Article Contributed by Ariel Rosemberg
Published on 2026-07-10
Nashville, Tenn. — Twenty-five years to the day after the release of one of the most enduring albums in the Del McCoury Band catalog, Del & the Boys returns today as a special 25th Anniversary Edition, pairing the original album with three previously unreleased recordings from the original sessions. The album is available now on CD and all streaming platforms.
Originally released in 2001, Del & the Boys brought together an exceptional collection of songs from some of Nashville’s finest writers, delivered with the musicianship and conviction that have long defined the Del McCoury Band, which at the time was made up of Del McCoury, Ronnie McCoury, Rob McCoury, Jason Carter, and Mike Bub. Twenty-five years later, it remains one of the band’s most celebrated recordings.
The anniversary edition gives listeners an opportunity to revisit the original album while discovering three recordings that have remained in the vault for 25 years. Among them are “The Stark Naked Blues,” written by Shawn Camp, “Long Enough,” written by Brink Brinkman and featuring harmony vocals from Lee Ann Womack, and “They Just Don’t Make the Blues Like They Used To.” Together, they offer a deeper look into one of the most celebrated recording sessions of the Del McCoury Band’s career.
Recorded at Skaggs Place Studio in Hendersonville, Tennessee, Del & the Boys continues to resonate through its timeless songs, masterful musicianship, and heartfelt performances – many of which still appear live in the Del McCoury Band set to this day. Twenty-five years later, the album remains as compelling as ever, reminding listeners why it has become one of the defining recordings of the modern bluegrass era.
“Del & the Boys was, what seemed at the time, just another album we were working on. Little did we know it would have such an impact on the Del McCoury Band,” shared Ronnie McCoury. “Dad had been making records for 30 years at this point and this configuration of the band had been together for almost 10 years. We were a pretty well-oiled machine! Dad has always had an innate sense of songs that just suit him. But this album had songs that touched a whole different audience.
Songs that become staples of our show, especially in the case of “1952 Vincent Black Lightning” and “All Aboard,” are the most requested and therefore heard at our shows each night! Career songs! I have fond memories of the days and nights in Skaggs Studio recording and mixing the album with Dad and the guys. It was great to bring these 3 extra songs back out of the vault and especially awesome to recently add the great Lee Ann Womack to one. The fans through the years have proven their love for this album and I hope everyone enjoys this 25th Anniversary Special Edition of our now classic Del & The Boys!”
As the Del McCoury Band and the Travelin' McCourys continue their own touring schedules throughout 2026, they'll come together on August 20 for a special performance at Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium. More than a concert, the evening celebrates the McCoury family's musical legacy, bringing both bands together on one stage to honor Del and the Boys, revisit songs that have become cornerstones of their catalogs and showcase the unmistakable family tradition that has defined the McCoury Family for generations. Tickets are currently on sale on the Ryman website.
Del & the Boys (25th Anniversary Edition) is available now on digital platforms and CD. Vinyl preorders are available now.
For music, tour dates and more visit www.delmccouryband.com.
For more than sixty years, Del McCoury has stood among the most influential figures in bluegrass music. Together with Ronnie McCoury, Rob McCoury, Christian Ward, and Alan Bartram, the Del McCoury Band has earned multiple Grammy Awards, countless IBMA honors, and a reputation as one of the genre’s most respected and enduring acts. Their commitment to tradition, innovation, and exceptional musicianship continues to inspire audiences around the world.
