Cindy Baucom profile online

Cindy Baucom, host of the syndicated radio program Knee Deep In Bluegrass, is profiled in the November issue of All About Women magazine, a regional publication in Boone, NC.

The piece, From the Runway to the Airway, She’s Still The Queen by Sherrie Norris, talks with Cindy about her role as co-producer of the 2008 International Bluegrass Music Awards show in October, and how her growing up in a bluegrass family prepared her for a career in radio.

On Oct. 2, 2008, Cindy actually produced the 2008 IBMA Awards Show at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville ‚Äì the biggest and "bluest" night of the year for the industry — showcasing every top-billed bluegrass entertainer in the business today.

"It was really neat to call people like Ricky Skaggs and ask him to be on the show and then, on that night, to see it all come together ‚Äì months of planning with the highest achievers in the industry surrounded by their fans and affiliates ‚Äì all in one place. Wow! I can’t describe what it all means to me! "

No small feat for a country girl who says her love for the music began to take shape early in life. "My father, a bluegrass musician and instrument builder, always had the music playing in the house or in the car, and frequently had band practices at our home as I was growing up. As a child, I attended fiddlers’ conventions and bluegrass festivals, giving [me] the opportunity to hear some of the best music anywhere." More importantly, she stresses, were the many life-long friendships she made.

Over the years, her love for and knowledge of the music, as well as her outgoing personality and public speaking abilities, won her favor in the industry. She quickly became a highly sought-after emcee for many top events including Merlefest, (she has been affiliated since its beginning, missing only one year since), Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver Bluegrass Festival, Bass Mountain Bluegrass Festival, the IBMA FanFest in Nashville, and many others. She also has been a contributor to Bluegrass Unlimited magazine as both a writer and photographer.

Read the full piece online.

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About the Author

John Lawless

John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2006 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents.