Author: David Morris

Louisa Branscomb knows a thing or two about songwriting, for sure. And she has two Grammys, two Song of the Year trophies (IBMA and SPBGMA), nearly 200 cuts, and a long list of hits to prove it. But her newest venture,

Controversial legislation in North Carolina has IBMA stuck between the proverbial rock and a hard place, a development that makes the usual arguments about the definition of bluegrass seem quaint. On one side are some members, musicians and fans who say

One of the fun parts of writing for Bluegrass Today is watching young artists mature, as individuals and musicians, and watching some family bands graduate from the cute stage to genuine top-tier acts. I’ve watched it happen with The Bankesters, Flatt

Frank Solivan just keeps getting better, as a songwriter, arranger, singer and, not the least, instrumentalist. Recent years have seen a string of solid recordings, IBMA nominations and awards, and growing recognition for Solivan and his band. His newest recording is,

You might not know Joe Newberry, but you know his work. You've heard his picking and singing as a regular on Garrison Keillor's A Prairie Home Companion. And you've heard his award-winning songs – Singing As We Rise, The Darker the

After solidly backing up JD Crowe and the New South and American Drive on bass, as well as playing some dates now with Kenny and Amanda Smith, Kyle Perkins is stepping front and center. His new CD, Take Me Back, is

Nothing lasts forever, but Ben Eldridge's 44-plus years with the Seldom Scene seemed to come close. His long run with the legendary bluegrass band came to an official end this morning, when remaining members announced his retirement and the addition of

Entry deadlines are approaching for two top songwriting contests that are of interest to bluegrassers. The deadline to enter the DC Bluegrass Union’s second annual Hazel Dickens Songwriting Contest is Jan. 15. Winners will be announced March 10. The entry fee

The good news for bluegrass fans last year: A lot of terrific music was released. So much, in fact, that it made picking my annual best-of list harder than usual. I eliminated bands that recorded songs I wrote because of

My opinion, admittedly biased: The flap about SiriusXM’s plans for Bluegrass Junction isn’t just about the upcoming nine-day disruption of Channel 61 to provide a home for Hanukkah. It’s about the long-term survival of the bluegrass channel itself. In other words, it’s