt and Coleman.”
Has played Dobro™ with Gary Brewer, Karl Shifflett, Dale Ann Bradley, Michael Cleveland. Has also spent time playing with Louisville-area bands “Cast Iron Airplane” and the “Corn Island Band.”
Took time off from music during the 1990’s to attend Bible College and go into full-time ministry.
2007, joined Marty Raybon and Full Circle.
2010, joined the Charlie Sizemore band.
2011, released solo project “When Times Are Hard” with guests Michael Cleveland, Jesse Brock and Daniel Grindstaff.
Plays banjo in a New York band called Beartracks. Also works with Jim Gaudet and the Railroad Boys.
2013, released a solo project (self-titled) with guest artists Tyler Grant, Stephen Mougin, Mike Compton, Luke Bulla, Andy Hall, Casey Driessen, Becky Buller, Jesse Cobb, Junior Barber, others.
A pianist and singer/songwriter who has recorded several bluegrass-flavored songs and albums and won the 2nd-ever Bluegrass Grammy.
1986, released debut album with his band, The Range, which won Grammy for Best New Artist. Had a #1 song with “Mandolin Rain.”
1988, began collaborating with the Grateful Dead. Worked with them frequently from 1990 to 1992.
1989, won Grammy for Best Bluegrass Recording (for the song “Valley Road” from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s “Will the Circle Be Unbroken, Vol. 2” album.)
1995, recorded album “Hot House” which featured bluegrass-tinged jazz with Bela Fleck on banjo.
Has recorded many other albums with such artists as Sting, Chaka Khan, Branford Marsalis, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, etc.
2007, released “Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby” album on Skaggs Family Records.
2013, released “Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby Live” album, also on Skaggs Family Records.
A string band (or jam band) playing music dubbed “high altitude California bluegrass.”
Members: Nat Keefe on guitar, Bryan Horne on the string bass, Erik Yates on the flute, clarinet, banjo and accordion, Zac Matthews and Aaron Redner doubling on mandolin and fiddle.
2005 album produced by Mike Marshall (featuring guests Peter Rowan and Darol Anger).
Formed in 1978 by Pete Wernick (banjo), Tim O’Brien (mandolin/fiddle), Mike Scap (guitar) and Charles Sawtelle (bass). Three months after the band’s formation, Scap departed and was replaced by Nick Forster (bass). Sawtelle then switched from bass to guitar.
Prior to the formation of Hot Rize (1976), Wernick and Sawtelle had a Colorado band called the Drifting Ramblers or the Rambling Drifters (they couldn’t make up their mind.)
About the name: Hot Rize is the so-called secret ingredient in Martha White flour, a long-time advertiser on the Grand Ole Opry and for many years sponsor of the Flatt and Scruggs radio show on WSM, Nashville.
The Hot Rize show usually featured an appearance by their alter-ego band, Red Knuckles and the Trailblazers, a western-swing group supposedly from Wyoming that traveled with Hot Rize in the back of the bus. Even though Red Knuckles and the Trailblazers was actually Hot Rize in disguise, the group became very popular in their own right and recorded several albums. (Trailblazer fans were called “Knuckleheads”).
1990, won IBMA Award for Entertainer of the Year and broke up. The played their last show together as a full time band at Merlefest.
1991, a year after they broke up, their recording of “Colleen Malone” won the IBMA award for Song of the Year.
Following their break-up, each of the band members pursued their own musical careers: Pete Wernick (also known as “Dr. Banjo” performed with his own band The Live Five and served for several years as president of the IBMA. Tim O’Brien put together his own band called the O’Boys and had success as a songrwriter and solo artist. Nick Forster hosted a live PBS radio show called “E-Town.” Charles Sawtelle built a recording studio and did session work.
1999, guitarist Charles Sawtelle died of cancer (leukemia).
2001, Tim O’Brien became the second member of this band to become president of the IBMA, succeeding his bandmate Peter Wernick.
2007, reunited (with Bryan Sutton playing guitar) to perform at actor/comedian Steve Martin’s wedding.
2009, co-hosted the IBMA Awards show with Kathy Mattea.
2010, performed at the Bonnaroo Music Festival in Manchester, Tennessee.
2014, reunited to record a new album When I’m Free and perform a six-week tour.
2018, released 40th Anniversary Bash live album (Ten in Hand), recorded at the Boulder (Colorado) Theater.
1995, began as a “kid band” featuring Josiah Payne (mandolin), Jared Payne (guitar) and Carson Park (fiddle). At the time, they were 11, 9 and 7 years old.
1997, won the Rockygrass Bluegrass Band contest.
1998, Carson won Colorado State fiddle championship.
1998, Josiah won Colorado State mandolin championship.
1999, won the Telluride band contest.
2000, Josiah won the National Mandolin Championship (Winfield).
2005, released “Uncharted” album produced by Pat Flynn.
From Winchester, Virginia. Grew up in Augusta, West Virginia. Moved to Nashville in 2017.
Began performing as a child after hearing the Lewis Family and Ralph Stanley, his biggest influence.
2012 (at age 16), formed the Short Mountain trio, playing guitar, with his father Gerald Hott (bass) and Jacob Bly (banjo). Short Mountain is a mountain in Virginia near his family’s home place. Released first album Soulful Dream’n (National Media Services).
2013, released “Goodbye for Now” album (National Media Services).
2014, released “Riding the Rails” album (National Media Services).
2015, released “All Original West Virginia Inspirational Bluegrass” (National Media Services).
2017, formed the Short Mountain Boys which includes Hott (guitar), Aaron Holman (banjo), Jake Riggins (bass), and Nick Bryant (mandolin).
2017, signed with Buddy Lee Attractions, one of Nashville’s top booking agencies.
2018, released “Last Thing on My Mind” album (no label). Backing musicians include Josh Williams, Aaron McDaris, Randy Kohrs, Mike Bub, and Steve Thomas, Sharon White Skaggs and Cheryl White Jones (The Whites).
A singer/songwriter who has written or co-written more than 500 songs which have been recorded by numerous country and bluegrass artists including Rodney Atkins, Jack Greene, The Roys, Carrie Hassler and others.
His publishing company “Writers-In House Music” is now located on Nashville’s Music Row.
He is the Field Office Manager for the Tennesse Department of Health and is the former president of the Tennessee Environmental Health Association. He also serves on the board of East Tennesse State University’s College of Environmental Health.
He is also a high school football coach. His son is head football coach at White County High School.
2012, released a solo project of his original songs called “Uneven Road.”
Originally from Milledgeville, Georgia. Lived in Nashville for most of his career.
1979, at age 18, won the World Fiddling Championship at Union Grove, NC (the youngest ever to win that contest).
He was twelve time National Fiddle Champion. Won his 12th in 1998, surpassing Scotty Stoneman as the all-time national contest winner.
1985, won Grand Masters Fiddle Championship.
Was a longtime member of the Kathy Chiavola Band and was a A-list session musician Nashville. Recorded with many country artists, including Steve Wariner, Faith Hill, Ricky Skaggs, Sweethearts of the Rodeo.
1991, recorded a duet album with John Hartford.
1999, died of cancer.
1999, posthumously won the IBMA award for Fiddle Player of the Year.
From Seymour, Tennessee. Grew up in eastern North Carolina.
A multi-instrumentalist and singer who has performed with The Larkins, Randy Parton, Lorraine Jordan and Carolina Road, Jeff and Sheri Easter, Dolly Parton and several variety shows in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
2015, joined Sideline, playing Dobro™ and singing lead vocals.
A singer/songwriter who began performing as a youngster at her church, Webster Baptist. She became the church pianist.
1999, made her first performance as a singer (in church.)
Has written more than 500 songs. Among them: “My Poor Old Heart” (recorded by Alison Krauss on her Grammy-winning “Lonely Runs Both Ways” album) and “Sad Old Train” (recorded by the Seldom Scene on their “Synchronized” album.)
2000-2002, sang with two bands: Wildwood and Different Directions, both in North Carolina.
She is also a real estate broker and a gymnastics coach (she has coached several state and national champions).
2001, recorded first album “Somewhere in Time” (Running Dog Records).
2003, recorded second album “Same Old Me” (Running Dog Records)
2006, released “Gaining Wisdom” album, produced by Tony Rice (Rounder).
2010, released “Hellos, Goodbyes and Butterflies” album, produced by J.D. Crowe (Rounder).
2014, released “From the Heart,” album on Running Dog Records. Also released “Fly” album (featuring Donna on piano).
2014, released four videos on YouTube: The Red Oak Tree, Walmart Checkout Line, The Facebook Song, and Dog On A 10 Foot Chain.
2011, teamed up with David Grisman and his son Samson Grisman in a band called “The David Grisman Folk-Jazz Trio.” Also toured in a duo with Rob Ickes.
Formed in 1975 by brothers John “J.D.” Hutchinson (guitar) and Bob “Zeke” Hutchinson (banjo) with Greg Dearth (fiddle), Tom Hampton (mandolin) and Tim Sparkman (bass).
John has written many bluegrass songs including “Silver Tongue and Gold Plated Lies” (recorded by Suzanne Thomas, Bill Grant and Delia Belle and others). Several of his songs were recorded by Hot Rize, Thomas Earl Keen and other artists.
1975, released self titled album (Vetco).
1976, released “The Hutchinson Brothers Band” album (Vetco).
Seriously considered golf as a profession, but decided to play bluegrass instead.
First band: Mountain Smoke (in high school). This band once opened for Pure Prairie League, a band he would later join.
Age 18, joined the Bluegrass Alliance.
Mid-70’s, joined Byron Berline’s and Sundance.
Late-70’s, joined the country-rock band Pure Prairie League. While he was with that group, they had several #1 records, including “Let Me Love You Tonight.”
1984, became a solo artist (signed with RCA Records). First #1 hit: “When I Call Your Name.”
1990, co-hosted the first IBMA Awards Show (in Owensboro, Kentucky).
1992, became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
1991-2004, hosted the CMA awards.
1997, performed a tribute to Bill Monroe at the Grammy Awards.
1997, won IBMA award for Song of the Year for his song “High Lonesome Sound.”
2000, married singer Amy Grant.
2007, inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
2008, won a Grammy (Best Country Album) for “These Days,” a 4-CD project which included the bluegrass album Little Brother: The Acoustic Record (MCA Nashville).
As of 2014, he has won 20 Grammys, 18 Country Music Association Awards, one IBMA Award and is a member of the Grand Ole Opry, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Began singing when he was seven years old. He was discovered by Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel and signed his first recording contract with Epic Records at age 12.
2000, released first single One Voice and an album of the same name which was certified double platinum (over two million copies sold). He was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance.
Also in 2000, he released a Christmas album which also went gold (one million copies sold).
Began performing with his family band The Hawkins County Grass when he was 12 years old (playing bass).
2009, enrolled in East Tennessee State University’s bluegrass music program and continues to serve as a graduate assistant while pursuing a master’s degree in Applachian Studies.
He has been a member of several east Tennessee bands including ETSU’s Bluegrass Pride Band, The Shadow Drifters and the New Hawkins County Grass, which he leads. He has also worked with Larry Sparks, Brand New Strings and James King.
He is contributing writer for Bluegrass Today and serves on the IBMA Board of Directors.
Grew up in Prestonsburg, Kentucky. Later moved to Detroit, Michigan.
Best known as a writer of bluegrass songs.
His songs have been recorded by the Bluegrass Cardinals, The Osborne Brothers, Hot Rize, Larry Sparks, Doyle Lawson, the Country Gentlemen, the Lewis Family and many other artists.
Award-winning compositions: “Tennessee 1949” (Song of the Year, 1988) and “Colleen Malone” (Song of the Year, 1991). These and many other bluegrass standards were co-written by both Goble and his writing partner Leroy Drumm (who died in 2010).
As a performer, recorded two albums with banjo player Bill Emerson, singing lead and playing guitar.
1951, brothers Melvin Goins (guitar) and Ray Goins (banjo) began performing on a Saturday morning radio program in Bluefield, West Virginia as teenagers. Their early band was called the Shenandoah Playboys.
1953, moved to Pikeville, Kentucky where they worked with the Lonesome Pine Fiddlers (with Cousin Ezra and Curly Ray Cline.)
Following the breakup of The Lonesome Pine Fiddlers in 1958, Melvin and Ray worked with Bill Monroe, the Stanley Brothers, Hylo Brown, and they also worked in the coal mines of eastern Kentucky.
1969, formed their own band The Goins Brothers, recording more than 30 albums on various record labels. Their brother Conley Goins (bass) was also in the band.
Besides their appearances at bluegrass festivals and concerts, they performed regularly for children in rural schools throughout the south, doing as many as four schools a day.
From Madison (Boone County), West Virginia. Lives in Nashville.
A singer/songwriter who grew up in the coal mining region of West Virginia. Almost all of his relatives are connected to the coal mining industry. His grandfather fought in the historic Battle of Blair Mountain (1921).
He began performing at age 5. His parents had a bluegrass gospel group.
1993-1997, played mandolin with The Gillis Brothers.
1998-2004, worked as a utility musician with numerous east coast bands including country singer Charlie Floyd.
2001-2009, played guitar/mandolin/bass with Dave Evans and River Bend.
2003, played banjo with Ernie Thacker and Route 23.
2004-2006, played guitar and sang lead with Larry Gillis.
2010, began his solo career. Formed a band called Old Back 40 and founded his own record label (Coal Records).
2011, released an album of original songs Cold Coal Town (Coal) produced by Randy Kohrs.
From Lambsburg, Virginia. Lives in Advance, North Carolina—near Winston-Salem.
Began performing at age 8 in a group called the Twin County Partners with his 11-year-old friend Jimmy Arnold.
1972, joined Roanoke, Virginia-based group, The Shenandoah Cut-ups.
1973, he and mandolinist Herschel Sizemore left The Shenandoah Cutups to form The Country Grass.
1975, invited by Ricky Skaggs to sing lead and play guitar in Boone Creek, named after one of Golding’s songs. Keith Whitley had declined because he was working with Jimmy Gaudreau in a new band called The Country Store.
1986, recorded “River of Teardrops” album (Heritage) with his band Surefire.
A bluegrass/comedy group consisting of three native American brothers and their father.
The father’s name: Bob Baldridge (mandolin). The Baldridge brothers: Paul Anthony (guitar), Shawn David (bass/fiddle), Steven Joseph (banjo).
They are also known as “Three Indians and the Little White Man.”
The brothers are one-half Creek Indian. Their mother is the full-blooded Indian and their father is the “white man.”
They appear regularly in Branson, Missouri, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and other tourist locations. They wear traditional native American apparel during their shows.
Formed in 2011 by Ralph McGee (mandolin) and Teddy Barneycastle (guitar). Other members have included Hersie McMillan (banjo), Tim Hill (bass), Kyser George (lead guitar), David George (bass) and Tommy Morse (banjo).
Their name is a take-off on the 1990 gangster movie classic “Goodfellas.”
A trio featuring brothers Jonathan (banjo/guitar) and William (mandolin) Goodwin with vocalist Kenneth Chase Bush and other backing musicians.
They recorded their first album in 1999. Jonathan was 14, William was 12.
Jonathan Goodwin is a veteran of the Gospel music industry. Owns a record label and produces many gospel music artists. He is not to be confused with Jonathan Goodwin, the Welsh escape artist and daredevil who rose to fame on the TV Show America’s Got Talent.
William Goodwin was the lead singer with the Gospel group Assembled. They recorded one album in 2015.
Kenneth Chase Bush (known as “Chase”) was a finalist on American Idol (Season 5, 2006). He is a childhood friend of the Goodwin brothers.
2021, released first self-titled bluegrass album (615 Hideaway).
2022, signed with the Mark Newton agency; also signed with Pinecastle Records.
Formed in 1975 as an all-girl bluegrass band by Kathy Kallick and Laurie Lewis. They were among the first (after Hazel Dickens & Alice Gerrard) to feature women as bluegrass band leaders and songwriters.
Other band members included Dorothy Baxter (guitar), Barbara Mendelsohn (banjo), John Reischman (mandolin), Sally Van Meter (Dobro™/banjo), Paul Shelasky (fiddle) and Bethany Raine (bass).
Name was meant to be a joke—a humorous response to Frank Wakefield’s “Good Ol’ Boys” who were also active in the Bay Area at that time.
Although bluegrass-based, they featured a variety of musical styles including jazz, swing, Latin, old-time, country and cajun.
1995, celebrated their 20th anniversary with a concert at the Freight and Salvage Coffeehouse, Berkeley. The album Good ‘n’ Live (Sugar Hill) was recorded at that concert.
Kathy Kallick, who led the group for 20 years, now performs with her own band.
2013, reunited for a concert at the Freight and Salvage in San Francisco. Band members: Kathy Kallick (guitar), John Reischman (mandolin), Sally Van Meter (resophonic guitar), Annie Staninec (fiddle) and Trisha Gagnon (bass).
A gospel bluegrass band formed in 2012 by David Murph (mandolin). Other members: John Goodson (banjo), Michael Jenkins (guitar), David Brown (guitar and bass), Andrew Brown (bass and resonator guitar), and Kris Miller (guitar).
Stage attire: denim overalls, white shirts and red ties.
Band member Andrew Brown served with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan.
2016, released Welcome Home album (Mountain Fever).
2017, founder and mandolin player Murph died at the age of 58.
2019, banjo player Goodson died at the age of 54.
2019 lineup: Michael Jenkins (mandolin), David Brown (guitar and bass), Andrew Brown (bass and resonator guitar), Kris Miller (guitar), Charles Honeycutt (banjo) and Alec McCallister (fiddle).
2019, released When the Crops Are Laid By album (Mountain Fever), dedicated to the memory of their former bandmates Murph and Goodson.
A guitar player first, then learned banjo in his early twenties. Learned banjo from Cousin Emmy, a flamboyant female performer of the 1930’s.
The “Grandpa” nickname was adopted when he was only 22 years old.
1940’s, formed a gospel-singing group called the Brown’s Ferry Four which included the Delmore Brothers and Merle Travis. The Brown’s Ferry Four tradition was kept alive (in spirit) by the Hee Haw Gospel Quartet.
While in the army in 1944, had a group in Germany called The Munich Mountaineers.
Joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1946 and stayed there until 1949; left soon after to work on the Old Dominion Barn Dance, broadcast out of Richmond, Virginia; returned to the Opry in 1952 only to leave again in 1956 to work on Jimmy Dean’s TV show in Washington, D.C.; 1959, returned to Nashville to stay.
1968, joined the cast of the Hee Haw television show.
1978, elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Daughter Alisa Jones Wall is one of the nation’s most recorded hammered-dulcimer players.
1998, died at the age of 84.
2023, he was inducted into the National Banjo Hall of Fame.
RECOMMENDED:
Country Music Hall Of Fame: Grandpa Jones (MCA) This album contains most of his classic’s including “Mountain Dew”, “Rattler’s Pup” and “Eight More Miles to Louisville.”
1960, Bill Grant and Delia Bell began singing together on a Hugo radio program called The Dixie Hayride. They continued performing together for more than 55 years.
Grant is part Choctaw Indian.
Bell’s given name: Francis Leona Bell. “Delia” was a nickname.
Grant was recognized as “Ambassador of Bluegrass Music” by three Oklahoma governors.
Grant lives on a 360-acre cattle ranch near Hugo, which has been in his family for more than 100 years.
For more then 30 years (1969-2003), Grant hosted one of the biggest bluegrass festivals in the country on his ranch. He called the festival site Salt Creek Park.
Bill Grant and Delia Bell had a band called The Kiamichi Mountain Boys, named after the mountains near their home.
1982, Emmylou Harris produced a solo album for Delia Bell, released on the Warner Brothers label. It reached #35 on the Billboard charts. Emmylou said of Delia Bell: “If Kitty Wells and Hank Williams had had a child—if somehow their voices had been able to spawn a woman singer—Delia Bell would be it.”
2006, they stopped performing for health reasons.
2006, Grant received IBMA’s Distinguished Achievement Award.
2008, Grant was recognized as a “Pioneer of Bluegrass Music” by the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Owensboro, Kentucky.
They recorded more than a dozen albums for their own label Kiamichi Records as well as albums by County Records, Rebel Records, Rounder Records and Warner Brothers.
2017, Grant was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.
Formed in 2004 by Terry Eldridge (guitar), Jimmy Mattingly (fiddle), David Talbot (banjo), Danny Roberts (mandolin), Jamie Johnson (guitar) and Terry Smith (bass).
Eldridge, Talbot and Johnson appeared on a 2001 album called “The Little Grasscals: Nashville’s Superpickers.”
Other former bands: Eldridge (Osborne Brothers, Larry Cordle, Sidemen); Talbot (Larry Cordle, Marty Raybon, Reba McIntyre); Mattingly (Garth Brooks, Steve Wariner, Osborne Brothers, Dolly Parton); Johnson (Boys from Indiana, Wildwood Valley Boys, Ricky Van Shelton); Smith (Jimmy Martin, Wilma Lee Cooper, Osborne Brothers, Smith Brothers); Roberts (The New Tradition, Reno Tradition).
2004, toured with Dolly Parton on her “Hello I’m Dolly” tour. Released single “Viva Las Vegas” with Dolly singing a verse.
2005, released The Grascals album (Rounder Records).
2005, won IBMA award for Emerging Artist of the Year.
2005, won IBMA award for Song of the Year (“Me and John and Paul”)
2005, opened for country artists Brooks and Dunn in New York City.
2006, 2007 won IBMA award for Entertainer of the Year.
2006-2009, they were sponsored by Mayberry’s Finest (a food distributor).
2006, released Long List of Heartaches album (Rounder) with guests Steve Wariner, George Jones, Dierks Bentley and the Jordanaires.
2006, banjo player David Talbot left to work full-time with Dolly Parton, replaced by Aaron McDaris.
2015, Jamie Johnson left the band and was replaced by guitarist/vocalist John Bryan (whose grandfather Willard Watson is a first cousin of Doc Watson’s.)
2018, banjo player Kristin Scott Benson won the IBMA Award for Banjo Player of the Year. She also was given the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Bluegrass and Banjo.
2019, Terry Eldridge left the band and was replaced by Chris Davis.
2022, Chris Davis left the band and was replaced by original member Jamie Johnson after a seven-year hiatus.
2023, lineup included Jamie Johnson (guitar), Terry Smith (bass), Danny Roberts (mandolin), Kristen Scott Benson (banjo), John Bryan (guitar) and Adam Haynes (fiddle). Haynes departed the band in early ’23 to work with Rhonda Vincent. He was replaced by Jamie Harper (formerly with Sideline and Junior Sisk).
Personnel (2011): Steven Martin (guitar) , Russell Johnson (mandolin), Tim Woodall (bass), Chris Hill (fiddle) and Rick Lafleur on banjo (Rick has a PHD in Physics and is from Canada).
1999, won the International Pizza Hut Bluegrass Showdown and the Rocky Grass Festival band contest.
Original members: Glen and Jeremy Garrett (father and son) and Randy and Honi Glenn (husband and wife).
2001, group re-organized when Randy and Honi left the band. Honi subsequently married Jeff Deaton (son of Third Tyme Out’s Ray Deaton) and formed a new band called Honi Deaton and Dream.
2002, Glen and Jeremy moved to Nashville and formed a new band. They recorded a gospel album called “Garrett Grass.”
2003, Jeremy joined the Chris Jones Coalition
2004, Jeremy joined Ronnie Bowman’s band, the Committee and also worked with J.D. Crowe, Bobby Osborne, the Waybacks, other bands.
2005, Jeremy co-founded the Infamous Stringdusters.
Formed in 2006 by Jim Grubbs (mandolin) and brothers Greg (guitar) and Joel Barnett (banjo). Other members of the band include Jerry Martin (guitar), Pete Wright (bass) and Amanda Hinds (fiddle). Martin and Wright were formerly with the band String Fever. Hinds has a Ph.D in biochemistry and is a classically-trained violinist.
2020, released first album What We Are (no label).
An instrumental group formed in 1993 by fiddler Richard Greene. Eventually became “Richard Greene and the Grass is Greener.”
Primarily a recording band, the group included such musicians as Bill Keith, David Grier, Chris Thile, Tim Emmons, Sonny Osborne, Tony Trischka, Kenny Blackwell, Peter Rowan, Buell Neidlinger, Butch Baldassari and others.
1993, recorded self titled album Grass Is Greener (Rebel Records).
Formed in 2006 by Phil Leadbetter (formerly with Wildfire), Steve Gulley (formerly with Mountain Heart) and Alan Bibey (formerly with Blue Ridge). Also in the original band: Jason Davis (banjo) and Lee Sawyer (bass).
2007, Jamie Booher (of the Boohers) replaced Sawyer on bass. A year later, he left to join Newfound Road.
2010, Phil Leadbetter left the band. Bibey and Gulley were joined by new members Justin Jenkins (banjo), Kameron Keller (bass) and Adam Haynes (fiddle).
2011, Steve Gulley left to join Dale Ann Bradley. He was replaced by Dustin Pyrtle, nephew of Lou Reid.
2012, Ronnie Bowman replaced Pyrtle on guitar and lead vocals.
2013, Shannon Slaughter joined the band playing guitar and singing lead vocals.
2014, Jimmy Haley and Gena Britt joined the band. New lineup: Haley (guitar), Britt (bass), Jenkins (banjo) and Bibey (mandolin). The group was re-branded as Alan Bibey and Grasstowne.
2018, added Michael Bentley on guitar and vocals (who also performs with Cumberland Gap Connection); also added Laura Oshaw (fiddle). Other band members include Britt (banjo), Zac MacLamb (bass) and bandleader Bibey (mandolin).
2018, Justin Jenkins re-joined the band, replacing Britt on banjo.
2019, Tony Watt (husband of fiddler Laura Orshaw) joined the band, replacing Bentley on guitar.
2020, Kati Penn joined the band, replacing Laura Orshaw who left to join the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys.
2022, Watt left the band and was replaced by Jeff Huffman.
Real name: Burkett Howard Graves. Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper called him Buck. Upon joining Flatt and Scruggs, he took on the persona of “Uncle Josh,” part of the Foggy Mountain Boys comedy routine.
He is generally regarded as the man who introduced the Dobro™ to bluegrass music. He was the first to use Earl Scruggs’ three-finger roll with the Dobro™, giving it a new sound and new life. Dobro master Jerry Douglas and many other musicians were inspired by the music of Josh Graves.
Josh’s first Dobro™ is named “Julie.” He bought it for $70 in 1947 and played it throughout his career. He also played an instrument called “Cliff,” named after Cliff Carlisle, it’s previous owner.
1947-1954, worked with Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper as well as Mac Wiseman.
1954-1969, worked with Flatt and Scruggs.
1969-1971, worked with Lester Flatt and the Nashville Grass.
1971-1984, worked with The Earl Scruggs Revue.
During the 80’s and 90’s, he performed primarily in a duo with fiddler Kenny Baker.
1991-2, performed with The Masters—a quartet with Eddie Adcock, Jesse McReynolds and Kenny Baker.
1997, he was inducted into the IBMA’s Hall of Fame.
In his later years, had health problems which led to the amputation of both legs. Eddie Adcock built him a device to hold his instrument, allowing him to peform until shortly before his death.
2012, his autobiography was published by the University of Illinois Press, Bluegrass Bluesman: Josh Graves, A Memoir edited by Fred Bartenstein.
Cathy is from Montreal, but moved to Takoma Park, Maryland in 1979. Plays banjo and guitar.
Marcy is from Michigan. Worked on production lines at General Motors. Began performing professionally in 1978. Plays guitar, mandolin, hammered dulcimer.
He is the owner of the Station Inn (Nashville bluegrass and acoustic music venue).
As a performer, he has recorded and toured with many bands including Jimmy Martin’s Sunny Mountain Boys, Vassar Clements, The Sullivan Family, Tom T. Hall and his own band, the Misty Mountain Boys.
