Kody Norris Archives - Bluegrass Today

Mountain City Fiddlers’ Convention returns with Kody Norris at the helm

Following a three year hiatus, the Mountain City Fiddlers’ Convention is returning to east Tennessee, with local boy made good Kody Norris serving as host. The 2023 convention is scheduled for Labor Day Weekend, September 2, and will run all day that Saturday.

This was Kody’s hometown festival, and he says that he is psyched to carry on the long tradition of this event, dating back to 1925.

“Growing up in Mountain City, the fiddlers’ convention has always held a special place in my heart. Some of the greatest fiddlers in history got their start right here. Mary Rachel and I never dreamed we would be hosting this event, but are super excited to breathe some new life into this Northeast Tennessee treasure.”

Kody plans to keep most things as they have been, with the same competition categories everyone recalls, but with maybe a couple of new ones to spice things up. There will also be a headlining band to close out the show. This year they have the Little Roy & Lizzy Show on tap.

All events will be held at the Heritage Hall in the middle of downtown Mountain City, and with help from the Johnson County Tourism Office and Johnson County Center for the Arts, there will also be Friday and Sunday events for those who travel in for the convention. On Friday, September 1, there will be Buskin’ on Main from 6:00-9:00 p.m., with a number of local and regional artists performing along Main Street.

All the details on the 2023 Mountain City Fiddlers’ Convention can be found online.

Love Bug video from The Kody Norris Show

There is one solid truth in the bluegrass world that you can take to the bank – if you don’t have fun at a Kody Norris show, you need to check your fun-ometer. Sure it’s corny, and maybe even silly at times, but The Kody Norris Show means to entertain bluegrass audiences, and they prove it every time they take the stage.

Recently signed to Rebel Records, they have released a first single from their first album with the label, a new number Norris wrote called Love Bug. No… it’s not the George Jones classic from the ’60s, or even the Jonas Brothers hit from a decade ago, but a brand new love song about Kody’ romance and eventual marriage to his best friend and fiddle player, Mary Rachel Nalley-Norris.

Love Bug is a cheerful, beguiling little song, providing just the sort of distraction many folks need these days.

Have a listen in the accompanying music video, shot while Kody and crew were on tour in San Antonio. The video was filmed and edited by Scott Sanders, and directed by Amy Richmond.

The Kody Norris Show is Kody on guitar and vocal, Mary Rachel on fiddle, Josiah Tyree on banjo, and Charlie Lowman on bass.

Mark Freeman, President of Rebel Records, says that shutdown restrictions have slowed down a new project from the band, but that he is pleased to be able to offer this new single now.

“When we signed The Kody Norris Show back in January, we were excited about releasing a full project this summer. But, like so many, we have had to adapt and change our plans due to COVID-19. Fortunately the band had a few numbers in the can before the pandemic hit, including Love Bug, which is such a catchy song! We are now thrilled to present it as a first single to whet the appetites of folks in anticipation of the full release.”

Love Bug is available now wherever you stream or download music online, and to radio programmers via AirPlay Direct.

Look for a new, full length album from The Kody Norris Show early next year.

Kody Norris hosting the Farm and Fun Time noon show

For anyone who has studied the early days of bluegrass and country music, the name Farm and Fun Time rings a familiar bell. Broadcast from the mid-1940s through much of the ’50s from WCYB radio in Bristol, VA, the show attracted a large following in Virginia and adjoining states both for the morning farm reports, and live music in the studio from artists like Flatt & Scruggs, The Stanley Brothers, and Jim & Jesse.

The show was resurrected in 2017 by the Birthplace of Country Music Museum when it opened in Bristol, and now airs on the second Thursday of each month from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Its theme is more modern examples of traditional roots music, and it is hosted by Kris Truelsen and Bill and The Belles. Listeners can catch the show online from the Radio Bristol web site and in the somewhat limited broadcast area in Bristol and environs.

A lot more people are now being exposed to the updated Farm and Fun Time radio program since it has been picked up for distribution by PBS television. It does feature bluegrass acts on occasion, but the offering are widely mixed.

But bluegrass lovers can catch the noon edition of Farm and Fun Time each Friday, hosted by The Kody Norris Show, which was launched when the COVID-19 shutdowns took effect several months ago. He takes the throwback vibe even further, as you knew he would, offering music, fun, and hilarity on the Museum Facebook page.

According to Norris, their goal is to truly represent what the old programs were actually like.

“Since the beginning of the Safer at Home Order we have been hosting the Farm and Fun Time Noon Show from our home in here in Mountain City, TN and boy have we had a blast re-creating the historic program! From live commercials to live requests and even reading letters sent to us by fans across the world… it really has become a part of a lot people’s Friday routine! We are so glad that we can bring a little cheer to someone’s day during this time! Don’t forget to tune in!”

