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Nick Chandler’s Fight with Cancer and His Message for Others

Photo by Jessica Lance Nick Chandler & Delivered is a hard-driving traditional bluegrass band from western North Carolina that is recognized for tight harmonies and impressive musicianship. The band’s leader and mandolinist has taken the high road and tried to make the best of a bad situation. He is telling his story to possibly help…

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Promotional copy of “Cabin on the Hill,” complete with (slightly) incorrect title and misappropriated composer credit. It was one of the duo’s most enduring songs.

Notes & Queries – April 2026

April 5, 1959 It was on this date that the duo of Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs recorded one of the most iconic songs of their careers, “The Cabin on the Hill.” The 45-rpm single release has the distinction of being their longest-running chart success, remaining on Billboard magazine’s “Hot C & W Sides” for…

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Dave Dillard working at his bench. // Photo by Colleen McGarry

Nashville Banjo Company

Old Time in the Big City If you haven’t visited Nashville in a while, let me warn you—things have changed. It used to be you could find a parking spot downtown if you were patient and were the praying kind. These days, I think the last open spot disappeared around 2021. In its place, we’ve…

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photo by mason wright

Mason Wright

A Fiddler You Should Know Mason Wright is a fiddler who can play many different styles, including classical, country, and bluegrass.  He’s been a member of several bands, from traditional to contemporary, and has a teaching workload as well.  He’s serious about his music but has a humorous side, as reported by several former bandmates. …

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The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band recording with Jimmy Martin for the Will the Circle Be Unbroken album. (Left to Right) John McEuen, Jimmy Martin, Jeff Hanna, Les Thompson, Ray Martin, Gary Scruggs. // Photo by William E. McEuen

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band 

Celebrates 60 Years  As the majority of bluegrass fans know, bluegrass music—as we know it today—was born the first time that Bill Monroe walked out on the Grand Ole Opry stage with Earl Scruggs as a member of his band in December of 1945.  Early in 1946, the “classic” bluegrass band—consisting of Bill Monroe, Chubby…

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Balsam Range’s Marc Pruett

Master of the 5-String Banjo Photo by Caty Smith Balsam Range banjo powerhouse Marc Pruett has spent 59 years gracing stages, playing bluegrass music. He has recorded and/or appeared in concert with Balsam Range, Bill Monroe, Jimmy Martin, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, James Monroe, Lester Flatt, Jerry Douglas, Peter Rowan, Tony Rice, Emmylou Harris, Mac Wiseman,…

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