The Tradition

Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys performing on stage in 1993

Notes & Queries – March

NOTES “In the December 2020 issue, you answered a query about the song ‘Mountain Laurel.’  One recent version is by Open Road on their Rounder album …In the Life.  They credit the Bailey Brothers as the source for their version.”  Stewart Evans, Santa Cruz, CA “Dick Spottswood is right, the song (‘The Martins and Coys’)…

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Portrait of Tony and his guitar

Tony Rice

A brilliant guitarist, vocalist, and creator of life songs who inspired a generation In the summer of 2003, at the second Floydfest, the most anticipated headlining act on the bill was a special reunion of the David Grisman Quintet. Featuring Grisman, Darol Anger, Mike Marshall, Jim Kerwin and Tony Rice, it was the one show…

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The Tony Rice Unit, circa 1985. (left to right) Tony Rice, Mark Schatz, Jimmy Gaudreau, Wyatt Rice pose for a group photo

Tony Rice Interview with Pete Wernick

September 14th, 1985 Editor’s Note:  This article is a transcription of a conversation between Pete Wernick and Tony Rice recorded in 1985—a transitional period in Tony Rice’s career. We thank Pete Wernick for providing us with the transcript and this unique glimpse into Tony Rice’s life at that point in time. PW:  …on the road…

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The David Grisman Quintet performing on stage together in 1979

Tony Rice & The Grisman Years

During a video interview with Bryan Sutton, which was broadcast online shortly after Tony Rice’s passing, Blue Highway guitarist—and Tony Rice biographer—Tim Stafford pointed to three “schools” of Tony Rice’s development as a guitar player. The first occurred during Tony’s early years, when he was greatly influenced by Clarence White. The second was when he…

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Tony and Wyatt Rice playing their guitars on stage

Wyatt & Ronnie Rice Remember Their Brother Tony

or the friends, collaborators and fans of Tony Rice, the unexpected word of his death hit us hard. The response to the announcement on social media, in news print and on the radio was nothing short of astounding as Rice’s music was played relentlessly, and his life story was covered by many outlets. For the…

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Image of John Hartford playing his instrument on stage

IBMA Hall of Famers Revisited

John Hartford Photo By Barrett S. Bacau It is a Monday afternoon in December of 2020 and the DJ on the excellent WNCW-FM radio station is in the middle of diverse set of music. One of the best listener-supported radio stations in the U.S., WNCW can be heard beaming from radio towers located throughout the…

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