Norman Blake

Smithsonian Folkways Recordings has announced an October 22 release for Day By Day, their first project for Norman Blake, perhaps the most iconic and quintessential flatpicker and folk singer since Doc Watson. At 83, Blake is churning out new music at

Most everyone who enjoys bluegrass and old time mandolin is familiar with Mike Compton, from his long career with The Nashville Bluegrass Band or The John Hartford String Band, or perhaps his appearance in the Coen Brothers' O Brother, Where

On this Day ….. On June 11, 1952 Nancy Ann Blake (nee Short) was born in Independence, Missouri. She took up cello at the age of 12 and moved to Nashville, where she played the instrument with the Nashville Youth Symphony. In 1972

Norman Blake is the Zelig of roots music, popping up at key moments over the decades, just like the title character in the Woody Allen film. He played guitar on pivotal recordings by Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan, teamed up with

In the 1970s, flatpicker, songsmith, and vocalist Norman Blake produced a string of superb recordings that featured primarily him and his guitar. Some included contributions from his wife, Nancy, and a few other old time artists, but the main vibe was

If you're a fan of the music of John Hartford - and I know there are a lot of you out there - you may want to have a look at Pilot Of A Steam Powered Aereo-Plain, a new book by

The Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame inductees for 2013 have been named. In seven categories, they are Lester Flatt (songwriter), Bluegrass Unlimited – Pete Kuykendall (Media and Scholar), Norman Blake (Sideman and Regional Musician), The Stoneman Family (Pioneer Artists),

Flatpicking legend Norman Blake is recuperating in a hospital in Chattanooga, TN. He underwent a minor procedure following a transient ischemic attack, often described as a mini-stroke. A statement issued over the weekend from Norman's wife, and musical partner, Nancy Blake reads: Norman

Norman Blake first made me aware of the ginseng root, via his masterful recording of the tune Ginseng Sullivan. He released the song in 1972 on the Back Home in Sulphur Springs album. Of course, Tony Rice also cut the tune

Rebel Records has reissued two more bluegrass classics as download only releases, available only from eMusic and iTunes. Both were originally released on LP in the early-to-mid 1970s. Folks these days know Ricky Skaggs as a successful band leader, vocalist and