Bluegrass is a style of southern string band music developed by Bill Monroe in the 1930s and 1940s. Bill Monroe's records with the Blue Grass Boys were so popular on the radio that announcers began using the term "bluegrass music." Typical instrumentation is fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar, dobro, and bass.
Bluegrass comes from mountain, gospel, and blues music, and generally involves a traditional, often melancholy, subject. It is played by an acoustic string band, which may be augmented by traditional instruments, such as the harmonica, mouth harp, accordion, jug, and spoons.
Bluegrass is frequently characterized by virtuoso string playing, as with Monroe playing the mandolin, or Earl Scruggs the banjo; and the mandolin, following Monroe's example, is a prominent part of most bands. The tempo of the music is frequently fast, highlighting the skill of the performers. A striking feature of bluegrass is the intensely high and pure tone of lead vocalists, particularly in songs of longing or loss, as heard in the singing of Ralph Stanley, Alison Krauss, and, of course, Monroe himself.
Please review the subcategories and submit your site to one of those if it is applicable. All band sites should be submitted to the Bands and Artists subcategory, festivals to the Festivals subcategory. Submitting such sites to this category may delay their review and listing in the directory.
Bands and artists that primarily play bluegrass music. Note that many bands and artists not listed here are listed alphabetically under Arts/Music/Bands_and_Artists
Sites that are not in English should be submitted to the appropriate category under World.
Bluegrass magazines, E-Zines, discussions, news and archives.
Please submit only sites for Bluegrass magazines, E-Zines, and discussions, including general sites that feature breaking news, archives and information.
US bluegrass music associations covering multiple states, European associations covering multiple countries, including activities and resources of national, international, or historical significance or renown.
Please submit US regional (interstate), membership-based associations, and international alliances that promote bluegrass across states, provinces or countries. Many regional bluegrass associations also provide listings of local jams and performances, and many also produce concerts, festivals or special events. Also submit sites for instruction, education and internationally recognized historical events and landmarks.
Please do not submit band sites here; instead, submit them to the category Arts: Music: Styles: Bluegrass: Bands and Artists.