The Archives
Chris Hillman Returns to His Roots
Reprinted from Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine February 1984, Volume 18, Number 8 Chris Hillman has made rock history, but he has given up the glitter of the pop music world to return to his musical roots in bluegrass. His lovely Sugar Hill LP, “Morning Sky,” is a clear demonstration of his commitment to acoustic-based country music….
Hot Rize: Pete Wernick’s Secret Ingredient
Reprinted from Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine March 1979, Volume 13, Number 9 Mention “Hot Rize” to a bluegrass addict and you’re liable to get a variety of responses. Within range of Nashville’s WSM radio, “Hot Rize” not only brings to mind the secret ingredient responsible for biscuits made from Martha White Self-Rising Flour, but also Lester…
Rual Yarbrough
Reprinted from Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine October 1978, Volume 13, Number 4 In 1967, in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, a barbershop closed. Now, ordinarily, the demise of a barbershop in the Recording Capital of the World, or anywhere, wouldn’t create much stir. But the closing of this particular establishment caused a collective sigh of relief from bluegrass…
Brother Oswald: That Good Old Mountain Music
Reprinted from Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine April 1975, Volume 9, Number 10 Introduction: B.R. “Pete” Kirby, better known by millions as Bashful Brother Oswald of Roy Acuffs Smoky Mountain Boys, is truly a remarkable performer. Oswald was one of the first to develop the Dobro sound, and during the thirty-eight years he has been with Roy…
Charlie Monroe
Reprinted from Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine October 1975, Volume 10, Number 4 For the last four decades the name of Charles Pendleton Monroe has ranked high on the list of those who have made important contributions to old-time, traditional, country music. First, as a member of the famous Monroe Brothers duet; and second, as a vocalist…
Benny and Vallie Cain
Reprinted from Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine May 1972, Volume 6, Number 11 Husband and wife singing teams, while not uncommon in Country-Western music, are very unusual in bluegrass. Probably one of the best known such team are Benny and Vallie Cain, who have, for more than twenty years, performed their own distinctive brand of music; a…