The Tradition

The Earl Scruggs Center Launches a New Exhibit in 2024 January 6th, 2024, will mark 100 years since the birth of banjo legend Earl Scruggs.  This milestone provides all bluegrass music fans a reason to look back and remember Earl’s contribution to the banjo and to bluegrass. The Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby, North Carolina,…

Editor’s Note:  This article is a continuation of the excerpt from the Jerry Douglas chapter of Bill Amatneek’s new book Discovering Tony Rice.  The first half ran in the December 2023 issue.  Regarding his interview with Jerry, Bill said, “Jerry Douglas was one of the most insightful people whom I interviewed for Discovering Tony Rice,…

Q: In the words of the great Larry Cordle song, “Black Diamond Strings,” he says, “Well Daddy showed me three chords, but Jimmy Steele taught me how to play, He showed me the G-run I’m still using today.” Who is/was Jimmy Steele? Ted O’Brien, Oswego, New York. A: We reached out to Larry Cordle, who…

Looking back over the recordings that Jim and Jesse McReynolds made with their band the Virginia Boys, one will notice that there was no lack of talent in the banjo spot.  Take a look at the list on page 34 and you will notice a number of 5-string legends.   Although talent abounds on this…

Jerry Douglas was one of the most insightful people whom I interviewed for Discovering Tony Rice, Tony’s oral biography. He was perceptive about Tony because he is insightful about himself. We see that what Jerry has to say about his old friend also says much about himself.  I spoke with Jerry on July 12, 2022…

Q: I’ve heard it said that the 1959 Folkways album Mountain Music Bluegrass Style was the first bluegrass album ever recorded.  I guess that means a set of songs and tunes recorded specifically to be released in album format.  Does that sound right to you?  I recall purchasing albums by the Stanley Brothers, Bill Monroe,…