The name Gena Britt may not roll off the tongues of casual bluegrass fans as easily as say, Ron Stewart or Sammy Shelor, but her name – and her stand-out banjo playing - has been introduced to a much wider
Author: John Curtis Goad
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Lord Help Me Find the Way – Ralph Stanley II
Though Ralph Stanley II cut his teeth on his dad and uncle’s mountain stylings, his early solo efforts tended to lean a little more toward a country sound, just like several other Clinch Mountain Boys lead singers – Keith Whitley,
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Back to the Country – Merle Monroe
First things first: Merle Monroe is no relation to Bill. By blood, that is. Musically, however, there are some definite influences from the Father of Bluegrass, as there are from the band’s other namesake, Merle Haggard. As you see, Merle
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New Moon Over My Shoulder – Larry Sparks
There are very few artists that I will purchase a new album from unconditionally, without first previewing and skimming tracks, or perhaps downloading a few singles. It seems like so many albums these days are filler surrounding three or four
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Flamekeeper: The Michael Cleveland Story
Most everyone who is a fan of bluegrass music knows that Michael Cleveland is blind; the fact is often briefly mentioned in bios and introductions, or tossed around in stories from one picker to another. However, any disabilities he may
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Benny’s TV Repair – Irene Kelley
Chances are you knew Irene Kelley’s work before you knew her as an artist. That’s because her original songs have been recorded by everyone from Alan Jackson, Loretta Lynn, and Trisha Yearwood to Ricky Skaggs & Sharon White and Pure
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The Dowdy Brothers debut release
The name Dowdy has long been associated with hardline, traditional bluegrass. Brothers Victor and Robert Dowdy helmed southwest Virginia’s Bluegrass Brothers for many years, and Victor’s sons Steven and Donald have been part of the band more recently. Now, Steven
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Hats off to Haggard – JD Crowe & Rickey Wasson
There are many country artists whose songs and style have impacted bluegrass music throughout the years, but perhaps none more than Merle Haggard. These days, it’s rare to find a bluegrass band – especially those in the more neo-traditional, hard-driving
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New Martin Guitar warehouse coming in Pennsylvania
C.F. Martin & Co. is preparing to make what it is calling its “biggest capital investment” ever. The company, beloved in bluegrass circles and beyond for its top-of-the-line acoustic guitars, has announced plans for a 200,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution center
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2019 Mt. Airy Bluegrass & Old Time Fiddlers Convention
Dowdy Brothers take first place at the 2019 Mt Airy Fiddlers Convention A weekend full of rainy weather may have kept crowds away from the popular Mt. Airy Bluegrass & Old Time Fiddlers Convention in Mt. Airy, NC this past weekend,