Popular Bluegrass Music

Today, bluegrass music has a lot of new faces and a lot of much younger fans. With many rock and roll bands performing their own bluegrass songs, it's reaching a younger generation of devoted fans. And, bluegrass is growing more popular than ever before.

No longer is bluegrass just a southern tradition. There are bluegrass musicians in 22 European countries including Germany, Italy, Norway and Russia as well as many other countries. And, there are annual bluegrass festivals in other countries like Japan and Canada.

While bluegrass music was definitely born out of the experiences and traditions of the Appalachian people, it's music that all people from any land can relate to. And, with modern bands carrying on the tradition of bluegrass music, it's a sound that's destined to be around for many years to come.

Sierra Hull has been playing the mandolin since she was very young. In fact, when she was only 12 years old she performed on stage with Alison Krauss.

At the time of this writing Sierra is 16 years old and still performing. Her mandolin playing is fantastic and I am sure that she will become a major player in the future of bluegrass music.

It really does my heart good to see young people like this with such a devotion and love for music, especially bluegrass music! Whatever you do listen to some of Sierra's stuff and watch for her at a local bluegrass festival.

The Grascals were formed in 2004 and have performed on the Grand Ole Opry. Currently the band is touring at bluegrass festivals, so there is a good chance you could get to see them live.

The Grascals are Terry Eldredge on guitar and vocals, Jamie Johnson on guitar and vocals, Danny Roberts on mandolin, Terry Smith on the upright bass and vocals, Aaron McDaris on banjo and Jeremy Abshire playing fiddle. The groups members are from Nashville, Tennessee.

Bluegrass music got it's roots from immigrants that came to the United States in the early 1600's. As immigrants from Scotland, Ireland and England came to America they brought their native folk music with them.The combination of folk, ragtime, jazz and country evolved into the distinct sound of bluegrass over the years.

Bluegrass is a unique form of music, unlike most other genres, instruments aren't played all together. Each instrument gets a solo turn at the melody as the others provide the accompaniment, it's referred to as passing a break. And, while other types of music incorporate drums, pianos and other instruments, bluegrass is composed of all stringed instruments.

With the introduction of rock and roll in the 50s, bluegrass had started to see a decrease in popularity, although many fans have and always will be faithful to the music. Then, during the 60s bluegrass started to make a comeback as folk lovers and urban youth became attracted to the musical style and it's tradition.

The first bluegrass festival in 1961 is credited for resurrecting even more popularity for bluegrass music. Held at Luray, Virginia the festival was a one day even that featured major acts including Bill Monroe. And, in 1965, the very first multi day festival was held at Fincastle, Virginia. Today, there are many bluegrass festivals held each year all across America.

The true bluegrass sound began with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys. When Monroe and his band appeared on the Grand Ole Opry in 1939, they quickly became one of the most popular bands of the time. Bill Monroe is the founding father of bluegrass, he entertained the world for 60 years and left a legacy that will live on forever.

Monroe not only invented the sound that's been so popular for over 60 years, he played a crucial role in inspiring many other great artists. During the 60 years in the music business over 150 musicians played in the Blue Grass Boys Band. Among them were Earl Scruggs and Lester Flatt. Modern bluegrass star Ricky Skaggs performed with Monroe when he was only six years old.

Most scholars agree that the Blue Grass Boys classic sound didn't actually emerge until Earl Scruggs joined the band in 1945 with his three finger banjo picking. Earl Scruggs and Lester Flatt went on to form their own band and helped establish bluegrass through television appearances.

Ralph Stanley is another famous musician from the first generation of bluegrass. Stanley has been performing since 1946 and still performs over 150 shows each year. He has also received more awards than any other bluegrass performer.

Content on this page was written by Connie Corder and David Slone and is Copyright 2008 David Slone all rights reserved and may not be used in any form without express written permission.