Behind The Mic

Although we certainly have stars in bluegrass music, there’s really more of a feeling of community – shared between fans, musicians (professional and amateur alike), and other folks within the industry – that many other musical genres do not enjoy.

There was little doubt that Daniel Mullins would one day host a radio show. While he might be best known to Bluegrass Today readers for his album reviews, holiday playlists, and other, often-humorous, contributions here, he is also a third-generation

Close your eyes and imagine this: an upright radio with a big round dial on the front, with fiddle tunes coming through the speakers. A family gathered around it in the living room, waiting for their favorite song to come

Most, if not all, bluegrass DJs have a serious, longstanding love of the music they spin on the radio. They’re devoted to the music and the musicians, and sometimes even a certain style of bluegrass. However, for many broadcasters, the

One of the few places you can hear bluegrass music on the radio today in many cities is on college or university radio stations that are generally staffed by students, professors, and community volunteers. DJ Richard Gordon has a lot

Hundreds of thousands of people, if not more, around the planet are fans of bluegrass music. However, few can say that they helped introduce it to a particular part of world. In the early years of bluegrass music, it was

For some DJs, radio is a casual weekend hobby. For others, it’s a career. For Midwest native Orin Friesen, who celebrates his fiftieth year in radio this month, it’s been a lifelong passion. “I can’t remember when I wasn’t interested

It’s well known that some folks have a pretty tight opinion on what can be classified as bluegrass music. If it has drums, it’s out. If it has resonator guitar, it’s out. If the band isn’t wearing suits and ties,

With IBMA’s annual World of Bluegrass and Wide Open Bluegrass Festival taking place this week, many bluegrass fans are turning their attention to Raleigh, North Carolina for the second year in a row. Tickets have been purchased, hotel rooms have

When most folks think of the Armed Forces Radio Network, the first thing that likely pops into their head is Robin Williams shouting “Good morning, Vietnam!” in the movie of the same name. Although the movie is a fictionalized