Doyle Lawson opts for early retirement

Doyle Lawson, surely the most enduring bluegrass artist currently working today, has announced his plans to retire from active touring at the end of 2021. Lawson had previously declared his intention to retire following the 2022 season, but has decided to move that up by a year in response to the dislocation that still exists in the music business following last year’s shutdowns.

He says that it is this uncertainty that has pushed his retirement forward.

“Sometime back, I announced my intent to stop touring at the end of 2022. I was hoping that things in general would improve following the COVID 19 pandemic. To some degree they have, but having to restructure my operation and make decisions based on situations that seem to change more frequently than ever before, I have decided to step away from touring at the end of this year.”

This is a great loss to the bluegrass community, as Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver have been been one of the most popular acts in traditional bluegrass for several decades now, and a fan favorite at festivals across the country.

While he will step away from running his band and performing full time, Doyle says that he intends to remain active in music, including producing artists he enjoys working with, and whatever projects catch his attention moving forward.

And he offered heartfelt thanks to all those whose backing and encouragement have kept him going for so long.

“From Jimmy Martin, JD Crowe, the Country Gentlemen and almost 43 years of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, I have had a wonderful musical journey. There were hard times, and more than a few lean years, but my love for the music, and the appreciation and support of many, many people, kept pushing me on.”

Many congratulations to Doyle Lawson for keeping a stellar band on the road across more than four decades, for providing us all will brilliant music down through the years, and for teaching an entire generation of bluegrass artists how to become professional entertainers.

You’ve earned your rest.

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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.