2003, received an IBMA Distinguished Achievement Award for his contributions to bluegrass music (as owner of the Station Inn).
2005, released album “It’s About Time,” accompanied by many of the musicians who perform regularly at the Station Inn.
2003, played with an Alaskan band called Well Strung.
2008, formed his own band Cold Country,
2009, moved to Nashville.
2010-13, toured with Bearfoot.
2011, formed a new version of Cold Country with David Long (mandolin), Mike Bub (bass) and Angela Oudean (fiddle). In 2013, he and Oudean were married.
2015, moved back to Anchorage, formed a “honky-tonk country” version of Cold Country (with drums and electric guitar) and released Citizen album (no label).
An influential bluegrass band of the sixties (1958-1967) popular with folk music enthusiasts.
Original members: John Herald (guitar), Bob Yellin (banjo), Eric Weissberg (bass), Ralph Rinzler (mandolin).
Performed at the Newport Folk Festival with Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, the Kingston Trio, Bob Dylan and other folk artists.
Besides their own recordings on Vanguard Records, they backed Joan Baez on her 1961 album (Volume 2) and also recorded an album in 1963 for Elektra Records with California folk singer Dian James (Dian and the Greenbriar Boys). That album was produced by Jim Dickson, who also produced albums for the Dillards, the Byrds, Chris Hillman and others.
Mandolin player Ralph Rinzler left the band in 1964 to become folklorist at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. and was replaced by Frank Wakefield until the group broke up in 1970. Rinzler is credited with discovering and/or bringing to national attention many important folk and bluegrass acts, including Doc Watson. Rinzler died in 1994.
Featured vocalist and guitarist John Herald later formed the John Herald Band, based out of Woodstock, New York.
Joe Isaacs (of the Isaacs) replaced Yellin on banjo in 1967. Yellin moved to his homeland of Israel and performed there with a group called “Galilee Grass.” Returned to the U.S. in 1982 and formed a new band with his brother Gene and wife Yona called “Yellin Grass”—which he later re-named “The Joint Chiefs of Bluegrass.”
Original bass player Eric Weissburg is best known for his performance of “Dueling Banjos” which was used in the soundtrack for the movie “Deliverance.” He also recorded an album title “New Dimensions in Banjo and Bluegrass” with Marshall Brickman, a very influential banjo album of the sixties.
1992, the group reunited with a lineup including Yellin and Herald, Richard Greene on bass and fiddle and Greg Garing on mandolin.
John Herald died in 2005 at the age of 65. He committed suicide.
2012, mandolinist and folklorist Ralph Rinzler was inducted into the IBMA’s Bluegrass Hall of Fame.
From Australia and Great Britain. Living in Austin, Texas.
A trio that specializes in “high-energy acoustic music deeply rooted in bluegrass.”
Features vocals by Carol Young, who had two #1 singles in Australia in 2000 (“True Blue Fool” and “Part of the Past”) Hometown: Coff’s Harbor, Australia. Was nominated “Best Female Vocalist” by CMA Australia. Toured with Australia’s top country artist, Slim Dusty.
Mandolinist Kym Warner won 4 consecutive Australian mandolin championships (1994-1997). Hometown: Adelaide, Australia.
Fiddler Eamon McLoughlin was classically trained at the Royal School of Music, London. Hometown: South London, Great Britain. Has toured with the Austin Lounge Lizards.
An influential fiddler who worked with Bill Monroe (1966-67) and the short-lived Muleskinner band with Clarence White, Bill Keith and Peter Rowan (1973).
While working with Monroe, he invented “the fiddle chop” which is a bowing technique similar to the mandolin chop that is used to play rhythm.
First band: The Dry City Scat Band (1963). Others: The Pine Valley Boys (1964), The Greenbriar Boys (1965), Jim Kweskin’s Jug Band (1968), Seatrain (1969), The Great American Music Band (early 1970’s, with David Grisman).
First solo project: Duets (Rounder) in 1977, featuring Tony Rice, Tony Trischka, J.D. Crowe and others.
Has recorded and toured with Bruce Springsteen, Henry Mancini, Loggins and Messina, Maria Muldaur, Burt Bacharach, Peter Rowan, others.
He is an award-winning photographer. Some of his photos are on display in the Smithsonian Photo Gallery in Washington, D.C.
1985, formed the Greene String Quartet (a jazz ensemble).
Was a popular country music singer around New York and Vermont in the 50’s and 60’s. During the 70’s, he had a band called “the Green Mountain Boys.” Was also a festival promoter.
1996, after 50 years of performing, recorded his first nationally-distributed album (Pinecastle Records).
From Kalamazoo, Michigan (original home of Gibson Instruments).
Formed in 2004 by Paul Hoffman (mandolin), Michael Arden Bont (banjo), Michael Devol (bass) and Dave Bruzza (guitar). Anders Beck (Dobro™) joined in 2007.
2006, won the Telluride (Colorado) Band Competition.
Their name implies that they are actually the opposite of a bluegrass band (“Green Sky” vs “Blue Grass”). “We play acoustic instruments but we put on a rock’n’roll show. We play in bigger clubs and theaters, there’s a killer light show, and we’re as loud as your favorite rock band. It’s not easy to make five acoustic instruments sound like this but it’s something we’ve spent years working on.
As a country singer, he had several songs on the Billboard Top 100 charts including “If It Weren’t for Country Music, I’d Go Crazy” and “Play Ruby Play,” among others.
He is a fiddle player and did session work in Nashville.
2012, returned to his bluegrass roots with the release of Roots of My Raising by the Clinton Gregory Bluegrass Band, produced by Scott Vestal.
From Laurel, Maryland. Lives in Nashville, Tennessee.
An award-winning flat-pick guitarist who has performed with The Doug Dillard Band, The Big Dogs (with Tony Trischka), Peter Rowan, The Country Gazette and other bands.
Son of Lamar Grier, banjo player with Bill Monroe and The Bluegrass Boys in the late 60’s.
Influenced by Clarence and Roland White, who were family friends of the Griers.
Won his first guitar championship at age 11.
1991, recorded a duet album with mandolinist Mike Compton called Climbing the Walls.
1995-present, performs as a studio musician and solo artist. Also plays with a group called Psychograss.
1996, won his fourth IBMA award for Guitar Player of the Year (also won in 1992, 1993 and 1995).
Began singing at age 13 at the CBA Grass Valley (California) bluegrass festival in the “Kids on Bluegrass” program. Was asked to sing harmony with Rhonda Vincent at one of her shows and that propelled Angelica to pursue singing as a career.
2009, released first album Look For Me at age 19 (Patuxent Records), produced by Frank Solivan.
She is married to TJ Doerful of The Doerfuls (they met at IBMA, 2006).
Banjo player who has performed and recorded with such bands as David Peterson and 1946, Jim and Jesse, The Osborne Brothers, David Davis and the Warrior River Boys.
2006, joined Jesse McReynolds and the Virginia Boys. Also works dates with Tim Graves & Cherokee, Wildfire and Bobby Osborne.
2006, released a solo project April’s Fool (no label).
In high school, played in a band called Highway Bound.
As a student in the Bluegrass, Country and Old Time Music program at East Tennessee State University, played with a band called the Troubadours. Sang lead and played bass. Also plays mandolin.
2010, recorded a solo project titled “Here and Now.”
2011, won the Chris Austin songwriting contest at Merlefest.
From Mill Valley, California. Originally from Hackensack, New York
Called “The Paganini of the Mandolin” by the New York Times.
Bill Monroe once acknowledged David as his “heir apparent” to the mandolin.
Began pro career with Red Allen and the Kentuckians (mid-60’s).
Other early bands: The Even Dozen Jug Band (with Maria Muldaur and John Sebastian, later of the Lovin’ Spoonful), The New York Ramblers (with Jody Stecher and Winnie Winston).
1967, moved to California and formed a rock group with Peter Rowan called “Earth Opera.”
1972, performed in Muleskinner with Peter Rowan, Richard Greene and Clarence White.
1973, formed The Great American Music Band, which included at various times, Richard Greene, Vassar Clements, Jerry Garcia, Eric Thompson, John Carlini and Joe Carroll. Performed at The Great American Music Hall in San Francisco.
1973, formed a group with Jerry Garcia, Peter Rowan, Vassar Clements and John Kahn called “Old and In the Way.” Their self-titled album ranks as one of the best selling bluegrass albums of all time.
Calls his music “Dawg” music (after the initials in his name.) Jerry Garcia (of The Grateful Dead) gave him the nickname.
One of the first to successfully fuse bluegrass with jazz.
Since 1975, has performed with his group, The David Grisman Quintet (or Quartet, depending on the number of musicians). First version of this band included guitarist Tony Rice.
Frets Magazine called David’s music “bluegrass-jazz-Gypsy-rock-Middle-Eastern-Hebraic-folk-classical-Grisman.” Billboard Magazine has called it “fire-breathing acoustic string music that fuses the emotional freedom of rock to the tight precision of bluegrass.”
Has worked on albums by Linda Rondstadt, Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor, Judy Collins, Martin Mull, Tom Paxton, the Pointer Sisters, and the Grateful Dead.
Gave Bob Dylan mandolin lessons.
1976, released The David Grisman Rounder Album a landmark album featuring Tony Rice, Ricky Skaggs, Jerry Douglas, Bill Keith, J.D. Crowe and many other bluegrass artists (Rounder).
1976, founded a magazine called “The Mandolin World News.”
Founder and owner of Acoustic Disc records.
Early influences: Ralph Rinzler (of the original Greenbriar Boys) and Frank Wakefield.
1994, released Tone Poems, a duet album with Tony Rice featuring vintage instruments (Acoustic Disc).
1997, released a duet album with Doc Watson, Doc & Dawg (Acoustic Disc).
2000, won IBMA awards for Instrumental Album of the Year and Recorded Event of the Year (“Bluegrass Mandolin Extravaganza”).
2001, his daughter Gillian produced a film for Sony Pictures called “Grateful Dawg,,” based on the lives, music and friendship of David Grisman and Jerry Garcia.
2002, formed a bluegrass band called The David Grisman Experience. Also formed a reunion band called Old & In the Gray.
2023, he was inducted into the IBMA’s Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.
A short-lived recording ensemble that has included the Del McCoury Band, Mac Wiseman, Doc Watson, Terry Eldridge, Wilma Lee Cooper, Steve Kaufman, Bernie Leadon and other musicians.
1997, released a bluegrass version of the latin dance hit “Macarena.” They also released a dance version of “Rocky Top” (using the Osborne Brothers’ vocals from the original version). Both recordings reached the Billboard top ten singles chart.
The group was the brain child of Nashville producer Scott Rouse.
Band members: Mike Finders (guitar), Erin Youngberg (bass), Ryan Drickey (fiddle), Rich Zimmerman (mandolin), Aaron Youngberg (banjo and pedal steel).
Erin and Aaron Youngberg are married and are former members of the band “Hit and Run Bluegrass.” Zimmerman is a former member of a Boulder, Colorado group called “Slipstream.”
Began her career performing with a family band called Fisher and Company.
2005, appeared on the CD “Daughters of American Bluegrass.”
2006, married Ray Deaton (formerly with IIIrd Tyme Out), who also joined her band playing bass. They now perform as “The Anita Fisher Band with Ray Deaton.”
From San Diego, California. (Was born in Athens, Kentucky.)
A professional baseball player and coach (San Diego Padres 1979-1989 as an infielder, 1992-2002 as third-base coach). Went to two World Series and one All-Star Game. For several years, he did color commentary for local Padres radio and TV broadcasts.
His father was a Baptist minister in Kentucky and gave him his roots in bluegrass, Irish and gospel music.
During his baseball playing days, he performed in the off-season with local musicians, playing mostly Jimmy Buffet-style pop and beach-rock music.
2001, released first acoustic/bluegrass album, produced by Dennis Caplinger. Includes many of his original songs.
2004, released Kentucky Towns album, a tribute to his late father.
2007, joined the coaching staff of the San Francisco Giants (third base) and released Wayward Wind album (no label).
Formed in 2015 as a 20-year reunion of the version of J.D. Crowe and his New South band that recorded the album “Flashback.” The group included Crowe, Richard Bennett (guitar), Don Rigsby (mandolin), Curt Chapman (banjo) and Phil Leadbetter (Dobro™).
After Crowe retired in 2016, the band continued to perform together under the name Flashback, with Stuart Wyrick joining them on banjo.
FLATT & SCRUGGS (LESTER FLATT, EARL SCRUGGS AND THE FOGGY MOUNTAIN BOYS)
From Nashville.
Considered by many to be the most important bluegrass band in the history of the music, primarily because they perfected the Monroe sound and exposed it to bigger audiences than ever before. They brought bluegrass from the country schoolhouse to the big city—Carnegie Hall in New York City and San Francisco’s Fillmore Auditorium, to name a few.
Flatt and Scruggs were both members of the “original bluegrass band,” Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys (1945-1948).
They were members of the Grand Ole Opry for 20 years.
They worked together for roughly twenty-one years (1948-1969).
Their early work on Mercury and Columbia during the late 40’s and the 50’s are the considered the “essential bluegrass recordings”—the body of work upon which the entire genre is based. Their songs are classics and continue to be recorded and re-recorded by almost every bluegrass band.
1953, began doing early morning radio shows on WSM (Nashville) sponsored by Marth White Flour, and remained as promoters of the company throughout their career. The Martha White Theme as performed by Flatt and Scruggs is heard on Grand Old Opry broadcasts to this day.
Rose to popular fame during the urban folk music revival of the early sixties. They performed at folk festivals and college campuses, helping to convert an entire new generation to bluegrass music.
Recorded the theme to the CBS-TV show “The Beverly Hillbillies” and made frequent guest appearances on the show.
1966, their recording of “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” was used in the soundtrack for the movie “Bonnie and Clyde” starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway.
The Foggy Mountain Boys took its name from the song that Flatt and Scruggs used as their theme—a Carter Family song called “Foggy Mountain Top.”
Broke up in 1969 due to disagreements regarding musical direction. Scruggs left to play progressive music with his sons in “The Earl Scruggs Revue,” and Flatt left to play traditional bluegrass with “The Nashville Grass.”
1981, they were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
1991, they were inducted individually into the IBMA’s Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, along with Bill Monroe. Several of their band members (the Foggy Mountain Boys) have also been inducted into the Hall of Fame: Curly Seckler, Josh Graves, Benny Martin, Chubby Wise and Paul Warren.
2007, inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
After working with Bill Monroe (1945-1948) and Earl Scruggs (1948-1969), formed his own band “Lester Flatt and the Nashville Grass.”
He is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.
“The Nashville Grass” was the result of a “Name the Band” contest in which Lester’s fans were invited to mail in their suggestions for a new band name.
His Nashville Grass band included such sidemen as Curly Seckler, Marty Stuart, Tater Tate, Kenny Ingram, Vic Jordan, Roland White and others. Marty Stuart joined the Nashville Grass when he was only 13 years old.
After Lester died of a heart ailment in 1979, The Nashville Grass continued on for several years led by Curly Seckler and Flatt sound-alike Willis Spears.
Began as a gospel-singing family band called Sandy Creek Revival, led by Dolton Robertson, who pastors Liberty Baptist Church in Callahan, Florida.
Their name is also the name of an instrumental by Josh Graves, recorded while he was with Flatt & Scruggs. It was also recorded on “The Great Dobro Sessions” album produced by Jerry Douglas (Sugar Hill).
2011, siblings Kelsi (mandolin), Charli (fiddle) and Buddy Robertson (guitar) formed Flatt Lonesome, joined by Dominic Illingworth (bass), Michael Stockton (resophonic guitar) and Paul Harrigill (banjo, now married to Kelsi). Harrigill formerly was a member of Mountain Faith.
2012, won the SPBGMA International Band Championship in Nashville.
2013, released first album Flatt Lonesome for Pisgah Ridge records.
2014 , released second album Too on Mountain Home Records.
2014, won the IBMA Award for Emerging Artist of the Year.
Of Hungarian descent. He was named after the composer Bela Bartok. His brother Ludwig was named after Beethoven.
First musical instruments: guitar and french horn. As a young teen was accepted into the New York High School of Music and Art for artistically gifted students.
Converted to the banjo after hearing “The Beverly Hillbillies” on TV and the movie “Deliverance” featuring “Dueling Banjos.”
Took banjo lessons from Tony Trischka.
1976, formed Tasty Licks with guitarist Pat Enright (now with The Nashville Bluegrass Band).
1979, formed Spectrum with mandolinist Jimmy Gaudreau.
1981-1989, was a member of New Grass Revival.
1990, won the IBMA award for Banjo Player of the Year.
1990, formed his jazz group The Flecktones. Spent his life savings to produce their first album, which was subsequently picked up by Warner Brothers.
2000, toured with the Dave Matthews Band.
2005, recorded Throw Down Your Heart in Africa as he researched the music and the instruments that were precursors to the modern banjo. A documentary film of this project was also released.
2008, toured and recorded as a member of Abigail Washburn’s “Sparrow Quartet.” He and Abigail married in 2009.
2011, premiered his “Concerto for Banjo and Orchestra” with the Nashville Symphony.
2014, delivered the keynote address at the IBMA’s World of Bluegrass business conference.
Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn (Rounder, 2014) an album of duets with his wife Abigail Washburn. This album won the Grammy Award (2016) for best folk album.
From Thousand Oaks, California. Lives in Nashville.
1981-1990, played guitar with the New Grass Revival.
During his tenure with NGR, won Frets Magazine Readers Poll for “Best Acoustic Guitarist” five years in a row. For winning five years in a row, he was inducted into Frets Magazine’s “Gallery of Greats” alongside Doc Watson, Chet Atkins and Tony Rice.
After NGR, went back to school and got his masters degree in counseling. Also worked as a studio musician/record producer in Nashville. Among his credits: Crucial Smith, Alan Thornhill, Cadillac Sky and Candace Corrigan.
Wrote and performed on Garth Brooks’ hit single “Do What You Gotta Do.”
2004, served as Tom T. Hall’s musical director for Hall’s “Artist in Residence” program at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville.
2004, returned to recording and performing with his own record label (Request Records).
2005, did shows as “Pat Flynn and Friends” with such artists as John Cowan, Tim O’Brien, Darrell Scott, Stuart Duncan, Buddy Greene, Michael Card and others.
2009, worked with Michael Martin Murphey on his Buckaroo Bluegrass projects.
2009, released solo project ReQuest (Emergent Records).
2010, released follow up project ReVision (Mea Culpa Records).
2013, Flynn was named by Flatpicking Guitar magazine as one of the most influential guitarists of his generation.
2014, released solo project Renew (Mea Culpa Records).
Plays mandolin and has performed mostly as a sideman with such Georgia-based bands as Betty Fisher and the Dixie Mountain Boys and the Little Roy and Lizzie Show. He has also worked with the Clinton Gregory Band.
Formed a band called Avalanche. Currently The Doug Flowers Bluegrass Band.
He is also a songwriters with songs recorded by Clinton Gregory, Betty Fisher, Ronnie Bowman, Valerie Smith, Little Roy and Lizzie Long.
2015, released a solo project “Georgia Rose” (Melody Roundup Music) with guest musicians including Scott Vestal, Clinton Gregory, Ben Speer and John Pennell.
2017, released “Favorites” album (no label) with guest musicians Sam Bush, Marty Raybon, Donna Ulisse, Don Rigsby, Tim Stafford and many others.
A country-rock singer and guitarist who had numerous Gold and Platinum albums including Souvenirs (1974), Captured Angel (1975), Nether Lands (1977) and the Innocent Age (1981). Hit songs included “Leader of the Band,” “Hard to Say,” “Run for the Roses,” and “Make Love Stay.”
1985, recorded a landmark bluegrass album called High Country Snows with Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Jerry Douglas, Herb Pederson, Doc Watson, David Grisman and other bluegrass artists.
2007, died at the age of 56 after a long battle with prostate cancer.
2015, reorganized his band with Jake Stargel (guitar), Cory Walker (banjo), Jarrod Walker (mandolin), Daniel Hyberger (bass) and Christian Ward (fiddle).
From Littlestown, Pennsylvania (near Gettysburg). They have also lived in Greenville, Tennessee and Mt. Airy, North Carolina.
A family gospel group consisting of four brothers and sisters: Homer Forbes (banjo), Jay Forbes (mandolin), Lisa Forbes Roberts (vocals), Lori Forbes Slate (bass). They grew up singing at the Free Will Baptist Church in Littlestown, Pennsylvania.
1982, recorded their debut album “I Am Looking For that City” (Lifeline).
1983, released “Gleams of that Golden Morning” album (Rebel).
1985, released “I Am a Pilgrim” album (Rebel).
1986, released “Outside the Gate” album with David Marshall of the Marshall Family (Rebel).
1988, released “Farewell” album and disbanded so that they could raise their families.
1993, began performing again.
1995, released I’ll Look to Him album and showcased at IBMA in Owensboro, Kentucky. Ron Block (of Alison Krauss and Union Station) heard them and was so impressed he produced their next album.
Formed in 2016, the brainchild of Bennie Boling (bass). Also in the band: Billy Troy (guitar and vocals) and Steve Huber (banjo).
Bennie Boling is a former member of the Farm Hands Quartet (as banjo player in that band). He has also worked with Tim Graves and Cherokee, Mike Scott and his All American Bluegrass Band, Steve Kaufmann and other bands.
Billy Troy (born Billy Graves) is a singer/songwriter, and the son of Bluegrass Hall of Famer Josh Graves. He lives in Omaha, Nebraska.
Their band name comes from a line in a Boling song describing a tractor “… with his ol’ 40 horse Ford Mule.”
2017, released first single “Hell, Fire and Brimstone” (no label).
2018, released second singel “Jack the Tobacco Farmer.” This is the song which includes their band name 40 horse mule.
A multi-instrumentalist and songwriter who spent time as a sideman with such bands as Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys, Joe Diffie and the Ricky Skaggs Band. He also spent two years with the Country Gazette.
1980-1986, formed a band called Special Edition which also included Joe Diffie. Foster re-formed the band in 1996.
From Old Forge, New York (the Adirondack Mountains). Now live in Nashville.
A brother and two sisters (Joel, Kim and Barb Fox).
1989, won the Winterhawk Bluegrass Festival band contest.
Since 1990, they have hosted their own annual bluegrass festival in New York.
1994, Kim won the Merle Watson Songwriting Contest at Merlefest.
1998, the Fox Family disbanded and Kim moved to Nashville to pursue her career as a songwriter. She also formed The Kim Fox Band, with various Nashville musicians including Andrea Roberts (bass) and Jesse Cobb (mandolin.) Her brother Joel would often play banjo.
2005, Kim, Joel and Barb re-united to form a new band called 3 Fox Drive. They released one album Listen to the Music (Koch Records).
2007, 3 Fox Drive was featured on the album Christmas Grass 3 (Koch Records).
From Bratislava, Slovak Republic (former Czechoslovakia.)
Formed in 1983 as a newgrass group by Heinrich Novak (Dobro™) and other musicians.
1993, reformed with Novak, Svata Kotas (banjo), Emil Formanek (guitar), Jiri Pola (bass) and Jana Dolakova (vocals).
1994, released “Sunday Afternoon” album.
1995, showcased at IBMA in Owensboro, Kentucky.
1998, won the SPBGMA European Band competition.
2002, Richard Cifersky joined the group, playing banjo.
2002, played the Grand Old Opry in Nashville.
2004, won the European Bluegrass Music Association (EMBA) award for Band of the Year.
2005, released “Live at Leatherwoods” album and “The Way to Your Heart” album.
2005, went through several personnel changes. New members included Ondrej Kosek (fiddle and guitar) and Petr Brandejs (banjo and guitar). Jana Dolalova married musician Stephen Mougin and moved to Nashville.
2007, Ondra Kosak (guitar, mandolin and fiddle) joined the group.
2010, Cifersky re-joined the group.
They have performed in 11 countries and 32 U.S. states. They have recorded 7 albums.
2013, the band reunited for a European tour. (Novak, Dolakova-Mougin, Cifersky, Kosak)
1999, his newly-formed band Southern Drive won the Pizza Hut International Bluegrass Showdown in Louisville, Kentucky.
2001, joined The Gena Britt Band.
2003, moved to Nashville and joined Ronnie Bowman and the Committee; also worked with Marty Raybon and Full Circle.
2006, joined Alecia Nugent.
2007, joined Special Consensus.
2009, left Special Consensus to play with Mashville Brigade and do session work.
2011, joined Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper; also formed a band called The Likely Culprits with Brandon Bostic, Deanie Richardson, Austin Ward, Ronnie and Garnet Bowman and Melonie Cannon.
2015, joined Mountain Heart.
He also performs in a comedy act called the Darrell Brothers and occasionally performs with The Earls of Leicester.
Musical career includes singing, songwriting and producing. Plays guitar, bass, mandolin and fiddle.
At age 19, he played fiddle and bass with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys. He has also worked with Jim and Jesse, the Lewis Family, and the Golden River Grass.
1992, received the “Fiddlin’ John Carson Award.”
First love: gospel music. Has performed with gospel artists the Marksmen, the Lewis Family, Jeff and Sheri Easter, and the Singing Perry’s.
He is also a professional actor, a regular on the CBS series “In the Heat of the Night,” playing the part of “Officer Randy” on the Sparta Police Force.
He is active in many community service programs and has his own non-profit “the Share America Foundation.”
Hosts the annual Grand Masters Fiddle Championships.
1992, produced a Christmas album featuring the “Heat” cast and several bluegrass and country music stars (Jim and Jesse, Ralph Stanley, Josh Graves, the Lewis Family, Jimmy Martin, etc.) to benefit drug-abuse prevention programs around the country.
2002, recorded an album of old-time duets with David Davis (Warrior River Boys.)
2004, was inducted into the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame.
2013, was inducted into the Independent Country Music Hall of Fame.
He is a multi-instrumentalist (guitar/mandolin/fiddle) who with his wife Rebecca Frazier fronted the group Hit and Run Bluegrass from 2001-2009.
2009, toured with Steve Martin and Steep Canyon Rangers. He was co-writer of “Go Away, Stop, Turn Around” with Steve Martin (recorded on Martin’s “Rare Bird Alert” album.
2010, joined the John Cowan band. Also worked with Jim Lauderdale.
z012, formed the Frazier Band, a blend of blues, reggae, soul, bluegrass and rock. Released the album “Frazier Band.”
Lived in Boulder Colorado for 8 years, co-founding Hit and Run Bluegrass with John Frazier. She plays guitar, sings lead and writes many of the band’s songs.
Maiden name: Rebecca Hoggan. John and Rebecca were married in 2007.
She was the first female artist to appear on the cover of Flatpicking Guitar magazine.
Moved to Nashville in 2007. John took a job with the John Cowan Band and Rebecca became a full-time mom.
2010, she unexpectedly lost her second son. She began to write, sing and play again. “I knew I could rely on creativity and hope in order to heal,” she says.
2013, released a solo project When We Fall (Compass) and began touring as Rebecca Frazier and Hit & Run Bluegrass.
Appeared on Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion” after entering his “Talent from Towns Under 2000” contest and being selected from 492 entrants.
A traditional string band, their music pre-dates bluegrass. They play music from the 20’s and 30’s, from artists like the Skillet Lickers, Uncle Dave Macon and the Carter Family.
Band members: Dave Bass (fiddle), Frank Lee (banjo), Cary Fridley (guitar) and Jim O’Keefe/Hanne Jorgenson (bass.)
One of the top “pop-country” artists of the 1980’s.
1982, won the CMA award for Female Vocalist of the Year.
1983, won the Academy of Country Music Award for Top Female Vocalist.
