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The Travelin’ McCourys (left to right) Ronnie McCoury, Christian Ward, Rob McCoury, Cody Kilby and Alan Bartram. // Photo by Photo by Ashli Linkous, Courtesy of Birthplace of Country Music

Rob McCoury

On the Road with The Travelin’ McCourys It’s 3:45 p.m. on Friday, April 11, and banjoist Rob McCoury of the Travelin’ McCourys is chilling behind the historic Park Theatre in McMinnville, Tennessee. Almost four hours remain before the band takes the stage, but much work needs to be done before the first note of the…

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Carry Me Back To The Bluegrass

Much of the old-timey charm of Big Country Bluegrass is their flair for dusting off and re-enlivening some largely forgotten gems of yesteryear. The title track of the band’s sixth album for Rebel Records (and first in six years) was first written and recorded by Dave Evans back in the 1970s. “Midnight Storm” is an…

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Martha and Eddie Adcock

Edward Windsor “Eddie” Adcock

The Innovator (June 21, 1938-March 19, 2025) Eddie Adcock was a native of Scottsville, Virginia, who was known for his inventive banjo and guitar playing, spot-on baritone singing, and membership in several award-winning cutting-edge bands. His career spanned over seven decades and was marked by significant contributions to bluegrass, folk, country, rock, and jazz music….

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Go Big And Go Home

Growing up in Kenton, Ohio, Mayfield played bass, guitar, and mandolin in his family band. As his music and songwriting skills progressed, he found himself playing in bands like Cadillac Sky, the Avett Brothers, and Mumford and Sons. He also accompanied his folk-artist sister, Jessica Lea Mayfield.  He formed his Mayfield Parade in 2011 and…

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New Brand Of Misery

Carl Bentley was originally from Eastern Kentucky and grew up in a musical family. While honing his singing skills, he also developed a fondness and talent for songwriting. Unfortunately, he was in an auto accident in 1966 that almost ended his life. After his recovery, he started performing bluegrass music while working in software development….

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Lonnie Irving

Notes & Queries – June 2025

Q –  I heard a song on the radio about an old truck driver telling a story about losing his family due to his addiction to shooting pinball. I was able to locate the song later online; it’s called “Pinball Machine” and the artist is Lonnie Irving. It’s not really a bluegrass record but it…

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