The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Celebrates 60 Years As the majority of bluegrass fans know, bluegrass music—as we know it today—was born the first time that Bill Monroe walked out on the Grand Ole Opry stage with Earl Scruggs as a member of his band in December of 1945. Early in 1946, the “classic” bluegrass band—consisting of Bill Monroe, Chubby…
This Issue
the artists
Mason Wright
A Fiddler You Should Know Mason Wright is a fiddler who can play many different styles, including classical, country, and bluegrass. He’s been a member of several bands, from traditional to contemporary, and has a teaching workload as well. He’s serious about his music but has a humorous side, as reported by several former bandmates. …
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Balsam Range’s Marc Pruett
Master of the 5-String Banjo Photo by Caty Smith Balsam Range banjo powerhouse Marc Pruett has spent 59 years gracing stages, playing bluegrass music. He has recorded and/or appeared in concert with Balsam Range, Bill Monroe, Jimmy Martin, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, James Monroe, Lester Flatt, Jerry Douglas, Peter Rowan, Tony Rice, Emmylou Harris, Mac Wiseman,…
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Nick Chandler’s Fight with Cancer and His Message for Others
Photo by Jessica Lance Nick Chandler & Delivered is a hard-driving traditional bluegrass band from western North Carolina that is recognized for tight harmonies and impressive musicianship. The band’s leader and mandolinist has taken the high road and tried to make the best of a bad situation. He is telling his story to possibly help…
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from the archives
Billy Baker—Fiddler for Sixty Years and Counting
Reprinted from Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine April 2013, Volume 47, Number 10 Among the better-known but under rated bluegrass musicians who have more than paid their dues, the name Billy Baker must rank as one of the more significant. At one time or another, this Virginia native worked as a regular or fill-in with about every…