2004, recorded a bluegrass album of her country hits “The Bluegrass Sessions.” It was re-released in 2011 as Country Side of Bluegrass (New Music Deals).
Formed in 2011 by Adam Roszkiewicz (mandolin), Jacob Groopman (guitar), Jordan Klein (banjo), Leif Karlstrom (fiddle), Melody Walker (lead vocals, guitar) and Zach Sharpe (bass). Jeremy Darrow (bass) replaced Sharpe when the group relocated to Nashville.
They began playing a monthly gig with friends in San Francisco’s Mission District.
Their name means “a natural area nearer to the roads and populated areas,” the opposite of the “back country.”
2012, won the Rockygrass(Colorado) band competition.
Formed in 1974 by Larry and Claire Lynch on the campus of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Other band members have included Allen Watkins (banjo), Terry Campbell (bass), Alan O’Bryant (banjo), Jim Hurst (guitar/banjo) and Michael McLain (banjo).
They were originally called Hickory Wind.
1977, released “Smilin’ at You” album (no label).
1977, released “Country Rain” album (Lanark).
1980, released landmark album Front Porch String Band (Leather/reissued by Rebel) featuring the lead vocals of Claire Lynch. They disbanded during the eighties, the Lynch’s taking time off from music to begin a family. They re-organized the group ten years later.
1991, released “Lines and Traces” album (Rebel).
1997, the group disbanded for good.
2005, Claire began her solo career with her own Claire Lynch Band.
Formed in 1984 in Denver, Colorado, but only two band members ever lived there (Mike Lantz, Ron Lynam). Dick and Amos live in Pennsylvania and Vermont respectively.
The name “Front Range” comes from the name given to the eastern slopes of the Colorado Rockies.
1988, recorded first album (a cassette). Original band included Peter Schwimmer on banjo.
1990, recorded second album in their own studio on their own record label. Mailed 500 copies to radio stations and the song “High Mountain Meadow” became a #1 song.
1995, released One Beautiful Day album (Sugar Hill). Won the IBMA award for Gospel Recording of the Year.
Banjo player Ron Lynam is the world’s undisputed “Underwater Banjo Champion.” He accomplished this feat by playing an aluminum banjo underwater in a pool at the Midwinter (Ft. Collins, CO) Bluegrass Festival. It has become an annual event. He is also a high school social studies teacher.
From York, Pennsylvania. Grew up in the Blue Ridge of Virginia.
1983, moved to Chicago and joined Special Consensus, playing guitar.
1984-1992, taught at the Old Town School of Folk Music (Chicago).
1993-1998, moved to Nashville and worked as a staff songwriter on Music Row.
As a singer/songwriter, he has recorded numerous albums in the Americana/Folk genres.
2023, released first all-bluegrass album Bluegrass Vacation (Compass) featuring Sam Bush, Sierra Hull, Ronnie McCoury, Tim O’Brien, Alison Brown, John Cowan, Jerry Douglas & others.
Music is her second career. Her first was international development. In 1990, she was working in Africa when she decided to take guitar lessons and pursue a career in music. She also has experience as a rape crisis counselor.
A bluegrass multi-instrumentalist, he won the banjo championships at Carlton Haney’s Camp Springs Bluegrass Festival (1973) and Union Grove Fiddler’s Convention (1974).
1970, joined the High Country Boys.
1973, worked with Southbound.
1975, worked with Jeannie C. Riley.
1978, worked with Tom T. Hall.
1984, worked with Ed Bruce.
Best known as a songwriter, he co-wrote “Hard Rock Mountain Prison (‘Til I Die)” with Larry Cox and Terry Foust, a #1 song for Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out. His songs have also been recorded by Darrell Webb, Monroeville, Nu-Blu, Grasstowne, Special Consensus, Jeannette Williams and many other bluegrass artists.
2012, released Portrait of a Bluegrass Songwriter (Rural Rhythm) with his band Hard Rock Mountain featuring Edwards’ songs recorded by other artists.
Began playing mandolin at age 7 and performed with his father’s band The Bluegrass Mountaineers until his father’s retirement. The younger Efaw has led the band since the late 1980’s.
A friend of Ralph Stanley, Efaw and his band play bluegrass in the style of the Stanley Brothers and other traditional bands.
Efaw is also a producer of bluegrass festivals, cruises and other music events.
Band members (2022): Efaw (mandolin), Logan Leab (guitar), Curtis Coleman (banjo), Adam Burrows (fiddle), and Mikayla Burrows (bass).
1988, released “I Worship You” album (River Tracks).
From Asheville, NC. He was born in Kansas and lived most of his life in southern California (Los Angeles).
The son of Austian immigrants, his surname Ekstein is translated “Cornerstone” in English.
1970’s, began learning all the bluegrass instruments: banjo, mandolin, guitar, and later, upright bass and Dobro™. Played in several southern California bands with good friend and banjo player Billy Constable.
1987, recorded, engineered and produced his first band project featuring his band Foxfire.
1990, founded Foxfire Recording studio in Van Nuys, Calif. where he produced and/or engineered numerous albums for such labels as CMH, Rounder, and Sugar Hill. Artists recorded included Tony Rice, Larry Rice, Chris Hillman, the Laurel Canyon Ramblers, Steve Spurgin, Josh Graves, David Grisman, Gabe Witcher, Richard Greene, Bill Keith, David Grier, Dennis Caplinger, Gene Libbea, Leroy Mack, Patrick Sauber, Herb Pedersen, Bill Bryson, and many others. He was also producer and artist on several albums in the CMH “Pickin’ On” series.
1990, played mandolin with the LA-based band Liberty. They recorded one album “Cornerstone” that was released in 1995.
2004-2006 played with the southern California band Silverado.
2009, moved to Asheville, NC to play with old friend Billy Constable and build a new recording studio.
2012-2015, worked with the Bobby Hicks band and Blue Wheel Drive.
2018, released a solo project Carolina Chimes (Foxfire) featuring his original instrumentals with supporting musicians Stuart Duncan (fiddle), Mark Schatz (bass), Jeff Autry (guitar), Patrick Sauber (banjo) and others.
From Terre Haute, Indiana. Lives in Nashville, Tennessee.
Began playing bluegrass in high school. After graduation he worked with Lonzo and Oscar.
Nickname: “Bo-Bo Batelbe”
1988-2000, guitarist and vocalist with The Osborne Brothers. He also worked with Mike Scott’s All-American Band, Wilma Lee Cooper’s Clinch Mountain Clan, Lonzo and Oscar, the Sidemen and other bands.
2000, joined Larry Cordle and Lonesome Standard Time. Also performs with the Sidemen and Drive Time.
2001, he was in a serious auto accident. The force of the collision broke Terry’s ribs, shattered his left leg, ruptured his spleen, punctured his lung and cracked vertebrae in his neck. His recovery took seven months.
2002, toured with Dolly Parton.
2004, left Larry Cordle’s band and formed The Grascals with Jimmy Mattingly, David Talbot and Jamie Johnson.
He does voice imaging work for Sirius/XM radio’s “Bluegrass Junction.”
He is considered of the most influential five-string banjo players in bluegrass music.
1955, first pro job: “Uncle Bob and the Blue Ridge Partners.”
1957, he was a founding member of The Country Gentlemen. He left after a few months and was replaced by Eddie Adcock. Returned to the Country Gentlemen 12 years later.
1958-1969, worked with the Stoneman Family, Red Allen, Jimmy Martin, and Cliff Waldron—in that order.
1966, he and Cliff Waldron recorded the first bluegrass version of the Mannfred Mann song “Fox on the Run.”
1969, returned to The Country Gentlemen.
1973, joined the Navy and played banjo with the U.S. Navy band Country Current (until 1992 when he retired.)
1988, worked with Pete Goble on several projects. Their song “Tennessee 1949” won the IBMA Song of the Year award.
1988, was inducted into the Virginia Country Music Hall of Fame.
1994, released a duet album with US Navy band member Wayne Taylor “Appaloosa” (Webco).
1996, released Banjo Man album (Webco/Pinecastle).
2016, received the IBMA’s Distinguished Achievement Award.
2019, formed a group with his son Billy called Emerson 414 (414 is the number on his long-time residence). They released a self-titled EP and were signed by 615 Hideaway Records for a forthcoming album.
2019, was inducted into the IBMA’s Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.
He is a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who has worked as a sideman with Patty Loveless, Buddy Jewell, The Isaacs, Larry Sparks, Mark Newton, Leon Russell and others.
He has co-written several songs with Tom T. and Dixie Hall.
He composed instrumental tracks heard on TV Shows like the Voice, American Pickers, Duck Dynasty and others.
2015, after living and working in Nashville for 12 years, he returned to his home in Pennsylvania.
2018, released solo project Southern Skies (Rocky Glen). On this album, he wrote all the songs, played all the instruments, sang all the vocal parts and did all the recording/mixing.
He performs with his band Southern Skies, named for one of his songs.
From Charlottesville, Virginia. Has lived in California, New Mexico, Kentucky, recently moved back to Virginia.
Has degrees in anthropology and music from University of Virginia and a Ph.D in Ethno-musicology from UC Berkeley.
1980-1986, played banjo with Cloud Valley (a Virginia band).
1993-1997, played banjo with the Dry Branch Fire Squad.
1994-5, served as the curator of the International Bluegrass Music Museum in Owensboro.
1995, released solo album Native and Fine (Rounder Records).
1996, was elected to the IBMA Board of Directors.
1997, left the Dry Branch Fire Squad to perform solo and to work on his Ph.D.
1997, began performing a one-man show called “The Banjo in America: A Musical and Cultural History.”
2001, started his own record label (Native and Fine Records). Released Bill Evans Plays Banjo album.
In addition to his solo performances, he is a member of two bands: The Bluegrass Intentions and Due West. He also tours extensively with banjo player Alan Munde.
2008, formed a duo with fiddler Megan Lynch and recorded a CD with her titled Let’s Do Something (Native and Fine).
2012, released In Good Company album with a variety of guest musicians (Native and Fine).
From Portsmouth, Ohio. Lives in Olive Hill, Kentucky.
His given name is actually William, but he became known as “Dave.”
One of the few banjo-picking lead singers in bluegrass music.
First pro job: with Earl Taylor and the Stoney Mountain Boys (in Yakima Washington).
1972, joined Larry Sparks and the Lonesome Ramblers.
1975-1978, worked with Lillimae and the Dixie Gospelaires, Red Allen and the Kentuckians, the Boys from Indiana.
1978, formed his own group River Bend.
1979, released “Highway 52” album (Vetco).
1980, released “Call Me Long Gone” album (Vetco).
1981, released “Goin’ Round This World” album (Rebel).
1982, released “A Few More Seasons” album (Rebel).
1983, released “Poor Rambler” album (Rebel).
1984, released “Bluegrass Memories” album (Rebel).
1985, released “Close to Home” album (Rebel).
1989, his career suffered a setback when he was sentenced to serve ten years in a federal penitentiary on a felonious assault charge. He served six years and was released in 1995.
A multi-instrumentalist and singer, best-known as the founder and president of the National Traditional Country Music Association (NTCMA).
1975, he founded the NTCMA.
His primary instrument was the 12-string guitar and he performed all over the US and toured Europe several times. He recorded eleven albums during his career.
For seven years, h produced, hosted, and performed on the PBS national television show Old Time Country Music, and produced and performed on Bus Stop, a local TV show.
He won a Lifetime Achievement Award from World Music Events; the Kitty Wells/Johnny Wright Leadership in Country Music Award; the Tennessee Ambassador of Goodwill from the Governor of Tennessee; and the Entertainer of the Year Award in Cologne, Germany.
From Columbus, Ohio. Lives in Gallatin, Tennessee.
Was the final lead singer and guitarist with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys (from 1986-1988 and also 1989-1996). He appeared on Monroe’s last three albums including Southern Flavor which won a Grammy.
Attended Ohio State University; earned degrees in journalism and education.
Former member of Earl Taylor’s Stoney Mountain Boys (Cincinnati).
1978-1986, hosted the “Bluegrass Ramble” radio show in Columbus, Ohio (which is still on the air as of 2018, although with different hosts).
Has recorded three solo projects (1988, 1989, 1993).
1994, began writing a column for Bluegrass Unlimited magazine (“Thirty Years Ago This Month”).
1994, married Gwen McReynolds, daughter of Jesse McReynolds (Jim and Jesse).
1996, after Bill Monroe’s death, joined David Davis and the Warrior River Boys. Also played bass for Jim and Jesse.
2000, compiled and edited The Bill Monroe Reader (University of Illinois Press.)
2003, formed two bands: Monroe’s Boys and Blue Grass Boys Reunion with other former members of Monroe’s band (Bob Black and Mark Hembree).
2023, received the Distinguished Achievement Award from the IBMA for his contributions to bluegrass music.
Formed in 2002 by banjo player Blake Williams and mandolin player Bobby Clark as The Williams and Clark Expedition. Also in the group: Wayne Southards (guitar) and Kimberly Williams (bass). Blake and Kimberly Williams are married.
Williams and Clark previously worked together as members of the Mike Snider band. Southards is a former member of the Tennessee Gentlemen. Southards is from Salem, Missouri (also hometown of the Dillards).
Original name: New Ground. Changed after first album was released because the name was already in use by a gospel group.
2003, 2004, were nominated for IBMA’s Emerging Artist of the Year award.
2009, Bobby Clark departed and the group was re-named The Expedition Show.
Members: Greg Liszt (banjo), Mike Barnett (fiddle), Sam Grisman (bass), Dominick Leslie (mandolin), Stash (Stanislaw) Wyslouch (guitar).
Banjo player Liszt attended Yale and earned a Ph.D from M.I.T. in Molecular Biology. He was a member of Bruce Springsteen’s live band for his “Seeger Sessions” tour. He is also a member of Crooked Still.
Barnett played fiddle with Jesse McReynolds at age 15. Later worked with the David Grisman Quintet and the Tony Trischka Band.
Grisman is the son of mandolin legend David Grisman.
Wyslouch came from a heavy metal music background.
They also produce an online bluegrass humor magazine called The Bluegrass Intelligencer.
2013, released first album Roll Me, Tumble Me for Rounder Records. Their previous albums (no label) were titled “The Bastard Masterpiece” and “Carry Me to Home.”
2013, bass player Sam Grisman was replaced by Adam Chaffins. Grisman moved to Nashville to pursue other musical interests.
2014, Sean Trischka (son of Tony) joined the band playing drums. Eli Bishop joined the group on fiddle.
2015, broke up with band members departing amicably for other endeavors. Banjo player Liszt performs with Crooked Still and teaches at the Berklee College of Music. Wyslouch released a solo project and performs with other bands in the New England area.
Formed in 2000 by Jim Fraley (banjo), Jason Fraley (mandolin) and Brian Hinson (bass). Jim and Jason Fraley are father and son. Other members of the band are Troy Pope (guitar) and Frank Poindexter (Dobro™). Jim and Jason Fraley are father and son.
Poindexter is the uncle of the Rice Brothers (Tony, Larry and Wyatt) and has recorded with them on several occasions.
Jim Fraley had previously worked with Mac Wiseman, Clyde Moody and Chubby Wise as well as several regional bands in North Carolina.
2015, Hinson (bass) left the band and was replaced by Scott Burgess.
Formed in 1999 by brothers Justin Tomlin (guitar) and Jason “Tater” Tomlin (bass) and their childhood friend Cason Ogden (mandolin). They began playing together when they were in grade school.
2015, after a long hiatus, the band re-formed with the addition of Andy Lowe (banjo).
Justin Tomlin (guitar) also played guitar with Nothin’ Fancy.
Jason Tomlin (bass) spent five years with Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice.
2016, released What Goes Up album (Mountain Fever).
An all-female band featuring Celia Woodsmith (guitar, lead vocals), Kimber Ludiker (fiddle), Jenni Lyn Gardner (mandolin), Amanda Kowalski (bass), Courtney Hartman (guitar).
Kimber Ludiker won the 2009 National Fiddle Championship.
2011, released first album I Built This Heart (no label) with guests including Alison Brown, Laurie Lewis and Bethany Haas.
2012, bassist Kowalski left the group and was replaced by Shelby Means, from Wyoming.
2013, released This World Oft Can Be album (Rounder Records), produced by Bryan Sutton.
2013, won the IBMA award for Emerging Artist of the Year.
2013, 2014, participated in the U.S. State Department’s American Music Abroad program. They toured Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, where they collaborated with local musicians, taught educational programs for children, and played concerts for local audiences.
2014, bassist Shelby Means left the group. She was replaced by Zoe Guigueno (formerly with Joy Kills Sorrow).
2015, mandolinist Jenni Lyn Gardner formed Jenni Lyn Gardner and the Palmetto Bluegrass Band as a side project when she is not working with Della Mae.
2015, released self-titled album Della Mae (Rounder)
2019, performed with Steve Martin and Martin Short on their comedy tour.
2021, released Family Reunion album (no label). Lineup: Woodsmith (guitar), Ludiker (fiddle), Avril Smith (guitar), Maddie Witler (mandolin), Vickie Vaughn (bass).
Formed in 2004 by husband and wife Pat and Benita Murphy (banjo and guitar, respectively). Other band members: George Mason (fiddle) and Joshua Faul (bass).
Fiddle player George Mason spent time in Branson as musical director for the Osmonds and also performs with the Lawrence Welk Orchestra.
She is a member of several bands including the Dan Tyminski Band, East Nash Grass and the Theo & Brenna Band.
2009, won the National Junior Fiddle Championship.
2016, won the Grand Master Fiddle Championship, the first Tennessee-born fiddler to do so.
She is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in Organismal Biology and Ecology. While at MTSU, she played on the school’s golf team for four years and helped the Lady Raiders win back-to-back Conference USA Championships. She also teaches biology and environmental science at Siegel High School in Murfreesboro and is assistant golf coach.
Features the lead singing of Missy Armstrong (guitar) with Peter Knupfer (fiddle), Scott Zylstra (guitar), Jeff Rose (mandolin), Jeremy Darrow (bass) and Lloyd Douglas (banjo).
2009, released “The Road That Lies Ahead” (BlueGrass Ahead).
From Waterbury, Connecticut. Lives in Massachusetts.
At age 15, played bass with the Greater Boston Youth Symphony.
1987, attended Berklee College of Music to study jazz.
Former bands: Billings Gap, Rabbit in a Log, Slo-Grass.
1992, joined Front Range as bass player.
1993, joined a central Massachusetts band called SloGrass. He continues to play bass with this band.
2000, formed The Blackstone Valley Bluegrass Band (with his brother Dave, formerly with Southern Rail and Salamander Crossing). Bob plays guitar in this band.
2000, released solo project of Christmas songs, singing and playing all the instruments on the album.
From Mercer County, West Virginia. For many years lived in Georgetown, Washington D.C.
Daughter of a Primitive Baptist preacher who hauled timber for the coal mines.
Best known for singing and writing songs about coal mines, working-class people and women’s rights.
Recorded both as a soloist and also as a duo with Alice Gerrard.
Her songs have been recorded by Emmylou Harris (“Hello Stranger,” “The Sweetest Gift, A Mother’s Smile”), New Riders of the Purple Sage (“Don’t Put Her Down, You Helped Put Her There”) and other artists.
Several of her songs were used in the soundtrack to the Academy Award-winning documentary film, “Harlan County, USA.”
Has performed at some of the nation’s most impressive venues: the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City, Carnegie Hall, the Grand Ole Opry and the White House.
A social activist who continues to organize and perform at benefits for coal miners, labor unions, welfare rights groups and women’s organizations.
1998, received an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Shepherd College, Shepherdstown, WV.
2007, was inducted into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame.
Died April 22, 2011.
2017, she (along with Alice Gerrard) was inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.
Began his career in the late seventies with an Oklahoma bluegrass band called The Special Edition, which also included Billy Joe Foster.
1990, signed with Epic Records and for a decade had more than 35 songs on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, including five Number One singles: “Home”, “If the Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets)”, “Third Rock from the Sun”, “Pickup Man” and “Bigger Than the Beatles”.
1993, co-hosted the IBMA Awards Show.
1998, appeared on the IBMA Awards Show with the Lonesome River Band.
From Salem, Missouri. Lived in Los Angeles and Nashville during most of his career.
Full name: Douglas Flint Dillard. He was an original member of the Dillards (1962-1968) and was inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame as a member of that group (2009).
Before becoming a professional musician, he was an accountant.
Played the part of “Jebbin Darling” on the Andy Griffith TV show.
1968-1970, worked with former Byrd Gene Clark in the Dillard and Clark Expedition.
1980, appeared in the movie “Popeye” starring Robin Williams. While filming that picture, he fell from a cliff and suffered serious injuries which came very close to ending his life, not to mention his career as a musician.
1986, released “What’s That?” album (Flying Fish).
Formed in 2008 by Eric Langejans (guitar) and Todd Kirchner (bass). Other members: Grant Flick (fiddle), Brian Oberlin (mandolin) and Lloyd Douglas (banjo). Douglas formerly played with David Davis and the Warrior River Boys as well as Jim & Jesse and the Virginia Boys. Douglas retired from the band in 2021 and was replaced for a short time by Gabe Hirschfield (formerly with the Lonely Heartstrings Band). Ricky Mier took over the banjo spot in 2022.
Their name comes from a comment made at one of their first gigs. After seeing their instruments (bass, fiddle, mandolin, guitar) piled in the corner of the bar, someone said, “Looks like a full cord of wood sitting there.”
From Salem, Missouri although for most of their career together as a band they lived in Los Angeles, California.
Rodney Dillard (guitar) and Doug Dillard (banjo) began performing together as The Dillard Brothers in 1958. Their original band included John Hartford on fiddle.
1962, formed The Dillards with Mitch Jayne (bass) and Dean Webb (mandolin). This configuration of the band was together for six years and is considered the “original” Dillards.
1962, decided to try their luck in California. After arriving in Los Angeles (November, 1962) they performed at the famous folk club The Ash Grove. This led to their record deal with Elektra Records and an appearance of several episodes of the Andy Griffith Show playing a family of slow-witted hillbillies called The Darlin’ Family.
1963, recorded the first of three classic albums: “Backporch Bluegrass,” “Live … Almost,” and “Pickin’ and Fiddlin” with Byron Berline on fiddle (Elektra).
1963, recorded an album under the name The Folkswingers titled “12 String Guitar!” (World Pacific) with Glen Campbell playing 12-string guitar.
1964, appeared on the Judy Garland TV Show
They are considered one of the most influential bluegrass bands of the 1960’s, especially on the west coast. Among those who have credited the Dillards with many of their musical ideas: the late Gram Parsons, Chris Hillman (The Byrds and the Desert Rose Band), Byron Berline, Bernie Leadon (The Eagles), John McEuen (The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band), John Hartford, Steve Martin, Sam Bush, many others.
They were the first (and perhaps only) bluegrass band to incorporate stand-up comedy into its act, featuring storyteller Mitch Jayne, along with the unpredictable antics of Rodney Dillard, who was the butt of most of Mitch’s jokes.
1966-67, toured with the Byrds which led to Doug Dillard’s departure to form a new band with The Byrds’ Gene Clark called The Dillard and Clark Expedition.
1968, Doug Dillard was replaced by Herb Pederson and it was during this period that the Dillards recorded two landmark albums, “Wheatstraw Suite” and “Copperfields.” The group also added drummer Paul York.
1972, toured with Elton John.
After Herb Pederson left the Dillards in 1972 (he was replaced by Billy Ray Latham), the group went through several personnel changes, including the retirement of Mitch Jayne (he was replaced by Jeff Gilkinson). The group eventually folded and during most of the 80’s, Rodney and Dean worked together at Silver Dollar City, a theme park in Branson, Missouri.
Following a reunion tour in 1989, they attempted a comeback with Steve Cooley on banjo, recording two new albums for Vanguard Records.
1999, drummer Paul York died at the age of 58.
2002, the original band made an appearance at Carnegie Hall with Arlo Guthrie and Pete Seeger.
2006, John McEuen produced a documentary video about the original Dillards called “A Night in the Ozarks.”
2007, Mitch Jayne published his first novel “Fiddler’s Ghost.”
2009, The Dillards were inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. All four of the original band were present to receive the honor at the IBMA Awards Show in Nashville.
2009, Dean formed a new band called Missouri Boat Ride (named after a line in the movie “The Outlaw Josie Wales.”)
2010, Rodney began touring and recording as Rodney Dillard and the Dillard Band. Released I Wish Life Was Like Mayberry album (Rural Rhythm).
2010, Mitch Jayne died at the age of 80.
2012, Doug Dillard died at the age of 75.
2018, Dean Webb died at the age of 81.
2019, Rodney and wife Beverly Cotton began performing and recording as The Dillards with supporting musicians George Giddens (fiddle/mandolin), Cory Walker/Tony Wray (banjo) and Gary Smith (bass).
2020, released Old Road New Again album (Pinecastle) with guests Don Henley, Herb Pedersen, Bernie Leadon, Sam Bush, Ricky Skaggs, and Sharon and Cheryl White.
A group that formed in 1945 by fiddler Fletcher Bright and other students from the McCallie Private Boys School in Chattanooga. They have appeared on ABC-TV’s Peter Jennings Nightly News and were featured on the NBC Sunday Today Show.
Features singer/songwriter Brandi Hart, a Kentucky native who began singing in church at age 2.
Also features guitarist Buddy Woodward, formerly an alt-country performer who worked with “The Ghost Rockets” and “Buddy Woodward and the Nitro Express.” Also has worked with Steve Earle, Jim Lauderdale, Rosie Flores, John Starling, others.
Other band members: Rachel Renee Johnson (fiddle), Jeremy Darrow (mandollin) and Sam Morrow (banjo).
Their music has been featured on cable TV’s Food Network and on the soundtrack to the Civil War film “Freedom.”
1989, original group debuted on a street corner in Dallas. At the time the group included Laura Lynch (bass), Robin Lynn Macy (guitar), Martie Maguire (fiddle) and Emily Robison (banjo/Dobro™) Martie and Emily are sisters.
They took their name from the song “Dixie Chicken” by Lowell George of the band Little Feat.
1990, won first place in the bluegrass band competition at Telluride.
1998, with Natalie Maines as their lead singer, they burst onto the country music scene with several hit records, winning two CMA awards, three ACM awards and two Grammies that year.
They were called “The Spice Girls of Country.”
1998, won CMA Horizon Award
1998, 1999, 2000 won CMA award for Vocal Group of the Year.
1998, 1999, won Grammy Award for Best Country Album.
1998, 1999, won Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group.
1998, 1999, won ACM awards for Top Vocal Duet or Group, Country Album of the Year.
1999, 2000, won CMA award for Best Music Video.
2000, won CMA award for Album of the Year.
2000, won CMA award for Entertainer of the Year.
2002, released Home album, a return to their bluegrass roots. It debuted on the Billboard charts at #1.
2003, stirred up controversy and outrage among country music fans when Natalie Maines criticized President George Bush’s decision to invade Iraq at a concert in London.
2007, won five more Grammy awards (for a total of 13) for album “Taking the Long Way” (including Album of the Year.)
2008, fiddler Martie Maguire returned to the studio to record a fiddle-based solo album.
Formed in 1956 as the Country Gentlemen but changed their name when they learned that another band had that name.
Featured Jake Landers (guitar), Rual Yarbrough (banjo) and Herschel Sizemore (mandolin). Vassar Clements also played fiddle with this group for a short time.
The were one of the few bluegrass bands of the period to record for a major record label. In 1963, they released their signature recording The Country Style of the Dixie Gentlemen (United Artists).
1963, they also recorded two albums for Time Records under the name The Blue Ridge Mountain Boys: “Hootenanny N Bluegrass” and “Blue Grass Back Home.”
