Articles

Reprinted from Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine August 2000, Volume 35, Number 2 On a record that became a turning point for bluegrass, a particular Bryan Sutton solo likewise became a turning point for the brilliant young guitarist. The disc was Ricky Skaggs’ “Bluegrass Rules,” the CD that showed the world at large the immense vitality and…

Photo Courtesy of Roy M. Andrade The tiny Appalachian town of Mountain City, Tennessee (population around 2,500), sits in the northeastern corner of the state, about halfway between Bristol, Tennessee, and Boone, North Carolina.  At 2,418 feet, it is the highest incorporated town in Tennessee, and the county seat for Johnson County, in one of…

We Interview Some of the People Involved with All Stages of the IBMA’s History Photos Courtesy of IBMA It was in 1985 that the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) was officially formed, which makes 2025 its 40th anniversary year.  In this article, we are not going to do a deep dive into the logistics and…

Photos by Will Price When it comes to the rich history of American roots music that collectively pre-dated and led to the creation of bluegrass in 1945, local culture and geography were key to different styles arising.  That phenomenon often happens with music that organically evolves, no matter the genre. In the 1700s and 1800s,…

Happily, you may have noticed that an increasing number of young people are playing in top bluegrass bands or leading their own bands. Names like Wyatt Ellis, Gibson Davis, Liam Purcell, Noah Goebel, Sammy Mougin, Ashlyn Smith, and the Sullivan Sisters are but a few. Add to that list The Brothers Young.   The Brothers…

Based in California, Suzy Thompson has had a solid career as both a singer, guitarist, and fiddle player. She was influenced by blues singers and players such as Memphis Minnie and Bessie Smith, and got her fiddle chops from such Cajun players like Dewey Balfa, Dennis McGee, and Wade Fruge. She has played with artists…