Bluegrass

Bluegrass

Are you a fan of bluegrass music? Do you enjoy the reverberating sounds from these music pieces? This website is for bluegrass enthusiasts. We provide a resource for music fans, including sound collections and guides. You can find helpful information on your favourite music genre here.

Soulful melodies: the essence of bluegrass music.
Soulful melodies: the essence of bluegrass music.

About Bluegrass

Bluegrass combines various elements to make music. It is a blend of traditional and American folk music. Also, it uses acoustic instruments like mandolin, acoustic guitar, banjo, double bass, and resophonic guitar.

The music genre has three main categories, progressive bluegrass, traditional bluegrass, and progressive bluegrass. In the past, bluegrass was called old-time music. Others called it “hillbilly music,” but none stuck like bluegrass.

How Bluegrass starts

Bluegrass started in the 1930s with artists like the Monroe Brothers at the forefront. The duo started as a string band using instruments like mandolin, guitar, banjo, fiddle, and bass. Over the years, the band became more popular. In 1939, they appeared on a radio program, introducing bluegrass to the world.

As the genre grew, Bill Monroe introduced newbie musicians to it. Some include Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs, Howard Watts, and Chubby Wise. Soon, these musicians spread bluegrass further beyond the Appalachian Mountains.

In the 50s, the name “bluegrass” became more acceptable than “hillbilly music,” as it was called. This term came from the Kentucky bluegrass in the Appalachian range.

Where do you sing Bluegrass?

There are so many events to sing bluegrass. Some include live events such as those in San Francisco. Additionally, these bluegrass festivals help new bands reach their audiences. Other places to sing bluegrass include concerts and shows in various states.

Bluegrass finds its stage at live events, festivals, concerts, and shows nationwide.
Bluegrass finds its stage at live events, festivals, concerts, and shows nationwide.

Big bluegrass stars

Over the years, bluegrass has grown into a primary genre. As such, there have been many stars at the forefront. Some include:

  • Bill Monroe: he is the father and founder of bluegrass music. Also, he was an early pioneer of the genre.
  • John Hartford: this singer added spice to his version of bluegrass. He is also a founder of the Newgrass movement.
  • Alison Krauss: this American singer was also a violinist. She was one of the youngest artists on the bluegrass scene at only 21 years old.
  • Punch Brothers: this band was mainly a part of the progressive bluegrass subcategory. However, they made their audience dance by blending electronic and old-time music.
  • Flatt and Scruggs: this group, with Earl Scruggs, introduced three-finger styles with a banjo in bluegrass. It became the style for banjo players across the globe. The group also helped raise the genre to other parts of the country.
  • Trampled By Turtles: this group appeals to younger bluegrass fans with their rock and roll hybrid.

Everyone should see Bluegrass live

Live bluegrass music is a must-see because it offers a unique experience. You can hear the best bluegrass singers in action as you camp in the mountains or at a concert. Whether you’re a traditional bluegrass fan or progressive, it is an experience you should not miss.

Places to see bluegrass

Tennessee is one of the best places to see bluegrass. Also, it has several live music options and even free concerts depending on where you visit. The smoky mountain is an excellent example of where to see bluegrass.

If you’re close to North Carolina, you can also find places to see bluegrass. The Blue Ridge Mountains are a great starting point. It hosts events yearly for live performances.

NYC is another excellent bluegrass music hub. You can see live bluegrass performances in pubs, clubs, and restaurants.

Lastly, you cannot mention top bluegrass spots without Kentucky, the genre’s birthplace. Aside from listening to bluegrass music, you can also see iconic venues and museums to learn about the genre. Kentucky also hosts yearly bluegrass festivals in Jerusalem ridge.