Articles

Irene Kelley is one truly gifted tunesmith who also happens to be blessed with a sweet, expressive voice.  Her many compositions have been recorded by everyone from Rhonda Vincent, Clair Lynch and the Osborne Brothers to Alan Jackson, Loretta Lynn and Trisha Yearwood. Kelley’s latest outing is yet another treasure trove of stylistically varied originals…

Photos by Johnny Calcagno There is no groove in American music quite as deep as the one laid down by a hard-driving old-time stringband in full roar. It doesn’t require trickeration or effects pedals or fancy lighting. It can’t be faked. The groove comes from the heart, and it comes from the soul.  The Onlies,…

Someone Bluegrass Can Count On Photo by Sandlin Gaither At just 21 years old, Jaelee Roberts is off and running as fast as she can, chasing her musical dreams. Along with holding down the lead vocalist/guitar player position with the powerhouse band Sister Sadie, Jaelee released her debut solo CD Something You Didn’t Count On…

The Entertainer Photo by Gary Hatley Legendary performer, Ronnie Reno, readily agreed, “Little Roy Lewis is probably the best entertainer in bluegrass and gospel music. You never know what he’s going to do, but you know it will be wild and entertaining. He knows how to get your attention and brings out the funny side…

John William Hall was born on November 29, 1933 near Front Royal, Virginia and grew up on a small family farm. He went to the Washington, D.C. area in 1951 and soon became an important part of the area bluegrass scene. In 2005, Tom Mindte spoke with John in connection with a book he and…

Queries I have a 45 by the Page Valley Boys on Franc Records from Arlington, Virginia. The record is “Reubens Train” and “Old Blue.” Were they from Page County, Virginia, and who played in the group? I know Franc records was a folk label. Robert Embrey, via email. A: The Page Valley Boys came together…