Jake Landers wrote several songs that became classics, such as “Walk Softly on This Heart of Mine” and “This Is the Girl I Love.” He is a former member of Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys. Until his death, he continued to play with his own band in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
Herschel Sizemore also worked with Del McCoury, The Shenandoah Cut-Ups and the Bluegrass Cardinals. He also led his own band and was featured in a documentary film about his life titled Mandolin in B.
Rual Yarbrough also worked with Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys in the 1970’s.
A family band whose members are: TJ (banjo), Kim (fiddle), Eddy (mandolin), Ben (guitar), and Joe (bass). They range in age (2009) from 13 to 20. They have younger siblings who also are learning to play.
Nickname: “Flux”, which means “to become fluid” (Websters).
Grew up in a musical family; his father played guitar in a bluegrass band called the West Virginia Travelers.
At age 8, went to a Flatt and Scruggs concert and saw Dobro™ player Josh Graves for the first time. It was then that he knew he wanted to play a Dobro™.
Was a track star in high school.
Age 15, joined the The West Virginia Travelers (with his father) and later that year was offered a job with the Country Gentlemen. He declined to finish his education, but made a few guest appearances with them briefly during the summer of 1973 and met Ricky Skaggs who became one of his best friends.
1974, joined the Country Gentlemen.
1975, joined J.D. Crowe’s band, The New South, with friend Ricky Skaggs.
1977, formed Boone Creek with Ricky Skaggs, disbanding when Ricky Skaggs went to work for Emmy Lou Harris the following year.
1978, rejoined the Country Gentlemen.
1979, released first solo project “Fluxology” (Rounder).
1980, joined The Whites.
1982, released “Fluxedo” album (Rounder).
1986, left The Whites to spend more time at home with his wife, Jill.
1992, album Slide Rule won IBMA award for Recorded Event of the Year.
1994, album Skip Hop & Wobble (with Russ Barenberg and Edgar Meyer) won IBMA Award for “Instrumental Recording of the Year.”
1995, album The Great Dobro Sessions (produced by Douglas) won IBMA Awards for “Recorded Event of the Year” and “Instrumental Album of the Year.”
1998, joined Alison Krauss and Union Station (replaced Adam Steffey) while continuing to perform with his own band and pursue other musical opportunities (recording, producing, etc.)
1998, won Dobro™ player of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards.
2000, appeared in the movie “O Brother, Where Art Thou”.
2002, won CMA and Americana awards for Instrumentalist of the Year.
Had a band called “the Brickbats.”
2005, 2007, won the CMA award for Musician of the Year
2012, released Traveler album, recording in various locations with guests such as Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, Bela Fleck, Dr. John, Alison Krauss, Marc Cohen, Mumford and Sons and others.
2014, formed the Earls of Leicester, a band that replicates the music of Flatt and Scruggs.
2014, released an album with Mike Auldridge (his last recordings) and Rob Ickes called Three Bells (Rounder).
2015, won his 9th IBMA award for Dobro™ Player of the Year (also won in 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 2001, 2002).
2015, won an IBMA Award for Instrumental Recording of the Year (for “The Three Bells”).
Formed in 2019 by Steven Dowdy (bass) and Donald Dowdy (mandolin). Their father Victor Dowdy was one half of the Bluegrass Brothers (with their uncle Robert Dowdy). Steven and Donald performed with the Bluegrass Brothers before starting their own band.
Other band members include Tommy Conner (guitar), Mason Fisher (banjo) and Cody Bauer (fiddle).
A studio band featuring Bela Fleck (banjo), Jerry Douglas (Dobro™), Blaine Sprouse (fiddle), Roland White (mandolin), Pat Enright (guitar) and Mark Hembree (bass).
1983, they recorded one album Snakes Alive! (Rounder Records).
1984, Enright and Hembree teamed up with Alan O’Bryant to form The Nashville Bluegrass Band.
1979, had a big hit with “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer,” recorded as a duet with his then-wife Patsy. It made him a millionaire several times over.
Real name: Dr. Elmo Shropshire.
He is a veterinarian, hence the “Dr.” He was born in Lexington, Kentucky and tended racehorses for several years. He moved to San Francisco and opened an animal hospital. He is also a competitive distance runner.
Plays the banjo and has recorded several albums with his bluegrass band, Wild Blue.
Attended Berklee College of Music; taught by Matt Glaser.
1999, toured with Steve Earle and the Bluegrass Dukes.
2000, moved to Nashville. Has worked there with Tim O’Brien, Abigail Washburn, Darrell Scott, Béla Fleck, Jim Lauderdale, Lee Ann Womack, Mark Schatz, others.
2004, played on the soundtrack to the movie “Walk the Line” (about Johnny Cash).
Formed in 2010 by Jimmy Campbell (banjo/Dobro™), Blake McLemore (bass), Brandon McLemore (mandolin), Jake Workman (guitar) and Rebekah Workman (fiddle).
Brandon and Blake McLemore are identical twins from Kansas. They originally played in their family band “The McLemores” (1997-2007) and also played with a band called Grassfire. They also play in a cowboy/western swing band called Marshall Allen Bailey & The Silver Bullets.
Jake and Rebekah Workman are married and live in the Salt Lake City, Utah area. (In 2015, Jake replaced Cody Kilby as guitarist with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder).
Her name is pronounced MAR-EE-A (the “j” is silent).
2009, met singer Billy Droze at a music festival in eastern Europe. She was singing in a Lithuanian bluegrass band at the time. They later married and she emigrated to the United States.
2022, released first solo album “Maria with a J” (RBR Entertainment)
From the Czech Republic (formerly Czechoslavakia).
Formed in 1991 by singer/songwriter Robert Krestan and banjo player Lubos Malina.
Krestan and banjo player Lubos Malina were formerly in a popular Czech band called Poutnici.
Druha Trava means “second grass.” The name originally had nothing to do with bluegrass. This was Krestan and Malina’s second band, so they chose a name which meant “second harvest.” But it actually means “second grass.”
They call their music “Czechgrass.”
1998, recorded an album with Peter Rowan; signed with Compass Records.
1999, released Czechmate album (Compass Records) and won the Czech Music Academy Award (equivalent to our Grammy) for Band of the Year.
2001, released New Freedom Bell album with Peter Rowan (Compass).
The band is known for playing a raw style of mountain music along with Thomason’s self-deprecating hillbilly humor.
They are the host band for the annual “Grey Fox” Bluegrass Festival in New York.
Thomason’s first pro job: 1971, with Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys. (Ricky Skaggs and Keith Whitley were also members of that group.)
Bandleader Thomason was an English teacher and assistant principal at a junior high school near his home (retired in 1999). He is a prolific writer and story teller. He has also raised and trained Arabian horses. Retired to live in Colorado (near Pike’s Peak). He is an avid hiker and rock climber.
2003, released “These Boots” album. Band members: Bill Evans (banjo), Jim Nunally (guitar), Erik Thomas (mandolin), Chad Manning (fiddle) and Cindy Browne (bass).
1969, quit the Country Gentlemen so that he could stay home more and pursue his passion for bowling.
1971, formed The Seldom Scene (the name indicating his desire for the band to stay home and not be “seen” on the road more than necessary.)
Besides his aggressive mandolin playing and his unique falsetto tenor voice, he was known for his outrageous stage presence, his wry sense of humor, his bad taste in clothing and his eternal flat top hairdo.
1996, inducted into the IBMA’s Hall of Honor as a member of the “Classic” Country Gentlemen.
1954, formed a band called the Harmony Mountain Boys. He played guitar and sang lead vocals. They worked a TV show for more than a year on WCHS in Charleston, West Virginia.
1957, 1960, worked stints with Bill Monroe, playing guitar.
1961, released an album for King Records “A Scene Near My Country Home.”
1976, played with Don Sowards and the Laurel Mountain Boys. He and Sowards were both previously in the Harmony Mountain Boys.
1980-2000, performed with his son William as the West Virginia Boys.
As a band member, he has played fiddle with The Kendalls, Larry Sparks, Bill Monroe, Jim & Jesse, The Osborne Brothers, Reba McIntyre, Garth Brooks, Lonesome Standard Time, and Mike Snider.
Session credits include albums by Reba McIntyre, Garth Brooks, Lyle Lovett, Earl Scruggs, Rodney Crowell, Shania Twain, George Strait, Vince Gill, many others.
First instrument: learned to play steel guitar at age 6.
1980, formed Glen Duncan and Phoenix.
1985, recorded solo project “Town and Country Fiddler” on Turquoise Records.
1988, recorded solo project “Sweetwater” on Turquoise Records.
1990-1995, formed Larry Cordle, Glen Duncan and Lonesome Standard Time.
1997, formed Longview with James King, Joe Mullins, Dudley Connell, Marshall Wilburn and Don Rigsby.
2000, performed with Earl Scruggs on his album, video, personal appearances.
2001, won Grammy for his performance on Earl Scrugg’s “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” (Best Country Instrumental)
2001, formed “Rock County” with Don Rigsby.
2002, featured on Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s “Will the Circle Be Unbroken, Volume 3”
2003, a member of Earl Scruggs’ “Family and Friends” tour.
Grew up in Santa Paula and Vista, California (near San Diego). Lives in Nashville.
One of the top fiddle players in bluegrass music. He is also one of Nashville’s “A-list” studio musicians and has performed and recorded with hundreds of top country and popular music artists.
Age 10, played in a San Diego bluegrass band made up entirely of kids under the age of 14 called “The Pendleton Pickers.” John Moore was also a member of this group.
1980, joined Lost Highway.
1983, joined Larry Sparks and the Lonesome Ramblers.
1985-present, the Nashville Bluegrass Band.
2012, won his 8th IBMA award for Fiddle Player of the Year (also won in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 2005).
Formed in 2021 by Jack Dunlap (guitar) and Robert Mabe (banjo). Other band members: Alex Kimble (bass), Mason Wright (fiddle) and Danny Knicely (mandolin).
Jack Dunlap previously worked as a solo artist, with Bud’s Collective and the Jack Dunlap Band.
Robert Mabe previously worked as a solo artist, with the Robert Mabe Band and the Jack Dunlap Band.
1995, met Porter Wagoner at Opryland USA. He auditioned her and she sang with him until 2002.
2002, began performing southern rock with Brave New South and the Southern Rock Allstars, bands made up of former members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet and Blackfoot.
2006, recorded album “Christie Lynn sings Country-Gospel-Bluegrass” with special guests Ralph Stanley, Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner. The album was produced by Wagoner.
Formed in 1996 by guitarist/songwriter Dave Wilson. Other members: John Teer (fiddle/mandolin), Chandler Holt (banjo), and Greg Reading (bass and pedal steel guitar).
Band members are from Argentina, Mexico and the USA. They call their music “latin-grass.”
Formed in 2013 by North Carolinian multi-instrumentalist Joe Troop who emigrated to Argentina in 2010. He taught bluegrass and old time music there and formed the band with Pau Barjau (banjo/from Mexico), Franco Martino (guitar/from Argentina), and Martin Bobrek (mandolin/from Argentina). Troop plays fiddle in the band.
Troop is the principal songwriter. Many of their songs are “message songs” concerning immigration, inclusiveness, etc.
2019, released “Rearrange My Heart” album (Free Dirt), produced by Bela Fleck.
From Northeastern Arizona. Originally from Southern California (Bell, CA).
A family band: Jere (Pop) plays bass. Sandy Lee (Mom) plays mandolin. The kids: Daughters Cia Leigh (banjo) and Molly Kate (fiddle). Sons B.J. (fiddle/mandolin) and Skip (guitar.)
1999, attended a bluegrass festival in Southern California (Norco, CA) and decided to begin playing bluegrass music.
Originally called themselves “Spirit High Ridge.” They lived on a high ridge in the Arizona desert at the time.
2001, released first album “Still Rough Around the Edges” which was recorded in their home (Spirit High Ridge Music)
2002, became a full-time touring band.
2003, Molly (age 10) played fiddle on Rhonda Vincent’s album and performed with her on the Grand Ole Opry.
2003, released “Bluegrass Vagabonds” album (Spirit High Ridge Music).
2005, released Cherryholmes album (Skaggs Family).
2005, won the IBMA Award for Entertainer of the Year.
2011, the group officially disbanded. Cia formed a new group called “Stetson and Cia” (with singer/songwriter Stetson Adkisson). Molly formed a new group called “Corporation Insania.” She has also been doing some fashion modeling. B.J joined Dailey & Vincent, playing fiddle. Skip Cherryholmes formed “The Skip Cherryholmes Quintet.”
2013, Skip joined Sideline (with Darrell Webb, Steve Dilling, Justen Haynes and Jason Moore). He also played dates with Lou Reid and Carolina.
Formed in 1993 by Mike Auldridge, Moondi Klein and T. Michael Coleman (who were all performing with the Seldom Scene at the time) and Jimmy Gaudreau (of the Tony Rice Unit). They went full-time in 1995.
They were one of the original “Americana” bands.
Disbanded in 1999. Auldridge and Gaudreau formed a new band with Richard Bennett called Auldridge, Bennett and Gaudreau.
2014, T. Michael Coleman released a new collection of live recordings by Chesapeake called “Hook, Live and Sinker.”
Formed shortly after World War II at the Chestnut Grove Methodist Church.
An acapella gospel quartet (no instruments), they influenced such bluegrass artists as Ralph Stanley and Doyle Lawson. For 30 years, they had a radio show on WBBI, Abingdon, Virginia (mid 50’s to the mid 80’s).
Original members: Archie Reynolds, Jim Nunley, Gale Webb, Bill Nunley. Reynolds died in 1962 and was replaced by Ray Roe.
Has a master’s degree in voice from Oberlin Conservatory of Music.
As a Nashville session musician, she has sung on recording by Ricky Skaggs, Kathy Mattea, Tony Rice, Bill Monroe, John Hartford, Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Tammy Wynette, Don Williams and Emmylou Harris and many others.
She has worked with the Doug Dillard Band, Vassar Clements, Country Gazette, Jerry Douglas and Mark O’Connor.
1991, formed the Kathy Chiavola Band which at the time included Randy Howard, Brent Truitt and Wayne Southards.
Full time job: Teaches voice at Belmont University.
1995, released bluegrass album “The Harvest.”
1998, sang with the Nashville Chamber Orchestra.
1999, was voted Outstanding Background Vocalist at the Nashville Music Awards.
Formed in 1963 by Paddy Maloney, an uillean piper. Went full-time in 1975.
Became Ireland’s best known performers of traditional Irish/Celtic music.
Members: Paddy Moloney, Sean Keane, Kevin Conneff, Matt Molloy, Martin Fay, Michael Tubridy, Sean Potts, Derek Bell. Bell died in 2002.
1975, won an Academy Award for the soundtrack to the movie “Barry Lyndon.” They have written and performed soundtracks for several other films as well.
They have won six Grammy Awards.
2002, released Down the Old Plank Road: The Nashville Sessions album with many bluegrass artists including Ricky Skaggs, Alison Krauss, Vince Gill, Sam Bush, Del McCoury, Nickel Creek and others.
2002, Paddy Moloney performed on the IBMA Awards show with the Del McCoury Band.
They specialize in bluegrass gospel music. Band members: Mike Richards (mandolin/guitar), Terri Argot (vocals), Ricky Gore (bass), Mark Dunham (guitar), Bobby Stangenberg (guitar) and Ethan Blair (banjo).
A bluegrass gospel group formed in 2009 by Jonathan Buckner (guitar). The band is sometimes billed as Jonathan Buckner and Chosen Road. Other band members include (or have included) Jonathan Campbell (bass), Zack Alvis (mandolin), Brandon Green (banjo), Chris Stackwell (Reso-guitar), Tyler Robertson (banjo), Jason Wheeler (banjo), Max Silverstein (fiddle), Brandy Miller (banjo) and others.
2011, released “Old Time Way” album (Poor Mountain).
2013, released “Expectations” album (Poor Mountain).
2014, released “Love’s Purist Light” album (Poor Mountain).
A gospel bluegrass band featuring three brothers: Jay (guitar), Ray (mandolin) and Alvin (bass) Shaw. Other members of the band included Cullen Galyean (banjo), Olen Harris (guitar) and Johnny Jackson (fiddle).
1983, released “He Reached Out His Hand” album (Commandment).
1984, released “Heaven is My Home” album (Blue Moon).
1985, released “Listen to Him” album (Heritage).
1986, released “Sing a Song to Jesus” album (Heritage).
1988, released “Dreams Won’t Compare” album (Heritage).
1990, released “Give Jesus All My Rewards” album (Heritage).
2000, received his degree in String Instrument Repair, Violin Specialty from the Minnesota State Technical College in Red Wing, MN. He also received his certificate in Violin Building
2007, recorded a solo project “Brian Christianson and Friends” with Mike Snider, Tim May, Jesse Cobb, Shad Cobb, David Harvey and other musicians.
2011 opened his own shop, “The Fiddle House” in Nashville.
Is a member of Mike Snyder’s “Old Time String Band” on the Grand Ole Opry.
Has also worked with work with Ricky Skaggs, Del McCoury, Russ Barenberg, Tim O’Brien, Roland White, others.
A gospel bluegrass band from Collinsville, Virginia.
Formed June 8, 1989 by original members Freddy Rakes (banjo), Keith Clark (guitar), Jeff Mills (bass) and F.D. Black (mandolin). First performance was at the Lynchburg (VA) Church of God of Prophecy. Later that same year, Black was replaced by Gerald Harbour on mandolin. Another early member of the band was Christian Gillikan (fiddle) who was in the band during most of the 1990’s.
2003, their album “On the Journey Home” was nominated for a Dove Award for Bluegrass Gospel Album of the Year.
2004, they purchased the Statler Brothers’ bus.
2012, Carroll Arnn (banjo) joined the band, replacing Freddy Rakes. Arnn also is a songwriter and lead singer.
2013, released their seventh album Mercy Road (Mountain Fever Records).
2014 lineup: Keith Clark (bass), Gerald Harbour (mandolin), David Guthrie (guitar) Carroll Arnn (banjo, fiddle and guitar) and Rick Keen (resonator guitar).
2015, released their eighth album Crown Of Thorns (Mountain Fever Records).
2018, Jay Adams (guitar) joined the band. Other band members at the time: Gerald Harbour (mandolin), Carrol Arnn (banjo/guitar), Daniel Green (fiddle) and Keith Clark (bass).
2018, Harbour (mandolin) was replaced by Greg Jones.
A band featuring the vocals of twin sisters Savannah and Sarah Church.
Band members include Savannah (fiddle, lead vocals), Sarah (hand-held percussion, harmony vocals), Josh Pickett (guitar), Spencer Strickland (mandolin), Jacob Eller (bass) and Ricky Grubbs (percussion).
2011, they appeared on the album Mark Twain: Words & Music (Mailboat Records), produced by Carl Jackson.
2012, released “There’s You” album (no label).
They have toured with Christian artist Brandon Heath, appeared on numerous RFD-TV shows and sang the national anthem on the nationally-televised “Food City 300” NASCAR race in Bristol, Tennessee.
Formed in 2010 by Steve Harris (guitar). Other members: Steve’s brother Dave Harris (bass), Ron Webb (mandolin), Jon Glik (fiddle) and Matt Hickman (banjo).
Bandleader Steve Harris is also a residential building contractor.
The word “circa” is a latin word meaning “about” or “approximately.”
Formed in 2004 by Darin Aldridge, Greg Corbett, Billy Gee, Jaret Carter and Greg Luck.
Several members of this band (all but Luck) were members of the last Country Gentlemen band before Charlie Waller’s death. Luck had previously worked with Third Tyme Out.
2006, released one album “Let the Ride Begin” (Pinecastle).
2008, disbanded. Darin Aldridge married singer Brooke Justice and formed a new band.
There was another, completely different bluegrass band in Southern California called Circuit Riders (1985-1995) which included Terry and Sharon Stanton, Randy Frank, Bob Applebaum, Harry Orlove and others.
A progressive bluegrass band described as “John Hartford meets John Coltrane.”
Formed in 2016 by Matthew Davis (banjo), Thomas Cassell (mandolin), Vince Ilagan (bass), and Ben Garnett (guitar).
Matthew Davis (banjo) has won both the National Banjo Championship and the Rockygrass Banjo Championship. He also plays with a “chambergrass” (bluegrass/jazz/classical chamber music) group called Westbound Situation.
Thomas Cassell (mandolin) won the Rockygrass Mandolin Championship (2016). He has also performed with the Bryan Sutton Band, Billy Strings, Missy Raines, Becky Buller, and others. He has released a solo album called Voyager (no label).
Won the national mandolin championship in Winfield, Kansas.
Early bands: The Bluegrass Revue with Vince Gill. Also worked with Vassar Clements, Peter Rowan, Larry McNeeley, Jim Lauderdale and the Bluegrass Cardinals.
1985-2001, a member of The Mike Snider Trio.
2002, formed (with banjo player Blake Williams) the Williams and Clark Expedition.
2009, joined Jerry Butler and the Blu-J’s.
He is also a luthier, building Dr. Mojo custom guitars.
Originally a gospel group formed by Freddy and Sylvia Clark and their nine children (all boys). Freddy Clark is an evangelist. For several years, they toured in two Silver Eagle buses, holding revivals all over the Southeast.
The nine boys are called “the A-team”: Alan, Aaron, Adam, Andrew, Ashley, Andrew, Austin, Abraham, and Alexander.
1998, changed their name to the Clark Family Experience, featuring six of the boys: Alan, Andrew, Austin, Adam, Ashley and Aaron.
1998, they began performing on weekly “Live from Las Vegas” show (TNN) hosted by the Oak Ridge Boys. They also appeared on “Prime Time Country” and opened several shows for Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. They also toured with George Strait.
2000, recorded album on Curb Records produced by Tim McGraw. Their single “Meanwhile Back at the Ranch” became a top 10 country single and CMT video.
2003, changed their name to “Clark.”
2007, “The Clark Brothers” (Adam, Ashley, and Austin) won Fox TV’s “The Next Great American Band” as a trio. The prize: a recording deal and a bit of fame.
2005-2009, Ashley Clark toured with Carrie Underwood as her fiddle player.
2010, The Clark Brothers renamed themselves The Sons of Sylvia and became a country rock band.
From Meherrin, Virginia. Lived in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
As a boy, played bluegrass with his father, Hester Clark, and other members of his family in a group called the Southside Virginians.
Mid-1970’s, recorded two albums of bluegrass music with the Southside Virginians and other family friends.
By his own admission, he wasn’t an accomplished banjo player but in his words, “I love to play.” He recorded two albums of banjo duets with his longtime friend Buck Trent, “Pair of Fives” (1975) and “Banjo Bandits” (1978).
Won both CMA (1973) and ACM (1972-73) awards for “Entertainer of the Year.”
1969-1997, co-hosted (with Buck Owens) the TV Show “Hee-Haw.” He appeared on 294 episodes of the show.
1983, opened the Roy Clark Celebrity Theatre in Branson, Missouri. He was the first country music star to have a theatre there. (He sold the venue to the Hughes Brothers in 1999).
1987, he became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
2009, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
2019, Thompson and Trivette left the band and were replaced by Jason Davis (banjo), Jamie Harper (fiddle), and Kameron Keller (bass.) All three previously worked with Junior Sisk. Davis and Keller most recently were with the Highland Travelers.
Began playing the fiddle when he was five years old.
Called “The Father of Hillbilly Jazz.”
1949-1956, at age 21 replaced Chubby Wise as Bill Monroe’s fiddle player.
1957-1961, worked with Jim and Jesse.
1962, retired from music due to alcohol problems. During that time, he worked as a switchman for the Atlantic Coast Railroad, as an insurance salesman, in a paper mill, and he even had a potato-chip franchise in Tallahassee.
1968, un-retired when offered job with Faron Young’s band. Also worked with Jimmy Martin, John Hartford and the Earl Scruggs Revue before beginning his solo career in 1973.
1971, performed on the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” album, which won a Grammy award.
1973, was a member of Old & In the Way with Jerry Garcia, David Grisman & Peter Rowan.
As a studio musician, he has played on more than 2000 records, including albums by The Grateful Dead, Paul McCartney and the Boston Pops Orchestra.
From Louisville, Kentucky. He was born in Henryville, Indiana.
Blind from birth, he began playing fiddle at age 4.
1993, gained national attention at age 12 when he appeared at the IBMA Awards Show with Chris Thile, Josh Williams and other youngsters. There he met Alison Krauss, who invited him to perform on the Grand Ole Opry that same year.
Also at the 1993 IBMA events, he jammed with another blind performer, Doc Watson, which became a highlight of the documentary film “Gather at the River.”
Hobby: he collects pocket knives.
1998, recorded and released “Sawing on the C String”album (no label) at age 17.
1999, graduated from high school and began performing with Dale Ann Bradley and Coon Creek.
2000, joined Rhonda Vincent and the Rage.
2001-2006, re-joined Dale Ann Bradley and Coon Creek.
2006, after leaving Dale Ann Bradley’s band, he formed “Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper featuring Audie Blaylock.” Blaylock later formed his own band.
2019, won his 12th IBMA Award for Fiddle Player of the Year. (He also won in 2001,2002, 2004, 2006,2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2015, and 2018).
2020, won the IBMA Award for Instrumental Performance of the Year for the song “Tall Fiddler” (with Tommy Emmanuel).
2020, won the Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album for Tall Fiddler (Compass).
2022, was awarded the National Endowment for the Arts “National Heritage Fellowship,” the highest award offered in the United States for the folk and traditional arts.
On stage, they portray a family bluegrass band: Digger Cleverly (guitar), Ricky Lloyd Cleverly (bass), Cub Cleverly (mandolin), DVD Cleverly (banjo) and Sock Cleverly (fiddle).
Who they really are: Paul Harris (Digger), Matt Skates (Ricky Lloyd), Cameron Owens (Cub), Will McLean (DVD) and Matt Flake (Sock).
The band was the brainchild of Harris, a stand-up comedian who performed for many years in Branson, Missouri. Originally from Mountain View, Arkansas, he moved to Nashville in 2005 and came up with the idea for the Cleverlys there.
Dressed in exaggerated hillbilly-cowboy costumes, they specialize in bluegrass covers of popular songs along with the comedy routines of Harris.
2010, they made their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
Native of Baltimore (Lutherville), Maryland. Lives in Mendota, Virginia.
Real name: William Marburg. Changed his name in 1950 to avoid embarrassing his family.
One of bluegrass music’s true “international” stars. His albums have been released by record companies in the U.S., Canada, Great Britain, Japan, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany, South Africa, France, Australia and New Zealand.
He has been called the first “citybilly” in bluegrass music.
1952, formed his first band, The Dixie Mountain Boys. Played the Wheeling (WV) Jamboree for several years.
He was backed by the Country Gentlemen on many of his recordings.
Although he performed bluegrass music throughout his career, he preferred being known as a folk singer, thus getting more exposure and appealing to a wider audience.
1959, worked as a stock broker on the New York Stock Exchange.
1961, organized a historic one-day bluegrass event on July 4th that brought together most of the nation’s top acts which drew more than 2000 and inspired Carlton Haney (who was there) to organize the first three-day bluegrass music festival a few years later.
Was one of the organizers of the Newport Folk Festival, giving birth to the revival of folk music in the 1960’s.
1963, visited England and liked it so much that he stayed for 15 years. He appeared regularly on the BBC. His program was called “Cellar Full of Folk.”
He was a close friend of A.P. Carter.
He was a member of the Peace Corps and traveled extensively.
1973, began touring and recording with mandolinist Red Rector.
1992, he received an IBMA Distinguished Achievement Award for his lifelong contributions to bluegrass music.
2001, he inducted the Carter Family into the IBMA’s Hall of Fame.
2008, he was inducted into the IBMA’s Hall of Fame.
Formed in 1988 by vocalists Margaret Archer Bailey and Kris Ballinger (who began singing together in 1979 in Vassar Clements’ Hillbilly Jazz Band). Kris’ husband Dale played bass.
