Current Issue
December 2020

The Tradition

J. Ashby Rollins of the Potomac Valley Boys live at the Old School in Lucketts, Va. plays guitar on stage

Notes & Queries – December

By Walt Saunders

NOTES In the September 2020 column, there was a discussion of legendary fiddler John Ashby of Warrenton, Va., and the Ashby clan of Fauquier County. One member of the clan…

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Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs, Birch Monroe, Lester Flatt

The Birth of Bluegrass Music

By Dan Miller

Peter Rowan has said, “When you are standing next to the fire that is Bill Monroe, you will ignite.”1  From the first time Bill Monroe and his Blue Grass Boys…

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Smokey Davis with the Tenneva Ramblers

Bluegrass Funnyman

By Gary Reid

In the formative days of bluegrass, bands sought to offer a well-rounded entertainment package. Music, naturally, was the core of the programs but comedy was always an important component. Ralph…

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Group photo of Pendleton “Uncle Pen” Vandiver, Arnold Shultz, Unkown, Luther Shultz (Photo courtesy of Roger Givens) playing their instruments

A “Hidden Legend” Steps into the Spotlight

By Nancy Cardwell

The Arnold Shultz Fund is launched in honor of influential western Kentucky musician In July 2020, the IBMA Foundation established the Arnold Shultz Fund to support activities increasing participation of…

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Jimmy Martin poses for a portrait with his guitar

Hall of Famers Unveiled

By Derek Halsey

Jimmy Martin As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the beginning of the bluegrass genre, Bluegrass Unlimited magazine will look deep into what made those first-generation bluegrass artists tick.  At…

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Old-Time Music and Bluegrass: Separate But Intertwining Branches

By Henry Koretzky

There are certain questions that anyone who plays bluegrass has encountered more than once from well-intentioned (mostly) listeners.  “Is that a ukulele?” to the mandolinist.  “What’s the difference between a…

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The Artists

Black and white image of Roger Sprung and his banjo

Roger Sprung: The “Godfather of Progressive Bluegrass” at Age 90

By Richard D. Smith

Who is the big man in the white shirt, black slacks and two-tone shoes, crowned with a homburg hat? And is he really a pioneer and living legend of the…

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The Sound

Bottom Row (left to right): Mike Seeger, Ralph Rinzler, Doc Watson, Tex Logan, John Carlini, Bernie Coveney. Back Row (left to right): Jack Cooke, Bill Monroe, Betty Fisher, Oscar Brand, Cecil Null, Benny Williams, James Monroe, Joe Gonzalez. Middle Row (with banjo): Don Lineberger

The Legendary Tex Logan Jam Sessions

By John Carlini

I first met the double-genius, Dr. Benjamin “Tex” Logan, in the mid ’60’s. My long-time friend and guitar player, Bernie Coveney, and I had recently discovered bluegrass music (in New…

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Ben Mason in his workshop.

Ben Mason

By Matt Wickstrom

Bluegrass Builders Photos By Kristen Ellis Photographer Not only is Kentucky home to legendary bluegrass musicians like Rosine’s Bill Monroe, Lexington’s J.D. Crowe and Cordell’s Ricky Skaggs, but many lavish…

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The Venue

Sonny Osborne, Saburo Watanabe, and Earl Scruggs

Bluegrass Country Soul

By Nancy Cardwell

Taking Us Back to 1971 For those in the bluegrass community who have been unable to attend live festivals since February  because of COVID-19, a trip back to Carlton Haney’s…

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Fiddle on display at Bluegrass Music and Hall of Fame and Museum

Uncle Pen’s Fiddle

By Dan Miller

Photos By Jamie Alexander So says the song that Bill Monroe wrote about his fiddle playing Uncle Pendleton Vandiver, brother to his mother, Malissa.  Speaking of his Uncle Pen in…

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