Author: David Morris

Here’s the irony of being asked to write about the highlights of Earl Scruggs’ career as king of the banjo and a bluegrass pioneer: What doesn’t make the cut as one of his top achievements would be the crowning moment

Editor’s Note: This essay traces a song from the initial idea to the recording and first public performance. We would be interested in similar stories from other songwriters. On Feb. 19, early in the Herschel Sizemore benefit concert in Roanoke, I

IBMA President and Chairman of the Board Stan Zdonik says improving IBMA’s financial health “will be the driving criterion” behind all decisions by the group’s board of directors “until we are again running in the black.” Zdonik’s comments came in a

When it comes to contemporary bluegrass Gospel, the standards against which all others get measured are Paul Williams and the Victory Trio, the Isaacs and Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver. With The Gospel Side of Dailey &Vincent, Jamie Dailey and Darrin

There are a couple of broad hints that suggest listeners are in for something different on the new EP from Stetson Adkisson and Cia Cherryholmes, which is titled Stetson & Cia. The first is a quotation on the CD jacket from

When I met Jim Hurst for the first time last summer, I was almost surprised to discover he has just two hands. He sure plays guitar like he has a couple of extras, using a blend of flat picking and

In a long day of great music and great moments at Sunday’s benefit concert in Roanoke for Herschel and Joyce Sizemore, two backstage discussions captured the spirit of the man being feted and the music community that supported the event. One

Forget the groundhog and his dismal forecast of six more weeks of winter. I saw a sure sign Sunday night that spring – and bluegrass festival season – is just around the corner. The occasion was the All-Star Jam at

Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of occasional articles about the future of IBMA. This story contains many more numbers than the one-four-five usually associated with bluegrass, and a more serious approach than we usually take at

Clay Hess has his new band in place and is booking shows for the upcoming festival season. Clay handled lead guitar duties for Sierra Hull and Highway 111 until last month. Joining him to tour in support of his solo album,