They were regulars at Nashville’s Station Inn.
They appeared with Chet Atkins on the PBS TV show, Austin City Limits.
1989, released first album “The Cluster Pluckers” (no label).
1989, appeared on John Hartford’s album Down On The River.
Sang with Hoyt Axton in the Ken Burns TV special, “Songs of the Civil War.”
1992, released “Just Pluck It” album (no label).
1993, appeared at President Clinton’s inauguration, representing the state of Tennessee.
Backing musicians included Richard Bailey (banjo), Brent Truitt (mandolin), Mark Howard (guitar) and Blaine Sprouse (fiddle).
Occasional Pluckers included Jimmy Mattingly (fiddle), Randy Howard (fiddle), Roy Husky, Jr. (bass), David Grier (guitar), Andrea Zonn (fiddle), Kathy Chiavola (guitar and vocals).
Their name was given to them by singer/songwriter Billy Edd Wheeler (of “Coward of the County” fame). He noticed that they “stood in a cluster while they plucked.”
1995, released “Unplucked” album (no label).
1995, released “Gospel Favorites” album (Chapel Music Group).
Described as “High Heeled Bluegrass,” they were formed in 2009 by Kris Bailey Preston (mandolin), Kalyn Bradford (guitar), Stephanie May Rose (bass) and Melanie Turner (banj0).
They have been the recipients of a National Bluegrass B.O.R.N. (Bands On the Rise Nationally) Award, been featured as “Future Stars” in the U.S. 23 Country Music Highway Travel Guide and appeared on the cover of M.E. Music Entertainment magazine.
2016, released their third album “No Town Like Coaltown” (no label).
A gospel group from Sherrills Ford, North Carolina.
The Cockman Family include four brothers, their sister and their father. John Cockman Sr. (guitar), Caroline Cockman Fisher (lead vocals), John Cockman Jr. (fiddle), Billy Cockman (banjo), David Cockman (bass) and Ben Cockman (mandolin).
Began performing together as a band in 1988. They have been featured performers at Dollywood Theme Park.
Named one of 12 “Most Creative Families in America” by American Greetings Cards and USA Weekend.
Have been featured in several regional PBS TV shows including “A Cockman Family Christmas.”
They are the host band for the annual Fiddler’s Grove Music Festival in Union Grove, North Carolina.
2013, Billy Cockman won the National Guitar and Banjo Championship in Winfield, Kansas.
Ben has won the National Flatpick Guitar Championship (Winfield, KS), the South Carolina Guitar Championship, the Merlefest Guitar Championship, and the Wayne Henderson Festival Guitar Championship.
A group featuring sisters Megan Cody (guitar, mandolin, age 15 in 2018) and Maddie Cody (guitar, banjo, age 13 in 2018). Their father Steve plays bass.
2018, released “White on the Blue” album (no label). Toured the UK in support of it.
Began playing piano as a child but switched to banjo at age 11. Took lessons from Murphy Henry and Mike Munford.
Was a finalist numerous times in the banjo competition at the Galax Old Tme Fiddler’s Convention.
Played in a family band for several years. Her sister Malia Furtado plays fiddle in the band Circa Blue; her brother Victor Furtado is a clawhammer banjo virtuoso. Her sister Lu Furtado also plays clawhammer banjo and bass.
2013-2016, played banjo in the group Bud’s Collective.
2016, joined Chris Jones and the Night Drivers.
2017, released solo project True Colors (Mountain Home) under the name Gina Clowes (her married name at the time).
2019, left Chris Jones and the Night Drivers to form her own group The Gina Furtado Project. Band members include Drew Matulich (guitar), Max Johnson (bass) and sister Malia Furtado (fiddle).
Formed in 2008 by Jesse Eisenbise (guitar, lead vocals) and Wade Yankey (mandolin). Other members: Jeff Campbell (bass), Mark Rast (banjo), and Joe McAnulty (fiddle).
They are winners of the 2016 D.C. Bluegrass Union’s Mid Atlantic Bluegrass band contest in Washington D.C., the 2015 Podunk Bluegrass Festival band contest in Hebron, CT, the 2014 Watermelon Park Fest band contest in Berryville, VA, and the 2011 Pickin’ In The Panhandle Bluegrass Festival band contest in Martinsburg, WV,
2012, released first self-titled album (no label).
Formed in 2013 by Randy Cook (mandolin), Malcolm Pulley (banjo), Jason Owens (guitar), Lance Seal (bass), and Wally Hughes (fiddle). Other band members have included Jim Green (bass), Glenn Waller (guitar), Mike Bailiff (guitar) and Joe Currence (bass).
The group began as Randy Cook and the Commonwealth Bluegrass Band but later changed its name to simply the Commonwealth Bluegrass Band.
Cook and Pulley had previously worked together with James Bailey and Company.
Pulley is a prolific songwriter. He wrote the song “In the Gravel Yard,” which was recorded by Blue Highway and nominated for IBMA Song of the Year in 1996.
Native of Meridian, Missisippi (the homeplace of Jimmie Rodgers).
He is a master of the “Monroe-style” mandolin. He has been a member of several Grammy and IBMA Award-winning bands and also performs as a solo artist and A-list studio musician.
1970, worked with Hubert Davis and the Season Travelers.
1984-1988, he was an original member of the Nashville Bluegrass Band. He left the band after a serious bus accident in which he was injured.
1990, left Nashville, worked in New York’s Catskills Mountains as a cottage caretaker and bus driver
1991, recorded and toured with guitarist David Grier. They released one album together for Rounder Records called Climbing the Walls.
1995, joined Chris Jones’ band, the Night Drivers.
1996, joined John Hartford’s touring “String Band”and worked with him until his death in 2001.
2000, performed on the soundtrack to the movie “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” and appeared on the Down from the Mountain tour and album. He was one of the “Soggy Bottom Boys.”
2001, returned to the Nashville Bluegrass Band (replacing Roland White).
Connie Gately (guitar) and Babe Lofton (guitar). Band members included Thayer Washer (vocals), Red Roberts (fiddle), Fred Gately (bass) and Joe Drumright (banjo).
Recorded in the 1950’s for Starday Records.
They also recorded as “Connie and Joe and the Backwoods Boys.”
Drumright and Gately both worked for a short time with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys.
Babe Lofton’s real name was Ernest Ward Lofton. He was given the nickname “Babe” when he was a baby.
The group’s sound is continuing with the music of Jody Drumright (son of Joe) and Fred Lofton (son of Babe) and their group “The Sons of the Backwoods.”
From Pace, Florida (near Pensacola on the Gulf Coast).
2007, formed a bluegrass group with her banjo-playing father called High Cotton.
2013, released first solo project “One Stop Along the Road” (no label).
2016, formed a band called Kennesaw Ridge with Amanda (mandolin), Carolyne VanLierop (banjo), Crystal Owens (bass), Scotty French (guitar), and George Mason (fiddle).
Wilma Lee, her parents and two sisters had a gospel group in the 1930’s called the Leary Family. Wilma Lee began performing at the age of five.
Dale T. “Stoney” Cooper was hired as the Leary family’s fiddle player. He married Wilma Lee in 1940.
Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper performed together for 38 years.
1957, they became members of the Grand Ole Opry.
1957-1961, they had four top ten Billboard country hits including “Big Midnight Special” and “There’s a Big Wheel.”
Their band, The Clinch Mountain Clan, was one of the first to feature the Dobro™.
Wilma Lee has been known for her powerful and energetic lead singing. She said her style came about because when she started out as a singer—there were no sound systems. “Back in those days, you were good if you were loud. It was the only way you could be heard!”
Wilma Lee was Hank Williams’ favorite female singer. She recorded duets with him in 1951.
1974, the Smithsonian Institution named her “the first lady of bluegrass.”
1977, Stoney died at the age of 58.
1994, the IBMA presented her with a Distinguished Achievement Award.
Daughter Carol Lee led her own group “The Carol Lee Singers” who performed as regulars on the Grand Ole Opry providing background vocals for many Opry stars.
2001, suffered a stroke while performing on stage at the Grand Ole Opry.
From Cordell, Kentucky (named after his ancestors). Ricky Skaggs is also from Cordell. They were neighbors. Lives in Nashville.
While in the service, played in a rock band called “Hot Lucy.”
After getting out of the service, he became an accountant.
Songwriting credits: “Two Highways” (Alison Krauss), “Lonesome Standard Time” (Kathy Mattea), “Lonesome Dove” (Tisha Yearwood), “Highway 40 Blues” (Ricky Skaggs), “Against the Grain” (Garth Brooks) and “Murder on Music Row” (George Strait and Alan Jackson).
1990, with fiddler Glen Duncan, formed the band Lonesome Standard Time. They were originally known as “Larry Cordle, Glen Duncan and Lonesome Standard Time.”
1993, released “Mighty Lonesome” album (Sugar Hill).
1993, won IBMA award for Song of the Year (“Lonesome Standard Time”).
1995, released “Lonesome As It Gets” album (Sugar Hill).
1995, disbanded the group.
1998, re-formed as “Larry Cordle and Lonesome Standard Time.”
2004, recorded the song “You’re Runnin’ Wild” in a trio with Carl Jackson and Jerry Salley on the album “Livin’, Lovin’, Losin’: Songs of the Louvin Brothers” which won a Grammy for Best Country Album.
2014, released an album of duets (All Star Duets) with some of the artists who have recorded his songs including Garth Brooks, Ricky Skaggs, Alison Krauss, Dierks Bentley, Diamond Rio and Kathy Mattea (Mighty Cord Records).
2015, inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.
1991, won the Winterhawk Bluegrass Festival band contest.
Banjo player Chris Stuart has written several songs recorded by Claire Lynch, Suzanne Thomas, Junior Sisk, Sally Jones, Larry Cordle and others.
1996, Stuart moved to San Diego, California to work as a computer consultant. After playing with several local bands he formed his own group Chris Stuart and BackCountry in 2003. He is also producer of the IBMA Awards Show.
1975, played bass with Lester Flatt and the Nashville Grass.
1980, released “House of the Rising Sun” album on Programme Audio label. His Rising Sun band included former members of the Bass Mountain Boys and Jimmy Martin’s Sunny Mountain Boys.
1988, performed in the Off-Broadway play “Cotton Patch Gospel” and appeared in the motion picture based on the play.
Formed in 1970, one of the first bands to mix jazz and rock stylings with traditional bluegrass.
Featured several instrumental virtuosos: Tony Trischka (banjo), Peter Wernick (guitar and banjo), Russ Barenberg (guitar), Andy Statman (mandolin), and Kenny Kosek (fiddle). Also in the band: Nondi Leonard (vocals) and John Miller (bass).
1971, released first album “14 Bluegrass Instrumentals” (Rounder).
1972, released “Barrel of Fun” album (Rounder).
1975, released “Country Cooking with the Fiction Brothers” album (Flying Fish). The Fiction Brothers were Alan Senauke (guitar) and Howie Tarnower (mandoin). By this time, Kenny Kosek, Pete Wernick and his wife Nondi (AKA Joan) were the only remaining original members of the band. Michael Gold (bass) and Peggy Haine (vocals) were also members.
Broke up in 1976 when the Wernicks moved to Colorado. Pete later formed the band Hot Rize.
Formed in 1973 by banjo player Bill Emerson. He remained with the group until 1993.
The bluegrass/country music unit of the U.S. Navy Band. They have been called “the musical equivalent to the Navy’s Blue Angels.” All of the personnel are active duty military.
They have performed at the Grand Ole Opry, for Presidents Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama, and overseas in Stockholm, Nova Scotia and Beijing.
1987-2008, featured guitarist/lead singer Wayne Taylor.
1996-2016, banjo player Keith Arneson was a member of this band.
2001, Taylor and Arneson recorded a bluegrass album called “Appaloosa.”
2003-2008, Frank Solivan played mandolin and fiddle with this band.
2008, Taylor retired from the band and was replaced by guitarist/vocalist Kenny Ray Horton. Taylor now fronts his own band Appaloosa.
2016, banjo player Keith Arneson retired and was replaced by the band’s first female member Haley Stiltner.
2022, lineup includes Sally Sandker (guitar/vocals), Caleb Cox (guitar/vocals), Haley Stiltner (banjo) and Patrick McAvinue (fiddle/mandolin). Sandker is Rhonda Vincent’s daughter, Cox formerly worked with Nothin’ Fancy and McAvinue with Dailey & Vincent.
Formed in 1970 in Los Angeles featuring Byron Berline (fiddle), Alan Munde (banjo), Kenny Wertz (guitar) and Roger Bush (bass). Herb Pederson was originally going to play banjo but dropped out early and was replaced by Munde.
They recorded two albums for United Artists after touring Europe with The Flying Burrito Brothers.
1972, released “A Traitor in Our Midst” album (United Artists)
1973, released “Don’t Give Up Your Day Job” album (United Artists)
1974, Wertz left the band and was replaced by Roland White.
1974, released “Country Gazette Live” album (Antilles).
1975, released “Out to Lunch” album (Ariola).
1975, Berline and Bush left and the band continued under the leadership of Alan Munde and Roland White. Other band members over the next twenty years included Joe Carr, Dave Ferguson, Billy Joe Foster, Gene Wooten, Michael Anderson, David Grier, Bill Smith, Dawn Watson and others.
1077, released “What a Way to Make a Living” album (Ridge Runner).
1979, released “All This and Money Too” album (Ridge Runner).
1981, released “American and Clean” album (Flying Fish).
1983, released “America’s Bluegrass Band” album (Flying Fish).
1986, released “Bluegrass Tonight!” album (Flying Fish).
1988, released “Strictly Instrumental” album (Flying Fish).
1995, they disbanded for good.
2004, Alan Munde formed a new band called “The Alan Munde Gazette.”
How they formed: In July of 1957, Buzz Busby and the Bayou Boys were performing at the Admiral Grill in Bailey’s Crossroads, Virginia (Washington, DC area) when they were involved in a serious auto accident. This put Buzz Busby and other members of the band in the hospital. Bill Emerson, a member of the band who was not in the accident put together a pick-up band to fulfill some of the band’s commitments. In that band was Charlie Waller (guitar) and John Duffey (mandolin.) They were an instant success and decided to keep the new band together. Their first performance was on July 4, 1957.
The original band included Charlie Waller (guitar), Bill Emerson (banjo), John Duffey (mandolin) and Larry Leahy (bass.) Tom Morgan replaced Leahy on bass soon after the band started.
John Duffey (who later founded the Seldom Scene) suggested the name “Country Gentlemen” to Charlie Waller, who became the band’s leader. Interestingly enough, the name “Seldom Scene” was suggested to Duffey by Charlie Waller.
Former members of the band include Ricky Skaggs, John Duffey, Doyle Lawson, Eddie Adcock, Jerry Douglas, Jimmy Gaudreau, Mike Auldridge, Bill Emerson, Tom Gray, Bill Yates, others.
They were one of the first bluegrass bands to become popular on the folk music circuit, performing on many college campuses, at the Newport Folk Festival and Carnegie Hall.
1965, their song “Bringing Mary Home” climbed to #43 on Billboard Magazine’s country music charts.
1993, began performing as “Charlie Waller and The Country Gentlemen.”
1996, the “Classic” Country Gentlemen (Waller, Duffey, Adcock and Gray) were inducted into the IBMA’s Hall of Honor.
2004, Waller died of a heart attack.
2005, Randy Waller (son of Charlie) began performing with his own version of the Country Gentlemen.
Formed in 2005 as Bill Yates and Friends by Bill Yates, a 20-year member of the Country Gentlemen, and started with Mike Phipps (guitar), Bill Yates (vocals), Darren Beachley (guitar) David Propst (mandolin), Scott Walker (banjo), Mark Clifton (Dobro™) and Dave MacGlashan (bass). They later became known as The Country Gentlemen Tribute Band and have continued on as such with Mike Phipps sounding remarkably like original Country Gentlemen’s lead singer, Charlie Waller..
YBill Yates passed away in 2015. The band has continued on with the most current members being Mike Phipps (guitar), David Propst (mandolin), Lynwood Lunsford (banjo), Darren Beachley (Dobro™) and Kyle Windbeck (bass).
An old-time string band from the Washington DC area.
Formed in 1975 by Carl and Judy Pagter.
The Pagters have homes in both Virginia and California. (Carl works in Walnut Creek, California and lives there much of the year while Judy lives on the Pagter Farm in Barboursville, Virginia.)
Band also featured master fiddler Joe Meadows.
Carl is the founder of the California Bluegrass Association.
Formed in 1973 by Keith Whitley (guitar), Jimmy Gaudreau (mandolin), Carl Jackson (banjo) and Bill Rawlings (bass). Later, Jackson was replaced by Jimmy Arnold and Whitley was replaced by Chris Stifel.
They were originally known as The New Tradition but changed their name to the Country Store.
They recorded two albums, one of them a live 1973 performance recorded at Bill Grant’s Hugo, Oklahoma bluegrass festival. It featured Whitley, Gaudreau and Rawlings, with Alan Munde (of the Country Gazette) on banjo, subbing for an ailing Jimmy Arnold.
Often called “Johnny C.” He is also known as the Voice of Newgrass.
Began his musical career playing bass in a high school rock band called Everyday People.
1974-1990, played bass and sang lead for the New Grass Revival.
1990-1997, joined Rusty Young and Bill Lloyd in a band called The Sky Kings (country-rock). Also worked with the Doobie Brothers (two years), the Sam Bush Band and in two blues bands: Duckbutter and Grooveyard.
1998, formed The John Cowan Band which has over the years included such musicians as Scott Vestal, Jim Hurst, Randy Kohrs, Jeff Autry, Luke Bulla, Noam Pikelny, John Frazier, others.
1998, released Soul’d Out (Sugar Hill), a blues album.
2012, began hosting his own radio show on WSM 650-AM called “I Believe to My Soul.”
2014, released Sixty (Compass Records), a retrospective of his career featuring a variety of musical genres and special guests. Produced by Doobie Brother John McFee.
2016-2018, toured with Darin & Brooke Aldridge (during a break from the Doobie Brothers).
2020, formed a group with Andrea Zonn called The Herculeons.
Father Willard Cox began his musical career in 1964 with a group called Dewey Keene and the Country Squires.
Started performing as a family band in 1974.
Sidney Cox has written numerous songs for Alison Krauss, including “I’ve Got That Old Feeling”, “Steel Rails” and “New Fool.” In 1995, Sidney was inducted into the Songwriter’s Guild Hall of Fame.
1987, released “It’s the Gospel” album (no label).
1988, released “Heartaches Along the Horizon” album (Wilcox).
1995, signed with Asylum Records and subsequently recorded an album of country-oriented songs.
1995, won a Grammy award for Best Southern Gospel, Country Gospel or Bluegrass Gospel Recording (for “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow” by Alison Krauss and the Cox Family).
2000, appeared and sang in the movie “O Brother, Where Art Thou.”
July 2000, Willard and Marie Cox were seriously injured when a logging truck hit their car from behind.
2004, were awarded Louisiana’s Governor’s Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music.
Learned to play guitar and sing at age 15. Formed a group at his church called the Lights Chapel Boys, who have continued to perform together ever since.
Began writing songs under the tutelage of songwriter and vocalist Donna Ulisse, who has produced many of his albums.
Best known as a songwriter. His songs were recorded by many top artists, including Linda Ronstadt, the Eagles, Kenny Rogers, Mark Chesnutt, Randy Travis, Ray Stevens, the Osborne Brothers, the Lewis Family, etc.
Some of his best known hits: “Brother Jukebox,” “Blue Heartache,” “Dropkick Me Jesus (through the Goal Posts of Life),” “Midnight Flyer,” “Teardrops Will Kiss the Morning Dew.”
1961, played banjo in Jimmy Martin’s Sunny Mountain Boys.
Formed in 2015 by Jerry Andrews (guitar). Kathy Wigman Lesnock (guitar), Dustin Terpenning (mandolin/banjo). Other band members: Lilli Gadd (bass), Heather Wharton (fiddle), Chase Arbogast (mandolin).
Native of Kansas City, Missouri. Lives in Placerville, CA.
Also known as “Deacon Dan Crary.” He is regarded as one of the top flat-pick guitarists in bluegrass, one of the early pioneers of the style.
1968, was a founding member of the Bluegrass Alliance (originators of the “Newgrass” style).
1973, released first solo project Bluegrass Guitar (American Heritage).
1974, moved to California to teach at Cal State Fullerton. There he met fiddler Byron Berline and together formed the band Sundance with John Hickman (banjo) and Jack Skinner (bass). They recorded for MCA records.
1974-2004, besides performing as a professional musician, he was a professor of speech communications at Cal State Fullerton. He has two earned doctorates: the first in theology, the second in speech communications.
1975-1995, he had a twenty-year partnership with fiddler Byron Berline and banjo player John Hickman. They performed together as Sundance, BCH and California.
1977, released “Lady’s Fancy” album (Rounder).
1979, released “Sweet Southern Girl”album (Sugar Hill).
1983, released “Dan Crary Guitar” album (Sugar Hill).
1989, released “Take a Step Over” album (Sugar Hill).
1992, released Thunderation album (Sugar Hill), which won the NAIRD Indie Award for “Best String Music Recording.”
2007, produced a concert/movie project called Primal Twang: The Legacy of the Guitar featuring Doc Watson, Eric Johnson, Doyle Dykes, Albert Lee, Mason Williams and others legendary guitarists.
2009, began performing with his new band Thunderation.
2011, released Perfect Storm album (Blue Night Records).
2017, began performing with Bill Evans (banjo) and Wally Barnick (bass) in a trio called Crary, Evans and Barnick. They released the album Prime Time (Native and Fine) in 2020.
2005, Eddy left the band and Lambert (banjo, fiddle and mandolin) returned. Chris Panfil switched to guitar.
Over the next few years they were occasionally joined by Paul Norris (mandolin), Perry Cleveland (mandolin), Billy Constable (banjo), John Martz (banjo) and Ross Nickerson (banjo).
2008, released “Thirty Years of Bluegrass” (no label).
2015, Lambert passed away and Philip Banaszak (fiddle) joined the remaining three members Chris Panfil (guitar), Rich Schaefer (bass) and Mark Panfil (dobro and banjo).
2020, Banaszak left the band and was replaced by Sally Schaefer (fiddle), daughter of Rich Schaefer.
A string band featuring fiddler and songwriter Andrea Asprelli, originally from Colorado. A classical violinist, she discovered bluegrass/old time music after moving to the east coast.
Band members (various) include: Doug Goldstein and Hilary Hawke (banjo), Dave Speranza and Sam Weber (bass) and Mike Robinson, Jason Borisoff and Jeff Picker (guitar).
2011, Asprelli won the songwriting contest at the Podunk Bluegrass Festival (Hebron, CT).
2013, won the FreshGrass Award in North Adams, MA.
Formed in 1994 by guitarist Jeff Kazor. Other members: Tom Lucas (fiddle/banjo), Stephanie Prausnitz (fiddle), Lisa Berman (banjo), Dave Bamberger (bass).
Perform pre-bluegrass music (1880 to 1930) “before the influence of radio.”
The finest string band in America” – The Boston Herald
Motto: “Old Time is Not a Crime.”
2010, collaborated with modern dance choreographer Kate Weare on “Bright Land: Old Time Music meets Modern Dance,” a theatrical production which was performed nationally.
2012, released Bright Land album, recorded live at the Joyce Theater, New York City.
2001, formed at the New England Conservatory of Music (Boston) at a jam session.
Original members: Aoife O’Donovan (vocals), Rushad Eggleston (cello), Dr. Gregory Liszt (banjo, played four-finger style rather than three), Corey DiMario (bass).
They perform frequently in Ireland as well as the U.S.
From southeast Kentucky/east Tennessee, near Cumberland Gap, Tennessee.
Formed in 2008. A gospel group featuring Alan Powers (banjo), Gary Kidwell (guitar), Steve Partin (mandolin), Daniel Oxendine (bass) and Cleve May (Dobro™).
2011, released debut album “Crosspoint.”
2014, released We’re Gonna Rise album on Rural Rhythm Records, produced by Steve Gulley.
From Nebo, North Carolina. They are originally from Clayton, Georgia.
Featured brothers Wallace (guitar) and Wayne (bass). They both go by their middle names (James Wallace and John Wayne). Wallace is also known as Josh.
Early 1970’s, performed as the Blue Ridge Mountain Boys.
1975-1991, worked with legendary banjo player Raymond Fairchild, known as “King of the Smoky Mountain Banjo.”
1981, released “The Crowe Brothers Sing ‘Always True'” album (Skyline).
1984, released “The Gospel Way” album (Skyline).
1985, released “The Winds Are Blowing in Maggie Valley” album (Atteiram).
1988, released “Jesus is Coming” album (Atteiram).
1989, released “I Knew It Wasn’t You” album (Atteiram).
1990, formed their own band, The Crowe Brothers.
1993, Wayne retired from music and Josh formed a duo with David McLaughlin (formerly with the Johnson Mountain Boys). They released one album Going Back (Rounder).
1999, released “Regenesis” album (Copper Creek).
2004, Josh formed the Josh Crowe Band and released “Sincerely” album (Pinecastle).
1955, began his career as a member of Mac Wiseman’s band.
1956, joined Jimmy Martin’s band, The Sunny Mountain Boys and established himself as one of the top banjo players in the world
1966, formed his own group The Kentucky Mountain Boys which included Doyle Lawson and Larry Rice. Red Allen joined in 1968.
1971, changed band name to The New South. Early band included Tony Rice, Larry Rice and Bobby Slone. Doyle Lawson replaced Larry Rice (after a short stint with Jimmy Martin), and Lawson was later replaced by Ricky Skaggs.
Other New South alumni: Jerry Douglas, Keith Whitley, Jimmy Gaudreau, Paul Adkins, Wendy Miller, Gene Johnson (of Diamond Rio), Tony King (of Brooks and Dunn), Phil Leadbetter, Rick Pardue, many others.
Was also a member of the legendary Bluegrass Album Band (with Doyle Lawson, Tony Rice, Jerry Douglas, Bobby Hicks and Todd Phillips).
1990, retired from music (became a mail carrier) but returned in 1992 with a new version of The New South.
2000, his band members left en masse (with Crowe’s blessing) to form a new group called Wildfire.
2003, was inducted into the IBMA’s Hall of Fame.
1994, 2004, won IBMA Award for Banjo Player of the Year.
2004, was inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.
2007, won IBMA award for Album of the Year (“Lefty’s Old Guitar”)
2011, won the IBMA Award for “Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year” and “Recorded Event of the Year” (both for “Prayers Bells of Heaven” by J.D. Crowe, Doyle Lawson and Paul Williams)
2012, retired again (this time for good) and disbanded The New South, most of whom formed a new band called American Drive.
2012, his biography was published by the University of Illinois press titled Crowe on the Banjo: The Music Life of J.D. Crowe written by Marty Godbey.
2012, was presented with an honorary doctorate degree by the University of Kentucky.
He was a long-time member of the IBMA’s Trust Fund Board of Directors.
2021, died at the age of 84 on Christmas Eve.
RECOMMENDED ALBUMS:
Bluegrass Holiday (King Bluegrass, 1968). The Kentucky Mountain Boys.
Model Church (Rebel Records, 1971). The Kentucky Mountain Boys. Doyle Lawson was in this band.
Blackjack (Rebel Records, 1973). The Kentucky Mountain Boys.
J.D. Crowe & The New South (Rounder, 1976) This is the first New South album featuring Tony Rice, Ricky Skaggs, Jerry Douglas and Bobby Slone. This is considered one of the best bluegrass albums ever recorded and is often referred to by fans as 0044, it’s Rounder catalog number).
Formed in 1996 by Kyle Wood (mandolin), Tim May (guitar), Michael McLain (banjo), and Dave ‘Doc’ Holladay (bass). McLain was replaced by Chris Joslin (banjo).
