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Bill Monroe Gospel – A Hymn to His Greatness

Bill Monroe is best known for the golden age of his career, starting from the mid-1940’s, with the creation of the “Original Bluegrass Band” all the way till the 1950’s. But few people are aware of his struggles in the latter stage of his career. Despite all such obstacles, however, Monroe re-emerged in the 1960’s a living legend and his reputation remained such for the rest of his life. This work chronicles the lesser-known parts of Bill Monroe’s life and a tribute to his vast achievements.

The Folk Revival Period

Since the late 1950’s, public demand for Bill Monroe and his Bluegrass Boys had steadily declined. The end seemed imminent if not for help from one of Monroe’s good friends, promoter Ralph Rinzier. (more…)

Top Bluegrass Music Artists Today

Can’t make up which bluegrass CD to purchase? Then take a look at today’s bestselling bluegrass music artists and perhaps you’ll get an idea or two of which artist is deserving of your patronage.

Bill Monroe

Considering the fact that he’s indisputably recognized as the grandfather or founder of bluegrass music, Bill Monroe always make it to the top of people’s favorite bluegrass music artists. He is best known for his skills on playing the mandolin as well as for establishing the Bluegrass Boys. His band is credited for establishing the primary lineup for bluegrass music: mandolin, bass, banjo, fiddle, and the acoustic guitar. (more…)

Del McCoury Band

Born in 1939 in Bakersville, North Carolina, Del McCoury is one of the most best known names in the field of bluegrass music. Today, McCoury performs as a part of his eponymously named band, which is made up of his pair of sons, Ronnie (mandolin) and Rob McCoury (banjo).

Del McCoury started his career with the famous Bluegrass Boys of Bill Monroe during the folk revival period in the early 1960’s. Besides playing the banjo, McCoury also contributed vocals and occasionally played the rhythm guitar for the band. His first performance as part of the band took place on the Grand Ole Opry. (more…)

Earl Scruggs

Born January 6, 1924 in Shelby, North Carolina, Earl Scruggs is the only surviving member remaining from the Original Bluegrass Band, which was composed of Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt, Chubby Wise, and Howard Watts (also known as Cedric Rainwater). Today, Scruggs is considered as a living legend for his unparalleled mastery of the banjo.

Music

No doubt the most distinct characteristic of Scruggs’ music is the way he played the banjo. The Scruggs Style referred to his preferred three-finger-use for banjo picking and which many banjo players today continue to imitate. He was also known for producing extremely smooth music, characterized by a wide range of unique licks, the combination of jazz and blues tunes, and unequaled polish. (more…)

J.D. Crowe and the New South

Born in 1937 in Lexington, Kentucky, the birthplace state of bluegrass music, J.D. Crowe had his eyes set on a musical career early on. His virtuosity for playing the banjo won him a spot in the Sunny Mountain Boys with Jimmy Martin and he stayed with the band for four years. He recorded a total number of 33 songs with Decca Records while he was a member of Martin’s group.

Crowe created his own band, the Kentucky Mountain Boys, in the late 1960’s. Most of his band’s performances took place in his hometown. In the following decade, Crowe renamed his band as the New South and became a strong presence in the bluegrass scene. (more…)

Lonesome River Band

In 2007, one of the most popular bluegrass acts, the Lonesome River Band, celebrated a successful career that spanned a quarter of a century. The band is best known for producing music that echoes the styles of bluegrass legends such as Bill Monroe and Flatt & Scruggs but with a unique twist that only the LRB can produce.

Original Members

The first ensemble of the Lonesome River Band was made up by Tim Austin (rhythm guitar, and lead vocals), Steve Thomas (fiddle and mandolin), Jerry McMillan (bass), and Rick Williams (banjo). Their first performances electrified the local bluegrass scene in their hometown and became a stepping ground for producing their first album, which was released by Shar-Lynn in 1985. It was their self-titled album, released a year after by Rebel, however, that led them to branch out nationally. (more…)

Rhonda Vincent and the Rage

Born in 1962 in Kirksville, Missouri, Rhonda Vincent is one of the most famous female performers in the bluegrass scene. She currently performs with her band, The Rage, and is much in demand in festivals across and outside the country. Besides providing vocals, she also plays the mandolin, fiddle, and guitar as well as composing some of her own works.

Vincent’s career started out early as a young member of the Sally Mountain Show, which included other members of the family. She later appeared at You Can Be a Star, a TNN show, and this led to her inclusion in the touring band of Jim Ed Brown. While Vincent was away, Alison Krauss temporarily took her place in her family’s band. (more…)

Top Bluegrass Performers You Don’t Want to Miss

If you’ve just recently discovered the wonders of bluegrass music then here’s a list of bluegrass performers who have defined and redefined this genre in the best way possible.

Alison Krauss

Here’s one name that’s famous without being necessarily linked to bluegrass itself. Even so, there’s no denying that Krauss and her band, Union Station, are one of the best bluegrass bands there is and festivals tend to be jam-packed whenever their name’s on the list. Her band is made up of members Dan Tyminski, Barry Bales, Jerry Douglas, and Ron Block. (more…)

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