The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences has announced nominations for music's most prestigious honor, and fiddle prodigy Michael Cleveland is among the cream of the crop with his GRAMMY nominated Fiddler's Dream in the Best Bluegrass Album category. 
 
Michael Cleveland is the International Bluegrass Music Association's (IBMA) most awarded Fiddle Player with an unprecedented TEN trophies to his credit and fronts one of the most hard-driving bluegrass bands in the business, Flamekeeper. Together, they have released multiple critically acclaimed albums, won the IBMA's Instrumental Group of the Year FIVE times, and Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year SIX times. 
 
With this GRAMMY nominated solo release, Fiddler's Dream, Cleveland delivers his finest studio album to date: full of the fire and finesse that has earned him fans from across the globe. Highlights include a blistering performance of the Arthur Smith penned title track “Fiddler’s Dream,” a step out vocal from Sam Bush on the John Hartford classic “Steamboat Whistle Blues,” and a twin fiddle show down on the Bill Monroe classic “Tall Timber” featuring Jason Carter (Del McCoury Band). Additional guests include Jerry Douglas (Dobro), Jeff Guernsey (guitar), Lloyd Douglas (banjo), Andy Statman (mandolin), Paul Franklin (steel guitar), Vince Gill (vocals), and co-producer, Jeff White (guitar and vocals). 
 
Earlier this week, an announcement was made regarding the making of a feature length documentary film starring Cleveland. The film not only focuses on his music career, but also offers poignant glimpses into his personal life and how he navigates the world without sight. Produced by documentarian John Presley who has been shadowing Michael for nearly a year, Flamekeeper - The Michael Cleveland Story will be released in 2018. 
 
“He plays fearless and it’s intoxicating to play with him because he makes you play fearless,” says Country Music Hall of Famer Vince Gill. “He takes no prisoners but he plays with a restraint and a soul. He plays without abandon. It’s wicked to see how much music he pulls out of a bow. He’s untouchable.”
 
For more information on Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, including a complete list of tour dates, information on Flamekeeper - The Michael Cleveland Story, and Cleveland's recent GRAMMY nomination, please visit www.flamekeeperband.com.

One of bluegrass music's most formidable bands, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, is announcing the departure of one of their long-time members, Justen Haynes, who has been the fiddle player for over 12 years.
 
Russell Moore, the band's founder and leader states, "Over the holidays, Justen and his family came to the conclusion that it was time for him to stay home more and concentrate on their new business, requiring that he leave his position with IIIrd Tyme Out. As a result, his last show with the band was this past Saturday (1/6/2018) at The Fairview Ruritan Club in Galax, VA. It was a fun night of joking and carrying on with each other, as we always do, and catching up on our personal lives since we had just returned to performing after a six-week holiday vacation for the band.  For me, and I think for all of us, it was a very enjoyable evening of performing and reminiscing about the last 12+ years that Justen has held the fiddle playing position in the band. Although we hate to see him leave the band, we understand and support his decision and wish him and his family all the best in this new venture and chapter in their lives, and we know that we'll see them from time-to-time in our travels."  
 
Upon his departure, Justen offered much gratitude to his fellow bandmates and the many friends he has made over the years. "It has been an amazing ride over the last 12 years. Russell and the band gave me the opportunity of a lifetime and I will be forever grateful. I have gained lifelong friends near and far and want to thank each one of you for the impact, support and encouragement you gave me while I was on the road. My kids have expressed their desire for me to come off of the road. Therefore, I will be working from home as I continue to pursue one of my other passions in dog training. We recently opened a dog boarding and training facility (“Haus Luc K9”) that will allow our family opportunities and adventures in the region. We are excited about this new venture and what it brings for our family, but sad to see the music chapter end. I may not be playing music, but I would still love to hear from you so don’t be strangers! Thank you again for your support, memories and life changing experiences." 
 
Regarding the new year and what it holds for IIIrd Tyme Out, Russell says, "As for the band, we're in the process of re-grouping and gearing up for our 2018 touring season which, by all accounts, looks to be a very good year with many show dates, and we look forward to seeing and performing for all our friends and fans!!"
 
Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out will resume their 2018 tour later this month with appearances at the Shepherdsville Country Music Barn (Kentucky) on January 19th and The DeKalb Theatre in Fort Payne, Alabama on January 27th. "And speaking of Alabama," says Russell, "Even though I live in Georgia, I should be able to have recovered from the loss of the National Championship in time to hug the necks of all you Crimson Tide fans. See y'all at the show!"

Smithsonian Folkways celebrates the golden age of Bluegrass music in Southwest Ohio with the release of Industrial Strength Bluegrass on March 26. The second single, "Family Reunion" featuring the Queen of Bluegrass Rhonda Vincent and bluegrass music's rising star, Caleb Daugherty releases today.

