Opinion / Humor

Sonny, Who came up with the Gitjo? The pickin that you did on that was great! Also, when you worked for Bill Monroe, I was wondering In those days if they had you to do any of the driving? Thanks, Mark K. Driving Mister

I want to describe a scene at a typical bluegrass concert or festival that will probably be familiar to both artist and fan, and it may cause each to shudder just a little: A fan walks up to a performer while

Sonny is again unable to answer questions this week, so we are rerunning one of his classic columns. Let's hope he will be back with us next week. Sonny, If you don't mind, please a few words and thoughts about Kenny

We're constantly trying to find new and more effective ways to market bluegrass music to a wider audience, or just a less narrow audience, if you want to look at it that way. I've recently returned from the IBMA World

Dear Sonny, Did you ever cross paths with Don Stover? And if so, what did you make of his banjo style? I'm a New England guy, and Don and the Lilly Brothers meant a lot to us during many years they

It's the IBMA World of Bluegrass week-after. I usually go through my annual post-IBMA bluegrass cleanse during this week, which involves vigorous exercise (five push-ups), listening to music based on instruments Bill Monroe didn't like: the flute, the harp, the

Sonny LOVE THIS COLUMN! Please give us your thoughts on the 5-string dobro. My best wishes for your health. MC Hey M.C., thank you for participating in our free-for-all. The instrument you are referring to is the dojo. It’s an instrument I started

I've just arrived at the IBMA World of Bluegrass and I have a short report that mainly has to do with the check-in process. If you've kept up with social media discussions (something I don't recommend), you may recall there was

Bobby, my dear brother and partner of 52 years... I'm so happy for you because I see you are #1 on the Bluegrass Today playlist chart this week. White Line Fever was a good choice. I didn't hardly agree with the

For my band, Labor Day weekend marked the first return to playing in front of in-person audiences. Now, a few weeks later, after more festival dates and some real night-driving thrown in (Bean Blossom to Nashville in the wee hours),