Here’s a recent example…

Facebook followers can see the show every Friday at noon eastern for 30 minutes of old timey Farm and Fun Time. It is currently drawing an audience of up to 100,000 viewers, so they must be doing something right!

Kody Norris Show to Rebel Records

Rebel Records has announced the signing of The Kody Norris Show to a recording contract.

Mark Freeman with Rebel says that they have been watching Kody and his energetic, highly entertaining presentation of arch-traditional bluegrass for a while.

“We have been keeping any eye on The Kody Norris Show for some time now. From their high-octane stage show, to Kody’s delightfully engaging emcee work, to their dazzling vintage Nudie suits, this group is ‘entertainment’ personified. Plus, they are fantastic musicians to boot!

It’s no surprise that the band’s bookings steadily climb each year. People leave The Kody Norris Show mesmerized and wanting more. We are eager to be part of their growing momentum and introduce them to an ever larger audience.”

Norris plays guitar, sings lead, and directs the show, with his wife, Mary Rachel Nalley-Norris, on fiddle, Josiah Tyree on banjo, and newest member, Charlie Lowman on bass.

Kody and the band are eager to add their names to the 60 year roster of prestigious bluegrass artists who have worked with Rebel.

“I can’t imagine a more appropriate union than Rebel Records and this band. We’re just thrilled at all of the possibilities and grateful to Mark [Freeman] and his team. These are folks who are completely devoted to the same mission as The Kody Norris Show — preserving and sharing the tradition of bluegrass music and just plain good entertainment.”

A new project for the label is expected later this year.

Charlie Lowman to The Kody Norris Show

Kody Norris has announced a new member of his touring traditional bluegrass show. Charlie Lowman, dubbed “Cousin Charlie,” has joined the band playing upright bass.

Living now in Mountain City, TN, Lowman had been playing with his own Charlie Lowman and Emory Gap, and doing fill-in work with Tommy Brown and County Line Grass, Johnny Campbell and the Drifters, the Mark Hembree Band, and the Basement Bluegrass Band.

Norris says that they can’t wait to let everyone see Lowman’s energy on stage, and hints at more news to come.

“I’m thrilled to welcome ‘Cousin Charlie’ to the band. His enthusiasm is contagious both onstage and off, and we’re looking forward to introducing him to fans and friends.

This is the first of many exciting changes in store for The Kody Norris Show in 2020. Stay tuned for another important announcement in the coming weeks.”

The band features Kody Norris on guitar and lead vocals, his wife, Mary Rachel Nalley-Norris, on fiddle, Joshua Tyree on banjo, and now Charlie on bass.

The Kody Norris Show is in the midst of an aggressive tour in Texas, running through January and February. You can find all their dates online.

Kody Norris receives hometown honor

Kody Norris, creator and operator of The Kody Norris Show, was honored this week by a “Home Of” sign at the entrance to his hometown of Mountain City, Tennessee.

Mayor Kevin Parsons and Kody were on hand for the official unveiling of the sign, which reads, “Hometown of bluegrass recording artist and songwriter Kody Norris.”

Norris says that it means a lot to be recognized in this way by the home folks.

“I am so humbled to see that sign, welcoming folks to Mountain City. I couldn’t be more proud of my hometown. I try to represent our community positively as the band and I travel around the world. A lot of good music has come from this region and I’m happy to be part of that history.”

The Kody Norris Show is Kody on guitar and lead vocals, his wife Mary Rachel on fiddle, Tyler Wiseman on bass, and Josiah Tyree on banjo. They deliver high energy, old time bluegrass music in a fast-paced stage show.

Visit them online to see when they’ll be performing in your part of the world.

Congratulations Kody and Mary Rachel!

Kody and Mary Rachel Norris play Farm & Fun Time in their wedding attire – photo by Tia Thomas

Kody Norris and his longtime “little sweetie,” Mary Rachel Nalley, who plays fiddle with the Kody Norris Show, were married on September 21 at their home in Mountain City, TN.

Always a trial for touring musicians, they had to leave their reception early to travel to Bristol and appear on Radio Bristol’s Farm & Fun Time program. They didn’t bother to change from their wedding duds for the short drive to Bristol, and played the show in tuxes, with Mary Rachel in her gown.

And where do you think they are honeymooning? Right here in Raleigh at the World of Bluegrass where the band has a number of showcase performances scheduled this week.

Kody had made jokes from the stage for years about the two of them getting married some day, and it has finally happened. If you see them roaming around in Raleigh, give them a pat on the back.

Congratulations Kody and Mary Rachel!