Industrial Strength Bluegrass is the story of bluegrass’ transformation from a music to a movement, carried north by Appalachians seeking a better life in the booming post-WWII factories of Southwest Ohio. The 16-song collection was produced by IBMA Award-winning musician/bandleader Joe Mullins, whose father - fiddler and radio personality Paul “Moon” Mullins - made that journey and helped found the region’s bluegrass scene. The compilation (companion to the new book of the same title from University of Illinois Press) presents Southwest Ohio bluegrass classics remade by an all-star cast featuring Country Music Hall of Famers the Oak Ridge Boys and Vince Gill, Bluegrass Hall of Famer Bobby Osborne, and many of today’s finest bluegrass and Americana artists including Lee Ann Womack, Dan Tyminski, The Isaacs, Sierra Hull, and more.

Pre-order the album HERE: https://orcd.co/industrialstrengthbluegrass

The bars and honky-tonks of Dayton and Cincinnati were a fertile training ground for scores of bluegrass musicians. The Osborne Brothers, Red Allen, Frank Wakefield, Earl Taylor, Jim McCall, and many others paid their dues playing hole-in-the-wall clubs during the 1950s, ʼ60s, and ʼ70s. Two young men from just across the state line were frequent members of bands during this era and avid listeners of WPFB. After playing and singing for factory workers in unassuming bars throughout the Miami Valley, Aubrey Holt and his uncle, Harley Gabbard, later helped to found the popular bluegrass band the Boys From Indiana.

In 1957 they wrote and recorded “Family Reunion” as the Logan & Laurel County Boys for Cincinnati’s Excellent Records. Later that year Bluegrass Hall of Fame member Carl Story would record the song for Mercury Records with his band the Rambling Mountaineers, and it became an enduring standard. Aubrey Holt continued as one of bluegrass music’s leading composers, penning songs like “Atlanta Is Burning,” “Sad Wind Sighs,” “We Missed You in Church Last Sunday,” and “It Won’t Work This Time.”

Recent Grand Ole Opry inductee Rhonda Vincent, “the Queen of Bluegrass,” delivers a soulful rendition of this gospel classic. She is joined by one of the brightest young voices in bluegrass, Caleb Daugherty, a Hoosier who credits his early near-neighbors, the Boys From Indiana, among his varied influences.

Listen to "Family Reunion" via Bluegrass Today HERE.

Industrial Strength Bluegrass releases on Smithsonian Folkways and will be available everywhere on March 26. "Family Reunion" is available today. For more information visit folkways.si.edu/industrial-strength-bluegrass.

Smithsonian Folkways celebrates the release of Industrial Strength Bluegrass, the story of bluegrass’ transformation from a music to a movement, carried north by Appalachians seeking a better life in the booming post-WWII factories of Southwest Ohio. The 16-song collection was produced by IBMA Award-winning musician/bandleader Joe Mullins, whose father - fiddler and radio personality Paul “Moon” Mullins - made that journey and helped found the region’s bluegrass scene. The compilation (companion to the new book of the same title from University of Illinois Press) presents Southwest Ohio bluegrass classics remade by an all-star cast featuring Country Music Hall of Famers the Oak Ridge Boys and Vince Gill, Bluegrass Hall of Famer Bobby Osborne, and many of today’s finest bluegrass and Americana artists including Lee Ann Womack, Dan Tyminski, The Isaacs, Sierra Hull, and more.

Order the album HERE

Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers open the set with Dwight Yoakam’s “Readin’, Rightin’, Route 23.” It’s a highly personal song detailing Yoakam’s family journey from Pikeville, Ky., to Columbus Oh., but it’s also the story of Mullins’ family and countless more. They arrived in Ohio as immigrants in their own country, dismissed as “Briarhoppers” and ridiculed for their clothes, their food, their dialect, and their fiddles and banjos. Instead of abandoning their roots, they wore them as badges of honor, turning poverty into poetry, creating a bluegrass sound heard and loved the world over.

Listen to "Readin', Rightin', Route 23"

Every Friday after work, thousands packed their old cars to go “down home” for the weekend. Those who couldn’t headed to the bars and honky tonks of Cincinnati, Hamilton, Middletown, and Dayton, to be sung back home by bluegrass bands performing on makeshift stages through MacGyvered sound systems. Playing five sets a night for drunken, brawling, homesick Kentuckians, the bands and their music became tougher and louder, blazing through the smoke and noise like a fast-moving train. That sound shines on tracks like Dan Tyminski’s “20-20 Vision,” originally recorded by Jimmy Martin and the Osborne Brothers, and Vince Gill’s intense take on Flatt & Scruggs’ “Baby Blue Eyes.”

