GARY BREWER (AND THE KENTUCKY RAMBLERS)
- From Louisville, 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.”