Original name of the band was “Sam Hill,” but they discovered that the name was already in use.
The name Crucial Smith’s connection to bluegrass: Smith is Bill Monroe’s middle name.
1997, recorded first album, produced by former New Grass Revival guitarist Pat Flynn.
Mandolinist Kyle Wood was a graphic artist and a former member of Eddie Rabbitt’s Hare Trigger Band. He also edited “Lost in Space,” a science fiction magazine. After Crucial Smith, he recorded a solo project with his own band “The Kyle Wood Project.”
Bass player Dave Holladay was band leader with Geraldo Rivera. He is also an optometrist.
Guitarist Tim May also worked with Eddie Rabbit and The Jim Buchanan System.
Banjo player Chris Joslin formerly performed with the Rutherford County Square Dancers, Free Wheelin’, and The Neverly Brothers. He later became curator of the Bluegrass Hall of Fame and Museum in Owensboro, Kentucky.
2001, added fiddle player Gretchen Priest, who is married to Tim May. They released a project together called Plaidgrass, a mix of bluegrass and Celtic music.
2003, disbanded after recording a third album that was never released.
2010, guitarist Tim May teamed with fiddle player Fred Carpenter (formerly of the Tony Rice Unit) to form a duo called “Carpenter and May.”
2016, Kyle Wood joined Ray Cardwell and Tennessee Moon.
2023, Gooding left the band to tour with the Little Roy and Lizzie Show. He was replaced by Ian Ly, winner of the Walnut Valley National Flatpick Guitar Championship that same year.
2023, won the IBMA’s Momentum Band of the Year award.
From Pike County, Kentucky. Band members are from both Kentucky and Tennessee.
Formed in 2004 by Mike Bentley (guitar and lead vocals). Other band members: Rod Smith (banjo), Clint Hurd (mandolin), Bryan Russell (bass).
Cumberland Gap is a famous pass (now a national park) through the Cumberland (Appalachian) Mountains at the juncture of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia.
2010, released A Whole Lotta Lonesome album, produced by Steve Gulley (Kindred Records).
2011, two new members joined the band: John Miser on mandolin and Albon Clevinger on fiddle, both of Kermit, WV.
2013, released Another Song album (Mountain Fever).
2015, Jeff Smith (bass) and Josh Brown (guitar) joined the band. Other band members: Bentley (guitar), Smith (banjo), Miser (mandolin).
2016, released “Mike Bentley & Cumberland Gap Connection” album (Union House).
Formed in 1986 by Campbell Mercer (who now serves as Executive Director of the Jerusalem Ridge Bluegrass Music Association, overseeing Bill Monroe’s restored homeplace in Rosine.)
The band includes four former members of Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys (Wayne Lewis, Tater Tate, Billy Rose, Jimmy Campbell).
Host a weekly TV show on the cable RFD-TV Channel.
2000, released Cumberland Mountain Home album with a guest appearance by Dr. Ralph Stanley (Rural Rhythm).
Formed in 2009 by James Dean (banjo), Joseph Jones (bass), Dustin Middleton (mandolin) and Andy Buckner (guitar). Jamie Stewart (Dobro™) also joined the band.
2010, released “Rock Island Express” album.
2011, appeared on FX Network television show “Justified” and performed the title song (a Cumberland River original).
2011, released The Life We Live album (Rural Rhythm), produced by Steve Gulley.
2012, Brad Gulley (bass) and Gary Robinson (guitar) replaced Jones and Buckner.
Her father played fiddle for Mel Street, Mark Chesnutt, Little Jimmy Dickens, other country artists. Her grandfather played mandolin and lap steel guitar.
First performance at five years old. She started out singing at church fairs and festivals.
She received a paddling in the first grade for singing “Don’t Come Home A Drinking With Lovin’ On Your Mind”.
Besides her musical career, she is a hair stylist. You will always hear great music in her salon.
1991, played Dobro™ with Bill Harrell and the Virginians.
1998, joined Norman Wright’s band The Travelers.
2003, formed his own band called The Maryland Line.
2005, joined Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver. Sang lead and tenor vocals, played bass and guitar. Appears on several award-winning albums including “Help is on the Way,” “More Behind the Picture than the Wall,” and “Lonely Street.”
2006, also worked with former Country Gentleman Bill Yates in a group called Bill Yates & Friends, which became The Country Gentlemen Tribute Band.
2010, teamed up with former Quicksilver bandmate Barry Scott to form the Beachley and Scott Band.
2011, after the departure of Barry Scott, the band was reorganized as Heart Town with Greg Luck, Tim Laughlin, Shayne Bartley and Jason Leek.
2012, took a management position at the Frederick Memorial Hospital in Brunswick, MD. Also formed a band with Shayne Bartley, Greg Luck, Elmer Burchett and Marshall Wilborn.
2016, formed a band called The Railroaders with Shayne Bartley (guitar), Greg Luck (mandolin) and David Carroll (banjo).
A string band formed in 1994 by mandolinist Jim (Jimmy) Ryan. Also in the band: John McGann (winner of the 1985 Winfield mandolin championship) and Jim Whitney (bass.)
The “original” Beacon Hillbillies formed in 1896 in Duffield, West Virginia. Ryan’s grandfather was leader of that band.
Ryan was also in a band called Blood Oranges, a fusion of bluegrass and rock. He is also a solo artist, with several albums to his credit.
Disbanded in 1996. They recorded three albums.
2012, McGann died of kidney failure. He was a faculty member at the Berklee College of Music.
2000, formed by a group of young music camp counselors who were drawn to bluegrass and traditional music. For several years they conducted music camps for bluegrass festivals across the U.S.
Original members: Kate Hamre (bass), Mike Mickelson (guitar), Jason Norris (mandolin), Annalisa Tornfelt (fiddle), Angela Oudean (fiddle)
2001, entered and won the Telluride band competition.
2002, released first album Only Time Knows (no label) selling more than 7000 copies the first year.
2006, released Follow Me album (Alliance Records) featuring 8 original songs written by Tornfelt.
2010, Hamre left the band, as did Mickelson. Hamre was replaced briefly by Sam Grisman, son of David Grisman.
2011, after numerous personnel changes, the band relocated to Nashville with a new lineup including Oudean (fiddle), Todd Grebe (guitar), P.J. George (bass) and Nora Jane Struthers (guitar, vocals).
Age 11, played guitar on the Martha White Caravan for the Rose Brothers. Age 15, played guitar with fiddler Benny Sims. Then worked with The Toe River Boys, the Webb Brothers, and Mousie Creek (Gatlinburg, TN).
1983-1990, worked at Dollywood theme park.
1990-95, joined J.D. Crowe and the New South.
1995, joined Lou Reid and Carolina
1996, joined Tim White’s group, “The Beagles.”
1996, recorded first solo project “Walking Down the Line” on Rebel Records.
Originally from McDowell, Ky. Currently lives in Indiana.
Started singing in church at age 5. Learned guitar and wrote first song at age 16.
Early days: played in several country bands including Carl Bentley and Blue Eagle Band and the Southern Winds Band.
2003, joined a band called Thousand Pounds Of Bluegrass.
2004, joined The Indiana Boys.
2005, formed his own group Carl Bentley & The Eagle Creek Band, opening for many bluegrass acts such as Larry Sparks, Ralph Stanley II, James King, Melvin Goins and others.
2016-2022, took a break from music to coach travel baseball. He also filled in for several bands including Brook Steele and Endless Highway and Kim Robins and 40 Years Late.
2022, returned to music by recording a self-titled album to be released in 2023.
2003, signed with Capitol Records. launching a very successful country music career.
2004, his first two albums went platinum (two million copies sold).
Hit singles include: “What Was I Thinkin'”, as well as “Come a Little Closer”, “Settle for a Slowdown”, “Every Mile a Memory”, “Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go)”, “Feel That Fire” and “Sideways.”
2010, released Up on the Ridge album, a tribute to his bluegrass roots with Chris Thile and the Punch Brothers, Sam Bush, Bryan Sutton, the Del McCoury Band, Tim O’Brien and other well known bluegrass artists and sidemen.
Bentley says, “I fell in love with bluegrass music the first time I walked into the Station Inn with a fake ID at 19 years old. … After that I never missed a Tuesday night there in almost 8 years. Bluegrass music is my foundation.”
1969, performed with a group called Country Express.
1970’s, had a bluegrass group called The New Strangers.
Was influenced by guitarist Clarence White in Sweden in 1973. Began using the Parsons-White stringbender (which White was using on his electric guitar) and formed a country-rock band called Moonshine
Prmarily a vocalist, he also performs on guitar, banjo, mandolin, harmonica, Dobro™, autoharp and bass.
1996-1997, toured and recorded with Bluegrass Etc.
From Caldwell, Kansas. Currently lives in Guthrie, Oklahoma.
Three-time national fiddle champion (the Weiser Old Time Fiddle Championships).
Began playing fiddle at age 5.
Attended the University of Oklahoma on an athletic scholarship. Played football for coach Bud Wilkinson during his freshman and sophomore years. Switched to track for his junior and senior years, setting school records in the javelin throw.
While at OU, he met the Dillards (on Nov. 22, 1963—the day John Kennedy was assassinated) who were performing on campus. This was his first exposure to bluegrass music. After a short jam session in the parking lot, they asked him to record with them. The resulting album (called “Pickin’ and Fiddlin'”) was released on Electra Records in 1964, while Byron was still in college.
1967, joined Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys. He played fiddle on the original recording of “Gold Rush” which he co-wrote with Monroe.
1969, after moving to Los Angeles, joined the Dillard and Clark Expedition with Doug Dillard and Gene Clark (later called the Dillard Expedition) and the Flying Burrito Brothers. He also began doing recording sessions for movies, TV shows and albums by many popular artists including the Byrds, the Rolling Stones, Stephen Stills, the Eagles, Mason Williams and Linda Rondstadt.
1972, formed the Country Gazette (which spun off of the Flying Burrito Brothers) with Roger Bush (bass), Alan Munde (banjo) and Kenny Wertz (guitar).
1977, formed Byron Berline and Sundance. Vince Gill (age 19) was a member of this band. Recorded several albums including Live at McCabe’s (Tacoma).
1978, formed the L.A. Fiddle Band with fiddlers Bruce Johnson and Dennis Fetchet.
1980, formed BCH (Berline, Dan Crary, John Hickman).
1985, worked with the Doo Wah Riders, an LA-based country band.
1990, formed California (BCH plus Steve Spurgin and John Moore.)
While in L.A., he performed on numerous movie soundtracks including “Urban Cowboy”, “Back to the Future III”, and “The Rose.” He had a bit part in the movie “Basic Instinct” starring Sharon Stone.
He appeared in one episode of the original TV series “Star Trek.” Played a crew member of the Starship Enterprise who traveled back in time and found himself a violinist in a classical string quartet.
1994, appeared on the TV show “Evening Shade.”
1995, moved from Los Angeles to Guthrie, Oklahoma where he opened a music store called Byron’s Double Stop Fiddle Shop and Concert Hall.
1996, his album Fiddle and a Song (Sugar Hill) was nominated for a Grammy Award. The album featured guest performances by Bill Monroe and Earl Scruggs (together), Vince Gill, Mason Williams, others.
1997, formed The Byron Berline Band which features both bluegrass and western swing. Performs regularly at the Fiddle Shop Concert Hall in Guthrie.
Hosts the annual International Bluegrass Music Festival in Guthrie, featuring bands from all over the world.
2003, re-united with California to make several appearances and to record a new album.
2005. toured China with his band.
2012, received IBMA’s Distinguished Achievement Award.
2013, was inducted into the National Fiddlers Hall of Fame.
2013, his autobiography Byron Berline: Diary of a Fiddler was released.
2019, his Double Stop Fiddle Shop and Concert Hall in Guthrie, OK burned to the ground, destroying his inventory of instruments and memorabilia. He was able to open a new shop and concert hall in a new building across the street from the old one.
2021, died at the age of 77. He was unable to recover from a series of strokes.
HEATHER BERRY (THE HEATHER BERRY AND TONY MABE SHOW)
From Sherando, Virginia (Shenandoah Valley).
Began singing in church at age 5.
First instrument: autoharp. Performed with the Lewis Family as a child.
Age 13, formed her first band.
2005, won the autoharp championship at the Maury River (VA) Fiddlers Convention.
2005, formed a new band called Dominion Grass at the age of 15.
2006, age 16, signed with Blue Circle Records (Tom T. and Dixie Hall’s label) and released “To a Dove” and “Before Bluegrass.”
2011, teamed up with future husband Tony Mabe to form “The Heather and Tony Show.” Tony is a mult-instrumentalist (primarily banjo) who formerly worked with James King, Danny Paisley, Jeannette Williams and several other bands.
From Nashville, Tennessee. He was born in South Carolina and raised in Georgia.
1992-1995, had several hit country records including ” Your Love Amazes Me,” “Standing on the Edge of Goodbye” and “She’s Taken a Shine” (Capitol Records).
2015, released his first bluegrass recording “I’m Blended Blue” (JB Music).
Learned fiddle at age 4. Taught by Benny Sims and David Yates.
2001, joined Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver at age 17. Was invited to join Doyle Lawson’s band when he was in the 8th grade but waited until he had his high school diploma. Stayed with Doyle for 9 months.
2002, joined Rhonda Vincent and the Rage.
Has been a final nominee for the IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year award, and has been a multiple winner of the SPBGMA Fiddle Player of the Year award.
2007, released solo project “Wow, Baby.”
2010, married Sally Sandker, Rhonda Vincent’s daughter.
One of the earliest “melodic” or “chromatic” style banjo players, who began playing fiddle tunes note-for-note on the banjo in the 1940’s. He influenced such popularizers of the style as Bobby Thompson, Eric Weissberg and Bill Keith.
Was a farmer most of his life, but played banjo professionally with the Morris Brothers in the 1950’s.
1990, received the Lunsford Award at the Bascom Lamar Lunsford Festival at Mars Hill College.
1990, was a featured performer on the “Masters of the Banjo” tour organized by the National Council for the Traditional Arts.
1994, received the North Carolina Heritage Award
Died in 1995 at the age of 64. He was shot dead by his brother Sam.
A singer/songwriter/guitarist who has written songs recorded by Balsam Range, Del McCoury, Michael Cleveland, Dale Ann Bradley and other bluegrass artists.
He and his twin brother Adam have a Kentucky band called Relic.
He is a past winner of the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest (at Merlefest).
2006, formed Grasstowne with Phil Leadbetter, Steve Gulley and Jason Davis. After several personnel changes, the group became known as Alan Bibey and Grasstowne.
2013, released an album of mandolin duets with Wayne Benson called Mandolin Chronicles (Pinecastle).
2020, 2019, won the IBMA Award for Mandolin Player of the Year.
2020, won the IBMA Award for Gospel Recording of the Year (for “Gonna Rise and Shine” (Mountain Fever)
Perform what some call “Galax” or “Mt. Airy” bluegrass: a very hard core traditional sound.
James King is a former member of this band.
Their name came from the Jimmy Martin instrumental “Big Country” (performed by J.D. Crowe on banjo). That was the first song recorded by the band in 1989.
1999, won a contest sponsored by Martha White flour on the occasion of their 100th anniversary for having the best rendition of the Martha White Theme. They got to perform it live on the Grand Ole Opry.
2013 lineup: Tommy and Teresa Sells (mandolin/guitar), Eddie Gill (guitar, lead vocals), Lynwood Lunsford (banjo), Tony King (bass), Tim Laughlin (fiddle).
2016, Lunsford (banjo) left the band after 9 years and was replaced by John Treadway.
Original members Marc Atkinson and Scott White (guitar, mandolin, fiddle) had formerly played jazz and rock. Added Chris Frye (guitar) and Glen Manders bass) to the band and began performing folk and acoustic music in various live music clubs around Victoria.
2000, added Adrian Dolan (fiddle, accordian, piano). Released first album.
2001, won Juno award (Canadian Grammy).
2003, added fiddler Jeremy Penner. Recorded “Let Em Run” video, with aiplay on Canadian CMT. Shortened the name of the band to “The Bills.”
2004, released Let Em Run album (Red House Records.)
Formed in 2002 by Lizzie Hamilton (fiddle), Shannon Whitworth (guitar), Rocky Whittington (banjo) and Mary Lucey (bass). Hamilton had previously worked with the Steep Canyon Rangers.
Perform what they call “fiery mountain music.” A blend of old time, bluegrass and world music.
Started out as an all female-band, which explains the name … four women who were so engrossed in playing music that they forgot what was on the stove.
Formed in 1969 by Richard Hefner (banjo), Bill Hefner (guitar/mandolin), Harley Carpenter (guitar), Glen Irvine (mandolin) and Dwight Diller (bass).
They took their name from Black Mountain, near their home in WV.
For five years the band hosted a weekly radio program on WVMR in Richwood, West Virginia.
1973, recorded “Million Lonely Days” album (Lark Records).
1974, band changes: Dick Kimmel joined the band, playing mandolin. Wayne Erbson joined, playing fiddle.
1974, recorded “Talk of the County” album (Lark Records).
1998, Harley Carpenter passed away.
1999-present band lineup: Richard Hefner (banjo), Mike Smith (bass), Chris Nickell (guitar), Rick Carpenter (mandolin). Rick Carpenter is the son of former band member Harley Carpenter.
2001, released “Live at Midnight” (Pocahontas Communications).
Formed in 1960 when seventeen-year-old guitarist/singer Curtis Blackwell with his brother Haskell (bass) and Junior Crowe (banjo; father of The Crowe Brothers). They won a talent competition sponsored by WNEG in Toccoa, Georgia. The prize was a performance on The Grand Ole Opry.
1964, band included Sam Cobb (bass) Larry Jefferson (mandolin), Martin Beckman (guitar), Al Osteen (banjo), and Randall Collins (fiddle).
1965, won first place at Asheville’s Bascom Lamar Lunsford’s Mountain Dance and Folk Festival.
1970, won first place in the band contest at Union Grove Fiddler’s Convention.
During the mid 70’s, Curtis Blackwell and the Dixie Bluegrass Boys regrouped with South Carolina fiddler Verner Foster joining the band and Curtis’s son Terry Blackwell (mandolin) and Tom Roach (banjo). Wallace Crowe of the Crowe Brothers also worked with them on occasion.
2010 lineup: Curtis Blackwell (guitar), Sam Cobb (bass), Vic Blackwell (mandolin), Charles Wood (banjo), and Chuck Nation (fiddle).
2000, represented Southern California in the Pizza Hut International Bluegrass Showdown in Louisville.
Original members: Dave Dickey III (mandolin), Billy Reid (guitar) Sandy MacLean (guitar) and Dave Brown (bass.)
2006, the group disbanded but re-formed a few years later with Dickey III (mandolin), John Corzine (guitar/lead vocals), Patrick Sauber (banjo) and Peggy Corzine (bass).
From Kansas City, Missouri. He has also has lived in Colorado, West Virgina, South Carolina.
A singer and guitarist who has performed with numerous bands over the years including Special Consensus and Jeff Scroggins and Colorado.
He attended Bible College and Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri and played guitar for 15 years with the Bluegrass Missourians. He also traveled for three years with the Harvest Quartet, a gospel group.
He is a past winner of the Kansas State flatpick guitar championship.
2007, moved to Conifer, Colorado and served as pastor of the Elk Creek Community Church. He also formed his own band called Mountain Holler and also worked with a group called Troublesome Gulch.
2011, joined Jeff Scroggins and Colorado.
2013, formed a duo with K.C. Groves (“Blake and Groves”), formerly with Uncle Earl.
2015, released first solo project “Songs of Heart and Home” (no label).
2017, after moving back to Kansas City, he formed a new band called Real Country. That band eventually became Greg Blake and Hometown.
2021, joined Special Consensus, singing lead and playing guitar. He continues to have a solo career and play with his Hometown band.
2022, Greg Blake and Hometown released “The View from Home” album (Mountain Holler).
From Chattanooga, Tennessee but grew up in Sulphur Springs and Rising Fawn, Georgia.
Best known as a guitarist and mandolinist. He plays all the bluegrass instruments.
Began performing in the 1950’s with a group called “The Dixie Drifters.”
Early 60’s, worked with Hylo Brown on WWVA, Wheeling, West Virginia.
A Nashville studio musician during the 1960’s and 1970’s. He has worked with many artists including Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson, Steve Earle and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
1969-1970, was a regular on the Johnny Cash TV show.
Toured with John Hartford for two years.
1975, married Nancy, a classical celloist from Independence, Missouri.
His father owned a music store (Hogan’s Music) in Southern California. He grew up literally surrounded by musical instruments.
Began playing guitar at age 11; banjo at age 13.
1983-1985, played with a Southern California band called Yankee Bluegrass.
1985-1989, was a member of Weary Hearts with Chris Jones, Butch Baldassari and Eric Uglum.
1991, worked with the Lynn Morris Band.
1992, joined Alison Krauss and Union Station, playing banjo and guitar. Regarded the “spiritual touchstone” of the group because of his deep religious faith.
Has written songs that have been recorded by Alison Krauss, Randy Travis, Rhonda Vincent, the Cox Family, Dan Tyminski, many others.
2000, appeared and performed in the movie and soundtrack “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”
2001, released solo album of original gospel music, Faraway Land (Rounder).
2004, delivered the keynote address at the IBMA World of Bluegrass business conference in Louisville.
2005, released second solo album Doorway (Rounder).
A traditional band formed in 2007 by mandolin player Ed Neff. Also includes Mike Wilhoyte (guitar). Larry Cohea (bass), Paul Shelasky (fiddle) and Jeff King (banjo).
Band members are veteran Bay Area bluegrass musicians, having worked with such bands as High Country, The Good Old Persons, David Grisman, the Vern Williams Band and many others.
A legendary band from Japan that formed in 1967 and made its American debut in 1971 at Bill Monroe’s Beanblossom Festival.
Also includes the Watanabe Brothers (Toshio and Saburo), Japan’s first bluegrass festival promoters. They also publish the magazine “Moonshiner,” and started Red Clay Records in Japan. Saburo was elected to the IBMA Board of Directors in 1995.
The name comes from “Train 45,” “Colt 45,” and the year 1945 when bluegrass music was born.
Appeared in the movie “Bluegrass—Country Soul,” featuring artists appearing at Carlton Haney’s Camp Springs (NC) festival.
2017, past members of the band celebrated their 50th anniversary with an appearance at the IBMA’s Wide Open Bluegrass festival and other venues in the USA.
2019, founding member and banjo player Saburo “Sab” Watanabe died at the age of 69.
Formed originally in 1972 by Joseph “Butch” Robins, a former member of Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys (banjo). Other members: Alan O”Bryant (guitar), Mike Compton (mandolin), Blaine Sprouse (fiddle), David Sebring (bass) and Ed Dye (bass.) They released one album “Another Saturday Night” on Voyager Records.
1973, disbanded but Robins re-assembled a new version of the band 13 years later (1989) with Dudley Connell, Larry Stephenson, Ronnie and Rickie Simpkins, Wayne Henderson and several other musicians. They recorded four albums of bluegrass standards and gospel music, the first recordings for Kerry Hay’s “Hay Holler” record label which at the time sold their albums primarily by mail order on television info-mercials.
A recording band featuring Tony Rice, guitar; J.D. Crowe, banjo; Doyle Lawson, mandolin; Bobby Hicks, fiddle; Todd Phillips, bass; Jerry Douglas, Dobro™ (third album on); Vassar Clements, fiddle (fifth album on).
1981, recorded first of six albums for Rounder Records, The Bluegrass Album.
2003, re-united for J.D. Crowe’s induction into the IBMA’s Hall of Honor and performed several reunion concerts with Josh Williams or Ricky Wasson on lead vocals.
Formed in 1968 by Dan Crary (guitar), Wayne Stewart (mandolin), Buddy Spurlock (banjo), Lonnie Peerce (fiddle) and Harry Shealor (bass, AKA Ebo Walker). Danny Jones (mandolin) was also an early member of this band. Peerce eventually became the leader of the band.
Former members of the band: Sam Bush (mandolin), Tony Rice (guitar), Vince Gill (guitar), Marshall Billingsley (bass), Al White (mandolin), Bill Millet (banjo), Courtney Johnson (banjo) and Curtis Burch (guitar).
They were the first group to use the term “newgrass.” (The New Grass Revival emerged from this band in 1971.)
1969, released self-titled album (American Heritage).
1970, released “Newgrass” album (American Heritage).
1975, released “Kentucky Blue” album (American Heritage).
Broke up for good in 1978.
1996, Lonnie Peerce died at age 73.
1998, Barry Palmer, a banjo-player and long-time fan of the BG Alliance, formed a new group using the same name in Atlanta, Georgia. Peerce had given Barry the rights to the name before he died. This group recorded an album called “Re-Alliance” in 2001.
Formed in 1992 by brothers Robert (banjo) and Victor Dowdy (bass). They were later joined by Victor’s sons Steven (guitar) and Donald (Dobro™), adding another set of brothers to the band.
Originally from Los Angeles, California. Moved to Virginia in 1976.
Formed in 1974. Original members: Don Parmley and son David (who was 15 at the time), Randy Graham and Bill Bryson.
Don Parmley (banjo) is a native of Monticello, Kentucky. He moved to Los Angeles in 1956 and performed with several LA bands including the Golden State Boys and The Blue Diamond Boys (later The Hillmen)—with Vern Gosdin and Chris Hillman. He also worked with Glen Campbell. As a studio musician, he played banjo on the TV soundtrack “The Beverly Hillbillies.” (While Flatt and Scruggs recorded the theme song and made guest appearances on the show, it was Parmley who played banjo on the program’s soundtrack.) He was employed as a school bus driver when he formed the Bluegrass Cardinals in 1974.
1976, released first album The Bluegrass Cardinals (Tacoma/Briar) and subsequently moved to Virginia.
1977, released Welcome to Virginia album (Rounder).
1984 released Home is Where the Heart Is album (Sugar Hill).
1986, released Shining Path album (Sugar Hill).
1990, released New and Old Favorites album (BGC).
1993, David Parmley left the band to pursue a solo career. He was replaced by Jeff Autry.
1994, released My Kind of Grass album (BGC).
1996, released Mountain Girl album (BGC).
1997, the group disbanded for good.
2000, Don and David re-united to do a few “Cardinal Reunion” shows with Steve Day and Mike Anglin of Continental Divide.
2007, the State of Kentucky put up a commemorative road marker that reads “Welcome to Wayne County, Home of Don Parmley, Founding Member of the Bluegrass Cardinals.”
2015, David Parmley formed a new band called David Parmley and the Cardinal Tradition. He had been driving a bus for Rascall Flatts.
2016, Don Parmley died.
2022, David Parmley, Randy Graham and Larry Stephenson began taking engagements performing together as the Bluegrass Cardinals Tribute Band.
A trio featuring John Moore (guitar, mandolin) and Dennis Caplinger (banjo, fiddle). Other members of the trio has included John’s sister Julie Moore (guitar), Jim Green (bass), Steve Spurgin (bass/guitar), Larry Park (bass/guitar), Curtis Jones (guitar) and Bill Bryson (bass).
John Moore also played mandolin with the group California. He gave Chris Thile and Sean Watkins (of Nickel Creek) music lessons.
Caplinger is a studio musician and record producer in San Diego. He has played in bands with Richard Greene, Byron Berline, Jann Browne, Tim Flannery, others. He also produces many of the CMH “Pickin On” series of albums.
1982, released first album “Tree Ripe and Ready to Pick” (no label).
1995, released self-titled Bluegrass Etc. album (Tricopolis).
Formed in 1980 by Gary and Greg Underwood (guitar and bass, father and son, respectively). Later Greg’s son Jacob joined the band on banjo, making Bluegrass Express a unique “three-generations bluegrass band.”