20 Things You Didn’t Know About … The Kody Norris Show

Deeply rooted in folk and bluegrass music, Kody Norris has crafted a group and a performance style that harkens back to the traditions of Bill Monroe, Jimmy Martin, the Stanley Brothers, and the Grand Ole Opry … with a bit of Vaudeville thrown in for good measure, and pure entertainment. Always clad in colorful, tailored suits, hats and ornate boots, the band earns its moniker as a “show.” Top notch picking is center stage, but humor and flash are part of the package.

The Kody Norris Show is traditional, clean cut, acoustic, and always entertaining. With a brand new single, Kentucky Darlin’, the foursome is fronted by Norris on guitar, his fiddling “sweetie,” Mary Rachel Nalley, with Tyler Wiseman on bass, and Josiah Tyree on banjo.

Tyler is an avid drummer and pianist. He was in the marching band in high school.
The band plays “Tag” every June for the entire month. The only “safe zone” is the tour bus … no fair tagging ono the bus!
Kody is a master chef.
Mary Rachel is the only band member from Kentucky.
TKNS is the first professional band for both Josiah and Tyler.
Kody and Mary Rachel own 5 dogs who travel with the band: Amos, Andi, Roscoe, Opal, and Stetson.
Everyone is the band has a nickname given by Kody after they join TKNS… Tylers is Tater, Josiah is Skidmark, and Mary Rachel is Chubby!
Josiah is an avid gardener who will gladly offer lessons in starting his prized rototiller.
Kody chose the music business, but was also interested in a career in the literary field. He may yet write the Great American Novel.
Tyler has a Class A Commercial Drivers License.
Kody and Mary Rachel are restoring a 1861 plantation style home which they plan to use for their wedding venue.
Mary Rachel once worked as a deputy clerk at the Warren County Clerks Office in Bowling Green, KY.
All three of the guys in the band are Tennessee natives.
Josiah is 19, Mary Rachel is 23, Tyler is 24, and Kody is 31
With a love for classic cars and hotrods, Kody and his dad own several restored rides. One of those is a 1960 Cadillac, the inspiration for one of Kody’s songs.
The only vegetable that Tyler will eat is a potato, Hence his nickname… Tater.
Kody collects vintage metal lunchboxes.
This is now Kody’s 11th year on the road.
Kody shares a birthday with Earl Scruggs … January 6th.
Our most commonly heard question on the road: How many custom-made rhinestone suits does Kody own? (The answer is 13)

Kody Norris and Mary Rachel Nalley to wed

Kody Norris, fearless leader and guitarist/vocalist with The Kody Norris Show has hired his fiddle player, Mary Rachel Nalley, on for a lifetime gig.

The dynamic entertainer used the occasion of a recent performance before a hometown crowd at the Heritage Hall Theater in Mountain City, TN to ask her to be his wife. Despite putting her on the spot by doing so on stage during a show, she said yes!

The proposal actually occurred right in the middle of their rendition of Jimmy Martin’s Milwaukee Here I Come, when Kody stopped the song to complain that Josiah Tyree’s banjo didn’t sound right. Tyree feigned offense and told Norris that he was going to fix the banjo right now, and set it down and started removing the resonator.

Inside the banjo pot, of course, was the ring that Kody had placed there before the show, which he then took and offered to Mary, while down on one knee. The two have been a couple for some time, and no one was surprised by the proposal, though I doubt she expected it in quite that way.

It was a joyous occasion for all in attendance as she accepted the proposal. It looks like a summertime wedding for Kody and Mary Rachel!

Congratulations and best of luck to Kody and Mary Rachel.

Kody Norris awarded for Bluegrass CD of the Year

The Rural Roots Music Commission in Lemars, IA has chosen When I Get The Money Made by Kody Norris as its Best Bluegrass CD of the Year for 2017.

In collaboration with the National Traditional Country Music Association, the Commission exists to preserve and promote traditional rural American musical arts. In addition to bluegrass, they also celebrate old time music, western and cowboy music, Gospel and Americana, and traditional country music of all kinds.

Norris has made his career putting on something of a throwback show, taking his audience back to a time when shiny suits, cornball comedy, and mountain style bluegrass music were being presented on stage. From the material he writes and chooses to the style his band performs in, The Kody Norris Show is everything the Rural Roots Commission supports through their efforts.

Mountain City, TN is where Kody learned to play and sing this older form of bluegrass, a skill he honed as a teen doing fill-in gigs with Ralph Stanley and The Clinch Mountain Boys. After graduating from high school, he found work on Cumberland Highlanders program on RFD-TV, and launched his own band with whom he tours today.

He will receive his Best Bluegrass CD Award during the 42nd annual National Old Time Music Festival in LeMars. The festival runs from August 28 to September 3 at the Plymouth County Fairgrounds.

Congratulations to Kody for this honor.