Andy Hatfield (mandolin) won first place in the 2013 National Mandolin Championship. He won the Guitar Championship in 2011.
Jacob is also a multi-instrumentalist. He has won championships on mandolin, fiddle and guitar in a variety of competitions.
2014, released their 8th album “In Our Own Words” (no label).
2016, released “Answer to My Prayer” album (no label).
2024, released “Tribute to Jim and Jesse” album (Plum River).
Features Eric and Suzy Thompson (guitar, fiddle), Alan Senauke (guitar) and Bill Evans (bass). Larry Cohea (banjo) and Markie Sanders (bass) often fill in when needed.
Their style blends bluegrass with old-time and cajun music.
2002, released Old As Dirt album (Native and Fine).
Band members: Tim Stafford (guitar), Wayne Taylor (bass), Shawn Lane (mandolin), Jason Burleson (banjo), Rob Ickes (Dobro™). When the band formed, Tony Brown played banjo and fiddle. He was replaced by Burleson very early in the band’s development.
1996, won IBMA awards for Emerging Artist of the Year and Album of the Year (for “It’s a Long Long Road.”
1997, won IBMA award for Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year (for “God Moves in a Windstorm”).
1998, Burleson took a leave of absence from the band and was replaced by Tom Adams. Burleson returned to the band two years later.
2004, won IBMA Award for Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year (for “Wondrous Love”).
2008, won IBMA Award for Song of the Year (for “Through the Window of a Train”).
2012, won IBMA Award for Vocal Group of the Year.
They are one of the few bands (if not the only band) in bluegrass to keep all of its original members for 20+ years.
2015, Rob Ickes retired from the band and was replaced by Gavin Largent of Winchester, Virginia, a former member of Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper.
2018. Largent was replaced by Justin Moses.
2019, Moses was replaced by Gary Hultman (formerly with the Boxcars and Highland Travelers).
Formed in 2011 by husband/wife team Dara mandolin) and Tony Wray (guitar). Other members: Cody Looper (banjo), Mike Gregory (bass), Kent Todd (fiddle).
Tony Wray was supervisor of Gibson’s banjo shop in Nashville from 2009 until the flood of 2010 which destroyed the Opry Mills factory. He also worked Mike Snider on the Grand Ole Opry.
Dana Wray is daughter of Dave Denman, an early member of Alison Krauss’ band Union Station. She was also personal assistant to Tom T. Hall.
2012, won the band competition at DelFest.
2013, released first album My Cold Heart (no label).
2015, released Pray for Rain album (Pinecastle Records).
2016, released Hanging Tree album (Pinecastle Records).
2018, Tony Wray joined the Tyminski Band playing guitar and banjo. Fiddler Kent Todd also took time off for his family. Blue Mafia suspended its touring schedule.
2008 lineup: Keith Garrett (mandolin), Justin Jenkins (banjo), Chris West (guitar). Massengill and Tipton left to form a new band called Brand New Strings.
2009, Keith Garrett left the band to form The Boxcars with Adam Steffey and Ronnie Stewart.
2010, Jenkins left the band to work with Grasstowne.
2010, released Strange New World album with new lineup: Chris West (guitar), Brandon Bostic (guitar), Tony Mowell (bass), Owen Platt (banjo). West is the only original member remaining.
2014, performed several reunion shows with original members Keith Garrett and Justin Jenkins, and they decided to book additional shows with this lineup as schedules allow. Garrett and Jenkins also perform with the Boxcars and Grasstowne respectively.
2018, Garrett, Tipton, Jenkins and Massengill all returned to the band, joining Bostic and West.
From Roanoke, Virginia.
Formed in 2003.
Took their name from the Peter Rowan song “Blue Mule” (which he recorded with Muleskinner and Old & In the Way).
Band members include Tom Ohmsen (mandolin), John McBroom (bass), Tim Rhodes (banjo), Eli Williams (guitar).
Besides traditional bluegrass, they play “BlueJazz, BlueRock, BlueCountry and BlueBlues.”
Ohmsen is owner of Flat Five Recording Studio and has authored several instruction books for guitar and mandolin.
2005, released first CD “Enter the Mule”
2008, released “Scratchy.”
2013, released “This Way or That?”
Formed in 1998 by Terry Baucom, Alan Bibey, Randy Graham and Jimmy Haley.
Nucleus of the group formed in 1985 as The New Quicksilver. They disbanded for more than a decade and reunited as Baucom, Bibey, Graham and Haley, then as BlueRidge.
2002 lineup: Baucom (banjo), Bibey (mandolin), Junior Sisk (guitar) and Eddie Biggerstaff (bass).
2003, Baucom left to re-join Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver. Was replaced by Joey Cox. Band name changed to Alan Bibey and BlueRidge, then simply “BlueRidge.”
A “brothers duet” from Hickory, North Carolina featuring Bill and Earl Bolick.
One of the most popular and durable country music acts of the 1930’s and 1940’s.
Influenced by the Monroe Brothers, The Delmore Brothers and the Dixon Brothers.
Signed with Victor (Bluebird) Records in 1936. They were very successful as recording artists, not because they had big hit records, but because of steady, long-term sales. Today, their records are collector’s items.
Best known for smooth, gentle harmonies and a tasteful repertoire of songs and hymns.
When World War II started, Bill and Earl both joined the Armed Forces. After the war, they resumed performing at radio stations across the south and recording again for Victor.
Were regulars on the Louisiana Hayride in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Turned down an offer to join the Grand Ole Opry, due to prior commitments.
Stopped performing together in 1951—due to changing trends in country music. Bill became a postal inspector and Earl worked for Lockheed Aircraft.
Born in Columbus, Mississippi; grew up in Palmetto, Alabama. Lived in Nashville for 26 years, then moved to Chugiak, Alaska.
1969, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer and was given three weeks to live. Fortunately, the doctors were wrong.
1972, formed Red, White and Bluegrass with then-husband Grant Boatwright and Dale Whitcomb (banjo). They were based in Georgia and had a hit country single, “July, You’re a Woman.”
1980, formed an all-female band called the Bushwhackers, with Susie Monick, Ingrid Herman Reese (Woody Herman’s daughter), and Kathy Chiavola.
1982-1996, she was guitarist and lead singer with The Doug Dillard Band.
As a session vocalist in Nashville, her credits include commercials for Tony Lama boots, Coors beer and Pizza Hut.
1991, released solo project Fertile Ground (Flying Fish Records).
In 1994, had breast cancer which required major surgery.
May 1991, received a college degree in human resources management.
1999, released “Sipsey” album (no label).
2001, released “Inside the Gate” album (no label).
A singer/songwriter who after raising her children began a career in bluegrass music with the release of her first album in 2006 with guests The Jordanaires.
Some have called her “The Karen Carpenter of Bluegrass.”
From Elizabethton, Tennessee. He is originally from New Jersey.
At age 11, he performed with a group called “The Strings of Gospel.”
A multi-instrumentalist, he is director of the Bluegrass, Old Time and Country Music Studies Program at East Tennessee State University. Most people call him “Professor Dan.” He also leads the school’s “ETSU Bluegrass Pride” ensemble.
2018, joined the Becky Buller Band, playing guitar.
Began performing bluegrass music as a teenager. Began playing banjo, then guitar, then chose mandolin as his primary instrument.
2013, enrolled in East Tennessee State University’s bluegrass music program.
2015, released his first album “First Impressions” (no label).
2017, joined Sideline, playing mandolin.
2018, joined the Amanda Cook band, playing mandolin.
2019, teamed up with Aaron “Frosty” Foster to form a duo. They had previously performed at the Ole Smokey Distillery in East Tennessee as “Dreamcatcher.” They recorded an album together during 2020 (Covid year).
2021, his partner Aaron Foster unexpectedly died at the age of 28.
A duo featuring Troy Boone (mandolin) and Aaron “Frosty” Foster (guitar).
They began playing together at the Ole Smokey Distillery in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee under the name Dreamcatcher.
2016, Boone joined Sideline playing mandolin. Foster joined the Amanda Cook band playing guitar. Boone married Amanda Cook’s banjo player Carolyn VanLierop which led to Boone joining the Amanda Cook band as well.
Formed in 2015 by Roger Brown (Mandolin), Josh Woods (Banjo), Caleb Garrett (Bass) and Joey Coppage (Guitar). Garrett and Coppage were later replaced by Dan Canerday (guitar) and Rick Wilson (bass).
The band name comes from a saying attributed to mandolinist Brown’s now-deceased father: “We’re all living on borrowed time.”
They have appeared on the TV Show “Antique Archaeology” (American Pickers) in Nashville.
From Yorktown, Virginia. Moved to Seattle, Washington in 1971.
Learned to play autoharp after hearing Mike Seeger of the New Lost City Ramblers.
After moving to Seattle, he played on the street for coins and in bars for tips.
1966, traveled east in his panel truck called “Old Yeller.” Performed at the Cellar Door in Washington, D.C. and was heard by the Dillards, the New Grass Revival, and the Seldom Scene. All three bands have since worked with Bryan both in concert and in the recording studio.
For several years, he traveled with as many as 12 autoharps. Spent three hours before each performance tuning them. “I was basically a professional piano tuner,” he says. “I got burnt out.”
1993, he was inducted into the Autoharp Hall of Fame.
“Bryan is to the autoharp what Earl Scruggs was to the banjo.” (Bluegrass Unlimited)
From King, North Carolina. Lives in Bassett, Virginia.
Real name: William Franklin Bowman.
First band: “The Carolina Travelers.” Also performed with his parents and four sisters in a group called “The Bowman Gospel Singers.”
Before his professional music career, had a managerial position with the Sara Lee Corporation in Winston-Salem, NC.
1987, joined The Lost and Found.
1990, joined the Lonesome River Band, first as guitarist, then as bass player, singing lead. He recorded several albums with this band including the landmark “Carrying the Tradition” album which won the IBMA Award for Album of the Year in 1992.
1994, recorded first solo album Cold Virginia Night (Rebel Records) which won the IBMA award for Album of the Year (1995). “Cold Virginia Night” also won Song of the Year.
1995, 1998, 1999, won IBMA award for “Male Vocalist of the Year.”
1995, his song “The Healing Kind” was a hit for country singer Dan Seals.
Members of this band are from East Tennessee, East Kentucky, Virginia.
Formed in 2010 after the dissolution of the Dan Tyminski Band (of which several were members).
Original band included Adam Steffey (mandolin), Ron Stewart (banjo/fiddle), John Bowman (banjo/fiddle/guitar), Keith Garrett (guitar), Harold Nixon (bass).
2017, the group disbanded. Ronnie Stewart joined the Seldom Scene. Adam Steffey, Keith Garrett and Gary Hultman formed a new band, the Highland Travelers.
Plays guitar and mandolin. Early in his career, he worked with Carl Story and Charlie Moore
1972, retired from music.
1985, returned to music after giving a friend guitar lessons and having his love for music rekindled. He formed a gospel group called The Harmony Express.
They hosted a weekly cable TV show from Greenville, South Carolina.
They recorded several albums on the Atteiram label.
Formed in 1973 by three brothers—Aubrey, Tom and Jerry Holt and their uncle Harley Gabbard. Tom and Jerry retired from the band in 1994. Paul “Moon” Mullins was also an original member of this band (playing fiddle). Noah Crase played banjo.
They were called “the top show band in bluegrass” because of their entertaining style and wide assortment of original songs chronicling the history of bluegrass and country music.
They were frequent guests on the Grand Ole Opry.
They recorded 20 albums for Rebel, King Bluegrass and other labels during their career.
1988, performed at the White House for President Ronald Reagan.
1989, proclaimed official Ambassadors of Bluegrass by Governor of Indiana.
1998, Tony Holt, Jeff Holt and Harlan Gabbard, the sons of Aubrey Holt, Jerry Holt and Harley Gabbard, formed a band called The Wildwood Valley Boys.
2003, Harley Gabbard died, December 29.
2017, Aubrey Holt died, October 5.
RECOMMENDED ALBUMS:
Good Time Blues (Rebel Records, 2006) This is a compilation of some of their classic recordings.
2012, won the IBMA award for Female Vocalist of the Year for the fifth time (she also won in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011).
2012, formed the band Sister Sadie with Tina Adair (mandolin), Deanie Richardson (fiddle), Gena Britt (banjo) and Beth Lawrence (bass). Their 2018 album Sister Sadie II was nominated for a Grammy Award. In 2019 Sister Sadie won the IBMA Award for Vocal Group of the Year. In 2020, Sister Sadie won the IBMA Award for Entertainer of the Year as well as Vocal Group of the Year.
Formed in 2008 by Randall Massengill (guitar), Tim Tipton (bass), Mike Ramsey (mandolin), Stuart Wyrick (banjo) and Matt Leadbetter (resophonic guitar).
Massengill, Tipton and Leadbetter are former members of Blue Moon Rising.
Massengill, Ramsey and Wyrick are former members of the gospel group New Road.
Band members: Larry Norfleet (guitar and mandolin), Tristen Norfleet (mandolin, bass, guitar), Jesse Norfleet (dobro, banjo), Derek Dillman (banjo), and Mike Martin (bass). Jesse and Larry Norfleet are brothers; Tristen is Larry’s son.
Originally from upstate New York. Has also lived in the state of Alabama, Washington and at her farm “Woodsong” in Northern Georgia.
She was one of the first women to lead a full-time bluegrass band. In 1971, she led an all-female band called Bluegrass Liberation. She later led the North Carolina group Boot Hill, and another all-female band called Cherokee Rose (which also included Missy Raines and Lynn Morris). She has also fronted an Atlanta-based band called Born Gypsy, playing mandolin.
She is also considered one of the first female banjo players. Alison Brown credits Louisa as being her inspiration to play banjo (Alison’s first exposure to bluegrass, on her 10th birthday, was Louisa’s band Boot Hill).
She has written many songs for other artists. Her “Steel Rails” was a hit record and Grammy-winner for Alison Krauss and Union Station as well as John Denver.
She has an M.A. in counseling form Wake Forest University; a Ph.D from Georgia State University. She is a psychologist and author.
Hobby: training thoroughbred horses.
2011, Compass Records released I’ll Take Love, an album of Louisa Branscomb songs featuring John Cowan, Claire Lynch, The Whites, Dave Peterson, Josh Williams, Alison Krauss and other artists.
From Pelham, Massachusetts. Grew up in Ozark, Missouri.
1988, moved to Oregon and played fiddle with Kentucky Rose.
1992, worked in Tucson with Peter McLaughlin and the Frog Mountain Trio.
1995, moved to Italy for two years while his wife was studying there.
On his return to the US, he played bass with Laurie Lewis and jazz violin with the Maurizio Geri Swingtet.
1999, released first solo project and formed a band called “The Perfect Strangers” with Peter McLaughlin, Jody Stecher, Bob Black and Forrest Rose (Rose passed away in 2005).
2007, joined Robin and Linda Williams as part of “Their Fine Group.”
Formed in 2010. Band members: Cody Farrar (guitar/lead vocals/songwriter), Tyler White (fiddle), Thelton Vanderford (banjo), Zach Wooten (mandolin), and Britt Sheffield (bass).
2011, won first place at the State of Mississippi Bluegrass Band Championship, first place in the Athens Old Time Fiddler’s Bluegrass Band Competition in Alabama and first place in the Uncle Dave Macon Days Bluegrass Band Competition in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
2011, recorded first self-titled album.
2012, won B.O.R.N. (Band On The Rise Nationally) award.
2012, released second album Running With the Moon (no label) produced by Stephen Mougin.
Brothers Andy (guitar) and Alvin (vocals) Bressler.
1965, began performing on the Current River Opry in Summersville, MO.
2000, formed the Bressler Brothers band including Alvin’s sons Bruce and Scott.
2001, performed a song they wrote (“The Bluegrass King Has Gone to Heaven”) at the ribbon cutting ceremony of the Bill Monroe Homeplace in Rosine, Kentucky.
Played rock music until “I got run over by a car,” he says. While in the hospital, he began playing acoustic guitar, singing old songs, and “that’s where I really started getting into the music.” He and his two rock ‘n’ roll buddies formed the “The Kentucky Ramblers” in 1980.
His father is a bluegrass musician, as was his grandfather. His band includes his father Finley (guitar) and his two sons Wayne (bass) and Mason (mandolin).
Nickname: “Stretch.” His record label is called Stretchgrass Productions.
He often refers to his music as “brewgrass.”
1979, formed his band The Kentucky Ramblers. Around that time he purchased Bill Monroe’s bus which was named “Bluegrass Breakdown.”
1982, recorded his first album, “Lonesome Road.”
1989, started the “Strictly Bluegrass” bluegrass festival in Louisville.
1994, selected to tour with Bill and James Monroe’s “Father and Son” Winter Tour.
Since 1986, he has been under contract with the City of Louisville, performing for the Mayor and other city functions.
1994, toured with Bill Monroe including a tour to Europe.
1995, first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry
2002, won two gold medals at the U.S. Tai-Kwon-Do championships, qualifying him for the 2004 Olympic team.
2010, appeared on the TV Show “Extreme Home Makeover” with his family band.
2015, was awarded a personalized baseball bat from the Louisville Slugger factory, for mentioning the iconic company in one of his songs and music videos “The Derby City Flash.”
2018, was presented with the key to the city of Shepherdsville, Kentucky where he holds a festival.
2020, released 40th Anniversary Celebration album (SGM). Includes a duet with Doug Phelps of the Kentucky Headhunters “Big Train.”
A fiddler who formed a band in 1945 called The Dismembered Tennesseans. They are still together. The band was made up of students from McCallie Private Boys School in Chattanooga. They have appeared on ABC-TV’s Peter Jennings Nightly News and were featured on the NBC Sunday Today Show.
1990, at age 18 moved to Nashville and worked with Petticoat Junction.
1992, joined New Vintage.
1994, joined Lou Reid and Carolina.
2001, formed her own band.
2001, won IBMA award for her work on the “Follow Me Back to the Fold” project with the Daughters of Bluegrass.
2003, married Tim Tew (who plays Dobro™ in her band.)
Has also worked dates with The Lonesome River Band, Carolina Road, Sally Jones & The Sidewinders, The Alecia Nugent Band, The Donna Hughes Band, The DaleAnn Bradley Band and others.
2008, recorded and performed with the Daughters of Bluegrass.
From Philadelphia, PA grew up in New York City. Has also lived in San Francisco, Chicago and currently, Wilmington, Delaware.
As a teenager, got involved in the folk-music scene (Greenwich Village) and took up the guitar. He is also a virtuoso on mandolin and fiddle.
1968, graduated from Columbia University, studying Musicology.
Has worked as a sideman for many artists including Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, John Hurt, the Reverend Gary Davis, Tom Paxton, and Chubby Checker.
Has recorded with many bluegrass perfomers, like Jerry Douglas, Vassar Clements, Doc Watson, Bela Fleck and Tony Trischka. Gene Johnson (of Diamond Rio) fame was a member of Bromberg’s band in the 1980’s.
1971, recorded first album for Columbia Records “David Bromberg.” He recorded four others for the label including “Demon in Disguise,”Wanted Dead or Alive,” and ” Midnight on the Water.”
1984, graduated from the Kenneth Warren School of Violin Making. He currently owns a high-end violin store in Wilmington, DE.
Tours as a solo artist as well as with a group called Angel Band, led by his wife, Nancy Josephson.
2008, released a bluegrass album by the David Bromberg Quartet that was recorded live in New York City in 1982.
A bluegrass/folk duo featuring Jo Ellen and George Doering (guitar and mandolin).
Formed in the late 1980’s.
They named their group after “the brumby’s,” wild horses that roam the outback of Australia, brought there by Jack Brumby, “The Man From Snowy River”, in the 1880’s. They discovered too late that they had misspelled the name.
Jo Ellen Doering began playing bluegrass in San Diego in the 1960’s (influenced by the Scottsville Squirrel Barkers with Kenny Wertz, Bernie Leadon, Chris Hillman, Larry Murray and Ed Douglas). Later toured with Hoyt Axton, the Smothers Brothers and Ricky Nelson.
George Doering studied music at San Diego State University and has worked as a studio musician and touring sideman with such artists as Sonny and Cher, Seals and Crofts, and others.
Other members of the group have included Bill Bryson (bass), Gabe Witcher (fiddle), Patrick Sauber (banjo) and other Southern California musicians.
1991, won IBMA award for Banjo Player of the Year.
1992, toured with folk-rock performer Michelle Shocked.
With husband Garry West owns Compass Records.
1996, formed The Alison Brown Quartet, an acoustic jazz ensemble featuring the banjo.
1999, recorded and toured with the Americana band “New Grange” with Tim O’Brien, Darol Anger and Mike Marshall.
2000, released bluegrass album Fair Weather featuring vocal performances by guests Vince Gill and Claire Lynch.
2000, Alison’s “Girl’s Breakdown” (from her Fair Weather album) was used as the official wake up music for the crew of the U.S. Space Shuttle Destiny during their mission to the International Space Station.
2001, won Grammy for Best Country Instrumental “Leaving Cottondale,” a duet with Bela Fleck (from her Fair Weather album).
2002, gave the keynote address at the IBMA World of Bluegrass in Louisville.
2014, received the 2014 USA Artists Berresford Fellowship, a $50,000 grant given to artists who have made significant contributions in their field of endeavor.
2019, performed as a member of the “First Ladies of Bluegrass,” a group featuring the first women to win the IBMA Award in their instrument categories: Alison (banjo), Missy Raines (bass), Becky Buller (fiddle), Sierra Hull (mandolin) and Molly Tuttle (guitar).
2019, was inducted into the American Banjo Hall of Fame.
A husband and wife duo. They were married in 2007.
Dewey Brown was the fiddle player for Ralph Stanley’s Clinch Mountain Boys for 11 years (2005-2016). He previously worked with Honi Deaton and the Country Gentlemen.
Leslie VanDyke Brown is a native of Virginia and began performing at age 7. She plays bass with the band and is a professional clog dancer, songwriter and booking agent. She has also worked as a registered nurse.
Together they own a performing arts theater, The Liberty Showcase Theater in Liberty, North Carolina. They also promote two bluegrass festivals each year, DeweyFest and GospelFest, held on their 52 acre farm in Burlington.
2018, released an album with their band the Carolina Gentlemen “Our Mountain Legacy” (Liberty Showcase). Band members include Tim Spence (guitar), Brandon Henson (banjo) and Kendall Gales (mandolin). on mandolin.
Band: the Timberliners. Also had a band at one time called “The Buckskins” (named after their trademard buckskin jackets).
Real name: Frank Brown. He got the name “Hylo” (High-Low) because of his incredible vocal range. He would often sing the verse of a song in a baritone voice, then falsetto on the chorus—an octave higher.
Was a regular on the WWVA Jamboree, Wheeling, West Virginia.
Late fifties, toured for Martha White Mills (as did Flatt and Scruggs).
July 1959, appeared at first Newport Folk Festival backing Earl Scruggs, who made a solo appearance.
Guitarist and vocalist Brown began playing as a youngster in a band with his brother called the Richlands Bluegrass Boys. Wayne Taylor (of Blue Highway) was also in this band. He has since worked with Larry Sparks and the Lonesome Ramblers (playing bass, from 1993 to 1996), Charlie Sizemore, Ralph Stanley, Jesse McReynolds and many others.
He now fronts his own band Still Lonesome which includes Austin Brown (bass), Nick Goad (mandolin) & Rod Smith (banjo).
He is a bluegrass DJ and also a bluegrass concert promoter. He has helped organize and promote several bluegrass festivals and concerts.
2014, was named a Kentucky Colonel.
2016, released “A Distant Horizon” album (Union House).
Had success in the early 1970’s with several top-40 country songs like “Proud Mary” and “Brush Arbor Meeting” (Capitol Records).
1973, they were voted “Vocal Group of the Year” and “Touring Band of the Year” by the Academy of Country Music.
Network TV appearances included “Hee Haw,” “Music Country USA” and “The Johnny Cash NBC Special.”
Made several Grand Ole Opry appearances and toured with Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, the late Marty Robbins, the Everly Brothers, etc.
Twice voted the third-most-popular Bluegrass Band of the Year in a Music City News Readers Poll (1973, 1974) behind Bill Monroe and the Osborne Brothers.
Original members: Ken Munds (guitar), Wayne Rice (banjo), Jim Rice (guitar and pedal steel), Joe Rice (mandolin), David Rose (bass) and Pat Stephens, drums. Wayne, Jim and Joe Rice are brothers. No, they are not related to the “other” Rice brothers (Tony, Larry, Ron and Wyatt.)
Wayne Rice and Ken Munds left the band in 1975. Brothers Jim and Joe Rice remained with the group until 1996, performing gospel music. Joe departed in 1996 and Jim kept the band together until 1999. He now performs as a solo artist and speaker.
From Scottsdale, Arizona. Moved to Nashville in 1989.
1985, formed Weary Hearts band with Ron Block, Eric Uglum and Butch Baldassari. Played bass.
1991-1992, played banjo with Larry Cordle and Lonesome Standard Time.
1992-2005, played bass with the Del McCoury band.
1996, 1997, 2002, 2003, 2005, won IBMA award for Bass Player of the Year.
He was a regular member of The Sidemen, a group that performed on Tuesday nights at Nashville’s Station Inn.
Since leaving the Del McCoury Band, he has worked in dozens of bands including 18 South (with Jon Randall), Dale Ann Bradley, Peter Rowan, Tony Rice, Tim O’Brien and Vince Gill. He performs regularly at the Station Inn.
2012, received the first IBMA Momentum Award for Mentor of the Year.
A dynamic fiddler best known for his work with Jim and Jesse and the Virginia Boys. He was also a member of The Greenbriar Boys (New York).
Son of old-time fiddler Clato “Buck” Buchanan.
At age 11, performed on the Ed Sullivan TV show with “Joe Franklin and the Mimosa Boys.”
1982, recorded an album with Vince Gill, Herb Pederson, Emory Gordy, Jr. and David Grisman called Here Today.
Also worked with Tompall and the Glaser Brothers, Mel Tillis and George Jones. As a studio musician, his credits include albums by Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, Ronnie Millsap, Ringo Starr, the Doors, and many others.
1992, recorded an album called “Bluegrass Reunion” with Red Allen, David Grisman, Herb Pederson, Jerry Garcia and others.
1995, formed his own band called “The Jim Buchanan System” and released one album under that name.
He continues to work in the music business in Nashville. He also travels to churches, playing his fiddle and giving his testimony.
Originally from Grants Pass, Oregon; 1998, moved to Nashville.
A family band featuring parents Brad and Carol Bulla, with children Luke and Jenny Anne. The original family band was called “The In-Laws” (with Carol’s sister and her husband also in the group), then later “Legacy.”
Luke and Jenny Anne recorded an album for Rounder Records in 1991. Luke was eleven years old, Jenny Anne was ten.
Luke and Jenny began playing fiddle when they were 7 and 6 years old respectively.
1989, won the national old-time fiddle championship in their respective age divisions (Weiser, Idaho). Repeated in 1993.
1990, Luke placed in the top ten at the Grand Masters Fiddling Championships in Nashville—competing against fiddlers from all over the world of all ages.
1998-2000, Luke played fiddle with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder.
2000, Brad formed Brad Bulla Promotions, working with a variety of artists and record labels.
2000-present, Jenny has worked with numerous artists including Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike, Paul Overstreet, Ricky Skaggs, the Watkins Family Hour, Chris Jones and Jim Lauderdale. She currently lives in Spokane, Washington and is married to author Caleb Mannan (her name is now Jenny Anne Mannan). She released a solo project Saints & Sinners (no label).
2000-present, Luke has worked with numerous artists including the John Cowan Band, Lyle Lovett, Noam Pikelny, Kevin Costner, Earl Scruggs and Sam Bush. He also had a rock band called Wisechild (with Casey Driessen). 2014, released a solo project “Who Loves You Better” on his own label Pure Music.
2014, Brad formed a band called Fireball Mail (plays guitar).
She began performing at age 10 with her parents in a band called Prairie Grass.
1996, she won the Minnesota Junior Fiddling Championship. Also won the Hank Williams songwriting contest in Avoca, Iowa.
While a student at East Tennessee State University majoring in public relations, she performed with the ETSU Bluegrass Band and with Linda Barker and Appalachian Trail.
Her songwriting credits include “Be Living” (recorded by Doyle Lawson), “Charlie Lawson’s Still” (recorded by Mark Newton), “Fishers of Men” (recorded by Rhonda Vincent), “Music to My Ears” (Ricky Skaggs).
2000, released first solo project.
2004, released solo album, Little Bird (no label).
2008, joined Thunder Radio’s “Bluegrass Crossroads” radio program in Manchester, TN as co-host.
2001-2011, was a member of Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike.
2018, won the IBMA Awards for Gospel Recording of the Year (for “Speaking to that Mountain” from her Crepe Paper Heart album) and also for Recorded Event of the Year (for her participation in the song “Swept Away” by Missy Raines and “First Ladies of Bluegrass.”
2020, won the IBMA Award for Collaborative Recording of the Year (for The Barber’s Fiddle – with Shawn Camp, Jason Carter, Laurie Lewis, Kati Penn, Sam Bush, Michael Cleveland, Johnny Warren, Stuart Duncan, Deanie Richardson, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Jason Barie, Fred Carpenter, Tyler Andal, Nate Lee, Dan Boner, Brian Christianson, and Laura Orshaw.)
2021, made her first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry (September 9).
2023, she was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame.
He was one of the first to popularize bluegrass music in the D.C. area.
1954, he had a TV program in Washington called “Hayloft Hoedown.”
1955, moved back to Louisiana to work on the Louisiana Hayride. Formed his band “The Bayou Boys.”
Band members included Scott Stoneman, Pete Pike, Eddie Adcock, Charlie Waller, Bill Emerson, among others.
1957, signed record deal with Starday Records.
After a traffic accident in 1957 (he was presumed dead but was brought back to life by medical technicians), his band had to find other employment. His banjo player Bill Emerson formed a new band, The Country Gentlemen.
Substance abuse kept him from becoming a major star in bluegrass. It also put him in prison.
2002, sang the national anthem at a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game. He is a diehard Cardinals fan with an extensive collection of memorabilia. His dog is named “Ozzie” after the great Cardinals shortstop, Ozzie Smith.
Formed in the early 1990’s by guitarist Randy Gallion. The group included such musicians as Jason Burleson and Tony Williamson and performed at regional festivals and events during the 1990’s before going on hiatus for twenty years.
2020, the group re-emerged featuring Gallion (guitar) plus new members Chad Day (banjo), Jamie Carter (bass), Savannah Reed (mandolin), Scott Ferguson (fiddle) and Tucker McCandless (guitar).
2022, released several singles to radio on their own label.
The first banjo player in Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys (1942-1945). Played “clawhammer” style.
Was replaced in Bill Monroe’s band by Earl Scruggs.
Nickname: “Stringbean” (or “The Kentucky Wonder”).
From 1945 until his death in 1973, was one of the most popular comedy performers on the Grand Ole Opry.
His costume–a long striped shirt, with his pants down around his knees and a funny little hat that he would flip just before striking his banjo.
He became a regular on the original “Hee Haw” television show.
Died Saturday night, November 10, 1973, after a Grand Ole Opry performance. Was gunned down in his front yard by robbers who were there when he returned home.
Darin is a multi-instrumentalist and music teacher.
1995, Darin played with an Americana group called “Acoustic Syndicate.”
1997, Darin joined the Country Gentlemen, playing mandolin. He recorded three albums with them and played the 2005 presidential inauguration in Washington DC.
2001, Darin released his first solo project “In Time” (no label).
2004, Darin recorded a second solo project “Call It a Day” (Pinecastle).
2005, with other former members of the Country Gentlemen, Darin formed a band called the Circuit Riders.
2008, Darin produced an album for Brooke Justice, a gospel singer. They eventually married and began performing together.
Youngest son of bluegrass Hall 0f Famer Red Allen.
1968, began performing at age 12 with brothers Greg, Neal and Ronnie. They recorded two albums as The Allen Brothers. They disbanded in 1974 when Neal passed away from pneumonia while on the road.
1975, joined J.D. Crowe’s band, taking his father’s place in the Kentucky Mountain Boys.
1982-1985, formed a band with Mike Lilly called the Allen-Lilly Band.
1988, worked with Tony Trischka’s “Big Dogs.”
1990, moved to Nashville to pursue career as a solo artist and songwriter.
1996, recorded first solo album for Mercury Records “Another River.” Recorded second album “Live at the Bluebird” in 2001.
2000, appeared on the soundtrack to the movie “O Brother Where Art Thou.” Won a Grammy for his work on that recording.
As a songwriter, he has written hundreds of songs recorded by such artists as Alan Jackson, Josh Turner, Daryl Worley, the Grascals, Dierks Bentley, Garth Brooks, Emmylou Harris, Ricky Skaggs, many others.
2004, won third Grammy for his work on “Livin’, Lovin’, Losin’: The Songs of the Louvin Brothers.”
From Pigeon Roost, Kentucky. Lived in Dayton, Ohio for most of his career. Given name: Harley Allen.
Formed his band The Kentuckians in the early 1950’s. Over the years, it included such musicians as Bill Keith, Frank Wakefield, David Grisman, Porter Church, Bill Emerson and Scott Stoneman.
Mid-1950’s, teamed up with Sonny and Bobby Osborne to form the earliest recorded version of the Osborne Brothers.
Once filled in for Lester Flatt (with Earl Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys) when Lester suffered a heart attack.
Late 1960’s, worked with J.D. Crowe and Doyle Lawson in the Kentucky Mountain Boys.
1964, released “Red Allen, Frank Wakefield and the Kentuckians: Bluegrass” album (Folkways).
1966, released “Red Allen and the Kentuckians” album (County). Re-released in 2004 by Rebel Records under the title Lonesome and Blue.
Sons Harley, Greg, Ronnie and Neal performed and recorded together as The Allen Brothers in the early seventies.
1973, released “Allengrass” album (Lemco) with his sons.
1973, released “My Old Kentucky Home” album (King Bluegrass) with his sons.
1975, released “Red Allen Favorites” album (King Bluegrass).
1976, retired from music for several years due largely to health problems.
1983, released “The Red Allen Tradition” album (Folkways).
1984, formed another band, The New Kentuckians.
1992, recorded Bluegrass Reunion album (Acoustic Disk) with David Grisman, Herb Pederson and Jerry Garcia which was nominated for a Grammy Award.
Members included Scott Freeman (mandolin), Willard Gayheart (guitar), Katy Taylor (lead vocals), Randy Pasley (resophonic guitar), Tony Testerman (bass).
Gayheart and Freeman were previously with Skeeter and the Skidmarks.
Freeman is a songwriter whose songs have been recorded by IIIrd Tyme Out, other bands.
1988-2004, fronted a Colorado-based band called Front Range. He recorded 7 albums with this band.
He plays guitar, sings, writes songs, and has a Masters Degree in geology.
2004, embarked on a solo career, releasing his first solo project, “Borrowed Time.”
With a band made up of top New England musicians, he performs as Bob Amos and Catamount Crossing. He also performs regularly with his daughter Sarah (vocalist) as a duo.
2023, Bob & Sarah Amos released Ever Onward album (Bristlecone).
Formed in 2012 by former members of J.D.Crowe’s band “The New South” (after Crowe retired.)
Original members: Ricky Wasson (guitar), Dwight McCall (mandolin), Matt DeSpain (Dobro™), Justin Jenkins (banjo) and Kyle Perkins (bass).
2012, released first album American Drive (Rural Rhythm).
2013, Wasson and Jenkins left the band and were replaced by Adam McIntosh (guitar) and Shayne Bartley (banjo). Dwight McCall assumed leadership of the band.
A father-daughter duo. Scott plays bass and banjo; Amanda plays fiddle and sings.
1989, Scott played bass and banjo with The Bluegrass Parlor Band while attending the University of Florida.
1993, Scott formed a band called Endless Highway.
1999, Scott joined a gospel group called Gentle River.
2001, Scott formed The Scott Anderson Band, playing what he calls “Swampgrass.”
2001, Scott released solo project “Rivers” with guests Wayne Benson, John Cowan, Rob Ickes, Scott Vestal, Missy Raines, Aubrey Haynie, others.
Scott is also a pharmacist and teaches at the University of Florida (Assistant Professor, Dept. of Pharmacy).
2008, Scott began performing with hi s 14-year old daughter Amanda and released “Amanda and Scott Anderson: Another Day.”
2011, released solo project “Tales from the Swamp” with guests Stuart Duncan, Aubrey Haynie, Adam Steffey, Sierra Hull, others.
2011, toured with Cory and Jarrod Walker.
2012, formed the Amanda and Scott Anderson Band with Danny Smith (bass), Lamont Goff (mandolin), Christian Ward (fiddle), and Darren Wainright (guitar).
2014, Amanda graduated from the University of Florida and entered dental school.
From Columbia, South Carolina (lives in Nashville)
Primarily a country singer and songwriter, known to millions as “Whisperin’ Bill.”
Has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1961.
Has had over 80 of his own singles reach the country charts, including “Still,” “Bright Lights and Country Music,” “Po’ Folks.”
Has written dozens of songs which were hits for other artists, beginning with “City Lights” (Ray Price) in 1958, which Bill wrote at age 19. Recent chart toppers: Alison Krauss/Brad Paisley hit “Whiskey Lullaby” (2005) and George Strait’s “Give It Away” (2007). Both of those songs won the CMA Award for Song of the Year.
2001, inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
2007, recorded “Whisperin’ Bluegrass,” his first bluegrass album, with guest appearances from Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and Vince Gill.
Born in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Grew up in Sacramento, California.
Her mother, Liz Anderson, wrote several hit songs for Merle Haggard.
1967, joined the cast of Lawrence Welk’s TV show.
1968, won Academy of Country Music award for Best Female Vocalist.
1970, released her biggest hit record, “Rose Garden” (written by Joe South). Won Grammy for “Best Country Performance, Female.”
1971, won CMA award for Best Female Vocalist and ACM award for Top Female Vocalist.
Recorded dozens of top ten hits during the 70’s and early 80’s including “You’re My Man,” “How Can I Unlove You,” and “Top of the World.”
Her first success was in showing horses. She won 700 trophies for her quarter horses and was 1966 California Horse Show Queen. Lynn’s daughter Lisa is also a champion rider.
2004, released “The Bluegrass Sessions,” which was nominated for a Grammy Award in the Bluegrass category.
From Oakland, California. Lives in Arlington, Massachusetts.
An award-winning, genre-crossing violinist, fiddler and composer. Plays what he calls “Chambergrass.”
1982-1985, won “Best Jazz Violinist” four years in a row from Frets Magazine Reader’s Poll.
Has recorded and performed with such artists as Mike Marshall, David Grisman, Stephane Grapelli, Mark O’Connor, Bela Fleck, Vassar Clements, Tony Rice.
Bands: The Republic of Strings, The Island String Quartet (jazz), Psychograss, The Anger/Marshall Band, The Montreux Band, The David Grisman Quintet, New Grange, Darol Anger and Mike Marshall, The Monster String Quartet and others.
Darol can be heard on NPR’s “Car Talk” theme every week, along with Earl Scruggs, David Grisman and Tony Rice.
He is an associate professor at the Berklee School of Music. He is also available as a teacher of violin.
Formed in 2018 by Barry Abernathy (banjo) and Darrell Webb (guitar/mandolin). The band includes Jim Van Cleve (fiddle), Todd Phillips (bass), and Zeb Snyder (guitar).
Their purpose is to “celebrate the broad musical heritage, culture, and lifestyle of the great Appalachian people.”
Featuring the lead vocals of Linda Barker, the group eventually became known as “Linda Barker and Appalachian Trail.”
1997, Linda Barker (Linda Barker Lay) married David Lay, who also replaced Ricky Barker in the band, playing guitar.
2000, Linda and David Lay toured and recorded with the “Masters of the Steel String Guitar.”
2003, Linda Lay recorded a solo project for the Cracker Barrel record label, as well as an album with husband David and David McLaughlin called Springfield Exit.
2004, after a long hiatus, Appalachian Trail reorganized with new members: Tommy Austin (mandolin/mandola), Tim Laughlin (fiddle), Glen Rose (banjo), Josh Goforth (guitar/banjo/fiddle).
2011, Matthew Cruby (banjo) and Allen Hughes (guitar)
From California, Maryland (south of Washington DC).
A guitarist and singer who began his career playing with Ernie Bradley and Grassy Ridge. Later formed his own band Eastern Tradition.
1995, worked with David Davis and the The Warrior River Boys.
For seven years, he hosted a radio program called “Bluegrass on the Bay” on WMDM and WPTX in Lexington, Maryland. He also has hosted a radio show on World Wide Bluegrass.com, WNNT (VA), and WWSM (PA).
A gifted multi-instumentalist (guitar, banjo, fiddle).
Bluegrass Unlimited magazine called him “Don Reno, Bill Keith and Earl Scruggs rolled into one.”
Age 12, formed a band called the “Twin County Partners.”
Age 15, won the fiddle contest at the Galax Old Time Fiddler’s Convention.
Age 17, formed a band with Wes Golding called “The Virginia Cutups.”
Age 19, joined Cliff Waldron’s “New Shades of Grass.”
1973, was a member of “The Country Store” a group that also included Jimmy Gaudreau and Keith Whitley.
1974, recorded “Strictly Arnold” album (Rebel).
1977, recorded “Jimmy Arnold Guitar” album (Rebel)
1982, released “Rainbow Ride” album (Rebel).
1983, recorded “Southern Soul” album (Rebel).
Had recurring health and legal problems due to alcohol and drug abuse. Retired from music in in the 1980’s and opened a tattoo parlor in North Carolina.
1992, died of heart failure on Christmas Day at the age of 40.
Learned to play violin (classical) and then fiddle. Formed her own band at age 10 (in 2006).
2011, while in high school, played in a band called Most Wanted Bluegrass, performing at Dollywood theme park and local festivals.
2013, also in high schoo, formed a group with her sister called Carolina Jasmine, the first all-female group to win the band contest at Fiddlers Grove.
2015, joined Darin and Brooke Aldridge, playing fiddle and singing harmony.
2017, won the IBMA’s Momentum Award for Instrumentalist of the Year.
2020, signed with Mountain Home records as a solo artist.
Formerly known as The Smith Family Band, featuring dad Allen Smith (bass) and his four kids: Nellie (vocals and fiddle), Corey (guitar), Eli (mandolin) and Luke (banjo).
The band members were classically-trained as children but gravitated to bluegrass.
Their name comes from a sailing term referring to the ability to row a sailboat when there’s no wind (oars are typically made of ash.) “Sailing by ash breeze” is a major theme (overcoming struggle) in the book Carry on Mr Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham, a Smith family favorite.
One of bluegrass music’s best known and most influential Dobro™ (resophonic guitar) players.
Besides his work with the Seldom Scene and other bands, he appeared on recordings with Linda Ronstadt, Hank Williams, Jr., Emmylou Harris, James Taylor, Ry Cooder and many others.
Learned Dobro™ after hearing “Uncle Josh” Graves. Bought his first Dobro™ from Graves for $150.
First band: “The South Mountain Boys” (when he was in high school.)
He is also a graphic artist. He designed several of the Seldom Scene’s early album covers as well as the logo for Bluegrass Unlimited magazine.
Nickname: “Larry the Legend.”
1967, first professional job: Cliff Waldron and Bill Emerson’s band “The New Shades of Grass.”
1971, was an original member of The Seldom Scene.
1972, released his signature album of Dobro instrumentals Dobro (Tacoma).
2001, recorded an album with Jim Heffernan and Hal Rugg called The Resocasters (no label).
2007, was presented with an IBMA Distinguished Achievement Award.
2012, received the National Endowment of the Arts National Heritage Fellowship – the nation’s highest honor in folk and traditional arts.
2012, died of prostate cancer on December 29.
2014, was inducted into the IBMA’s Hall of Fame as an original member of the Seldom Scene.
2014, the album Three Bells was released featuring Auldridge, Jerry Douglas and Rob Ickes (Rounder). In 2015, this album won the IBMA Award for Instrumental Recording of the Year.
Known as the most laughable band in bluegrass, they perform original satirical music in clubs in and around Austin. They are on the forefront of the movement to “keep Austin weird.”
Original name: The Lounge Lizards, but discovered that the name was in use, so they added “Austin.”
Formed in 1980 by Tom Pittman (banjo, fiddle), Hank Card (guitar) and Conrad Deisler (guitar and mandolin). Pittman retired from the band in 2011. They were joined by Darcie Deaville (2008, fiddle and mandolin) and Bruce Jones (2010, bass).
1983, won the Kerrville (TX) Bluegrass Festival Band Contest.
Billboard magazine called them “hilarious, endearing and literary.”
Formed in 2022. The core of this band was the final configuration of Doyle Lawson’s band Quicksilver when he retired in December 2021.
From the Quicksilver band: Eli Johnston (banj0), Jerry Cole (bass) and Stephen Burwell (fiddle). New members: Jesse Brock (mandolin) and John Meador (guitar). Meador previously played with his family band Kentucky Just Us.
2022, released first album on Billy Blue Records.
2023 (November 24), made their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
She and Alison Krauss are from the same town, and were good friends growing up. They competed in fiddle contests against each other. Had the same violin teacher.
Began playing fiddle at age 2.
As a child, performed in a group with her father called The Heartland Band. Later called Fourth Stream.
Moved to Nashville to play at Opryland as a teenager. Was part of the Brenda Lee Show.
Has a BA in music from Vanderbilt University (in classical violin).
1988-1990, worked with Tony Trischka and the Big Dogs.
1991, toured with Vince Gill and has been a member of his touring band ever since.
Early 1994, toured with Pam Tillis.
1994, formed her own band called Twilight Zonn—playing country, rock, bluegrass.
1994, toured with Lyle Lovett.
As a session musician, has worked on recordings by Ronnie Milsap, Randy Travis, George Strait, Steve Wariner, Trisha Yearwood, Vince Gill, many others.
2003, released solo album “Love Goes On.”
2003, toured with James Taylor.
2004, worked with the Alison Brown Quartet
She recently received graduate degree from Union Theological Seminary, with an emphasis in counseling. She is an ordained minister.
From Lamar, Missouri. Originally from Rochester, New York.
Began performing at age 12.
His real name is Guy Lewis Young. While working at a radio station, his boss requested that he change his name. Someone suggested “Vern” and the name stuck.
1951, he played guitar and sang lead with Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys (replacing Jimmy Martin) for on one short tour (10 days).
During his early performing days, he worked with Ernest Tubb, Little Jimmy Dickens, Hank Thompson, Grandpa Jones, and other traditional country artists.
Moved to Utah where he worked worked as a DJ on radio station KSOP. He also worked as a deputy sheriff in Salt Lake City. He was featured in “True Detective” magazine for his arrest of a notorious criminal.
1989, returned to his music career and formed the Vern Young Band.
He received the Male Vocalist of the Year 11 times by SPBGMA in Missouri.
2002, was inducted into the Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame.
2010, was presented a proclamation by the Governor of Missouri for his 72 years in music.
Original members: Glen Harrell (fiddle & lead vocals), Patton Wages (banjo), Chris Williamson (bass), Jesse Daniel (mandolin), Adam Duke (guitar). Duke was later replaced by Colby Laney. All were previously sidemen in other bands (Marty Raybon, Randy Kohrs, Tony Rice Unit).
2010, released first album Down In A Cell (Mountain Fever).
2020, Aaron Ramsey joined the band, replacing Adam Steffey (mandolin). Kameron Kelley also joined, playing bass. New band lineup: Glen Harrell (fiddle, lead vocals), Patton Wages (banjo), Jacob Burleson (guitar), Aaron Ramsey (mandolin) and Kameron Keller (bass).
2022, Jacob Eller joined the band, replacing Kameron Keller on bass.
Formed by Tim White and Dave Vaught in 1997. Larry McPeak of the McPeak Brothers joined them about a year later.
A bluegrass band that features magic and comedy “to provide a complete entertainment experience. They perform at amusement parks like Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN and have worked with Jerry Clower and Don Knotts.
From Rutland, Vermont. Lives in Ferrum, Virginia and Nashville.
First band: played banjo with Green Mountain Bluegrass. Older brother Stan played mandolin.
1988, joined the Lonesome River Band. Originally hired to play banjo, but switched to mandolin.
1992, worked with Alison Krauss and Union Station for one year, playing guitar.
1993, returned to the Lonesome River Band.
1994, returned to Alison Krauss and Union Station.
2000, released solo project and sang on soundtrack for the movie “O Brother, Where Art Thou” starring George Clooney. Clooney lip-synced to Dan’s lead vocal on “Man of Constant Sorrow.”
2000, formed The Dan Tyminski Band with Ron Block, Barry Bales and Jeff White.
2001, won CMA award for Single of the Year (“Man of Constant Sorrow”) and performed it on the awards broadcast with AKUS, Pat Enright and Vince Gill (as the Soggy Bottom Boys).
2009, won his fourth IBMA Award for Male Vocalist of the Year (also won in 2001, 2002 and 2003). He also won the IBMA award for Album of the Year (Wheels).
2014, sang on a pop recording by electronic dance DJ Avicii called “Hey Brother” which went to #1 in 18 countries and sold more than a billion copies..
2017, released solo project under the name Tyminski, Southern Gothic (Mercury Nashville).
2021, re-formed the Dan Tyminski Band with Gaven Largent (resophonic guitar), Maddie Denton (fiddle), Jason Davis (banjo), Grace Davis (bass) and Harry Clark (mandolin).
From Sunflower County, Mississippi. Grew up in Fresno, California.
Billed himself as “the biggest act in country music” because of his large size. His famous opening line on the Grand Ole Opry was “Can you see me all right?”
A successful songwriter, who wrote hits for Jim Reeves, Buck Owens, Loretta Lynn and the Beatles.
As a singer and recording artist (RCA) he scored hits with “The Baptism of Jesse Taylor,” “Rednecks, White Socks and Blue Ribbon Beer,” and several others.
His biggest song “Act Naturally” was a hit for both Buck Owens and the Beatles.
1985, joined the Grand Ole Opry. He not only performed as a singer but as a comedian. A large man, one of his favorite opening lines was “Can you see me alright?”
2000, recorded a bluegrass album Actin’ Naturally (OMS) with guests Buck Owens, Earl Scruggs, Bobby Osborne, Benny Martin, Dolly Parton, the Whites, others.
From the San Francisco Bay area. Originally from Athens, Ohio.
A highly regarded flat-pick guitarist.
1988-1991, worked with Laurie Lewis and Grant Street.
1991-1997, worked with Tim O’Brien and the O’Boys.
Has since worked with Jerry Douglas, Chris Thile, Tony Furtado, David Grisman, Darol Anger, Sharon Gilchrist, Kleptograss, other bands. Also performs as a solo act.
He has released two solo projects on Rounder Records: No Hurry (1990) and Dreamer’s Waltz (1996).
Considered one of the top flatpick guitarists in bluegrass music.
As a A-list studio musician and sideman, he has worked with John Cowan, Sam Bush, Ricky Skaggs, Darrell Scott, Jim Lauderdale, Tony Rice, Bela Fleck, Vasser Clements, Tim O’Brien and John Paul Jones (of Led Zeppelin), to name a few.
1993, joined the Bluegrass Cardinals, replacing David Parmley.
1995-1996, worked with the Lynn Morris Band.
1996-2001, played guitar on the “Bluegrass ’96” series of instrumental recordings for Pinecastle Records.
1997-1998, worked with the Larry Stephenson Band.
1999, released first solo album Foothills (no label).
1999, joined the John Cowan Band.
2014, joined Adkins & Loudermilk (Dave Adkins and Edgar Loudermilk). His son Zack was also in this band, playing mandolin.
2015, after the departure of Adkins, the band name was changed to The Edgar Loudermilk Band featuring Jeff Autry.
From Old Hickory, Tennessee. Grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Learned to play guitar at age 5.
Best known as a songwriter. He wrote more than 200 songs which were recorded by such artists as Mac Wiseman, the Osborne Brothers, the Bluegrass Cardinals, the Lewis Family, Doyle Lawson, Larry Sparks, and many others. Notable songs: “Room at the Top of the Stairs,” “Slippers With Wings” and “Hallelujah Turnpike.”
As a performer, he was one of the few artists in bluegrass to work solo often wearing period costumes and mixing his serious material with parodies and impressions.
He gave his guitars names: Denise, Michelle the Blonde Bombshell, Sylvia, Henrietta and Lakeisha.
2001, died at the age of 56.
2022, was inducted into the Blue Ridge Hall of Fame.
1988, formed by Joe Isaacs, his wife Lily and three children Ben, Becky and Sonya.
Lily was born in Germany after WW2. Her parents were Jewish survivors of the Holocaust.
1998, Sonya toured with Vince Gill as a vocalist. During that time, Adam Steffey filled in on mandolin with the group.
1998, album “Bridges” won the Dove Award for Bluegrass Album of the Year.
1998, Joe and Lily were divorced and Joe began a solo career in music, recording several albums.
1998, John Bowman (formerly with Doyle Lawson and Alison Krauss) joined the group, playing banjo, guitar and fiddle. He is married to Becky.
2000, Adam Steffey playwas a member of the Isaacs for more than a year; left to re-join Mountain Heart.
2001, Rickie Simpkins joined, playing fiddle. Stayed with the group for two years.
2001, Became regulars on the Bill Gaither Homecoming Tour.
2006, John Bowman retired from the group to teach at a private Christian school in LaFollette and to care for his (and Becky’s) children while the group is on the road. In 2010 he joined the Boxcars.
2006, Kevin Haynie (banjo/guitar) and Jesse Stockman (fiddle) joined the group.
2007, Sonya and Becky recorded with Dolly Parton.
2007, Kevin Haynie left the band and was replaced by Troy Engle (banjo/guitar).
2008, Sonya sang on Disney’s Hannah Montana movie soundtrack (starring Miley Cyrus).
2020, The Isaacs were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
2021, The Isaacs were invited to become members of the Grand Ole Opry.
His last name is pronounced KIR-ken-dall. He is not related to Pete or Kitsy Kuykendall (of Bluegrass Unlimited magazine.)
Kuykendall is a bluegrass veteran who began his professional career working with banjo player Raymond Fairchild. He plays guitar and several other bluegrass instruments.
1979, formed his own band Mark Kuykendall and Smoky Mountain Bluegrass. He recorded one album with that group.
1983, formed Mark Kuykendall and the Grass Cutters.
1990, played bass with Jimmy Martin’s Sunny Mountain Boys.
1993-1996, played bass with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys. He was Bill’s last bass player.
1996-2015, retired from full-time music to raise his family and devote time to his antique car business.
2015, teamed up with fiddler Bobby Hicks and a band called Asheville Bluegrass to record an album titled Down Memory Lane(Rebel).
Syren plays mandolin and sings lead with his band The Groundbreakers. Other band members include Tauri Oksalas (banjo), J.P. Putkonen (guitar), and Kari Hella (bass).
Syren began performing in a rockabilly band called Red Hot. He continues to play in a rockabilly band called the Jussi Syren Rockabilly Revival.
1987, formed the Lake Country Boys.
1995, formed the Groundbreakers.
2004, made first U.S. tour and released album Sea Of Changes (no label).