Bluegrass fans know Flatt & Scruggs and Martin weren’t Briars or Buckeyes, but Southwest Ohio bluegrass was a diversified industry. Cincinnati was a broadcasting center, and along with barn dances like The Midwestern Hayride, enterprising engineers built recording studios. The E.T. Herzog Studio recorded 12 Flatt & Scruggs Mercury classics, including “Baby Blue Eyes” and the original “Foggy Mountain Breakdown.” A couple miles north, King Records was producing bluegrass and country by The Stanley Brothers, Reno & Smiley, and gospel supergroup the Brown's Ferry Four—the Delmore Brothers, Grandpa Jones, and Merle Travis. That heritage is represented by Ronnie Bowman, Don Rigsby, and Kenny Smith on the Stanleys’ “Stone Walls & Steel Bars”; Bluegrass Hall of Fame member Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver’s BFF tribute “When He Blessed My Soul”; and Jim Lauderdale’s rocking version of Reno & Smiley’s “Barefoot Nellie,” showcasing up-and-coming band High Fidelity.

Recording studios and radio stations offered careers, but the defining sound of Southwest Ohio bluegrass was created in bars. There, musicians and fans formed the first real bluegrass community, and that spirit of adventure in every migrant leaving home for a new life found its way into the music. Southwest Ohio bluegrass was a unique combination of deep tradition and game-changing innovation. You can hear it in “Mountain Strings,” mandolinist Frank Wakefield’s rock-influenced instrumental, performed by an all-star band led by mandolinist Sierra Hull and featuring Kristin Scott Benson on banjo (both are among the first women to win IBMA honors on their instruments; this is their first recording together). This version of the tune and two other tracks on the album feature pioneering African American drummer Phillip Paul, veteran of hundreds of King sessions, from gritty R&B to hard-driving bluegrass. At 95, the unstoppable Mr. Paul is still gigging in Cincinnati with his jazz trio.

Dayton’s Red Allen, Bluegrass Hall of Fame member and one of bluegrass’ all-time great voices, revolutionized bluegrass harmony with Bobby and Sonny Osborne. Driving back to Dayton from WWVA’s Wheeling Jamboree, Bobby was singing “Once More.” Sonny came in on baritone, but as Red told it, he was too tired and tipsy for high tenor, so he sang an octave lower. That new “high-lead” sound powered their 1958 crossover hit and became the Osbornes’ trademark. It’s performed by The Grascals, whose co-founder Terry Smith played with the brothers for 14 years.

Before Red’s youngest son Harley Allen became a BMI Songwriter of the Year, he was one of bluegrass’ finest lead and tenor singers, performing with Ronnie, Greg, and Neal Allen in the Allen Brothers and with Mike Lilly in the Allen Lilly Band. Both groups recorded Harley’s “Suzanne,” sung here by Mo Pitney and the band Merle Monroe.

Family runs deep in Industrial Strength Bluegrass. Joe Mullins’ son, Daniel Mullins, an award-winning bluegrass journalist, provides a history lesson in detailed liner notes. Gospel group The Isaacs features siblings Sonya, Becky, and Ben with their mother Lily. Their father Joe was a mainstay of Ohio bluegrass in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Joined by the Oak Ridge Boys and reunited with Joe, they sing his “Garden Tomb.”

Another Southwest Ohio bluegrass great deserving more recognition is Dave Evans, a banjo player with a devastating high-lonesome voice. Country artist Lee Ann Womack does a stellar take on Evans’ “From Life’s Other Side.”

Singer-songwriter Larry Cordle revives the most local song here, Tom T. Hall’s industrial murder ballad, “The Rolling Mills of Middletown.”
The top-tier talent includes singers Rhonda Vincent, Russell Moore, Bradley Walker, Josh Williams and instrumentalists Jerry Douglas, Jason Carter, Mike Bub, Glen Duncan, Kenny Smith, and David Harvey (son of innovative Dayton mandolinist Dorsey Harvey).

Industrial Strength Bluegrass “takes it home” with “We’ll Head Back to Harlan.” Sung by Bobby Osborne, one of the last of bluegrass’ first generation, it’s a first-person account of those weekly Appalachian homecomings and the dream of moving back for good. Few ever did, but as Industrial Strength Bluegrass shows, their hillbilly odyssey created some of the finest bluegrass ever made.

To celebrate the album release of Industrial Strength Bluegrass, Joe Mullins along with Miami University Regionals and University of Illinois Press are presenting a LIVESTREAM concert featuring artists from the album including Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, Rhonda Vincent, The Isaacs, and Caleb Daugherty. Fred Bartenstein and Curtis Ellison, co-editors of the book by the same name, will make presentations on southwest Ohio's influence on modern day Bluegrass music, and also offer an inside look into the making of both the book and recording. The LIVESTREAM concert begins at 12noon ET on Saturday, March 27th. An all-access pass is avaialble for $14.95 and may be purchased here.

Industrial Strength Bluegrass on Smithsonian Folkways is available everywhere today. For more information visit folkways.si.edu/industrial-strength-bluegrass and industrialstrengthbluegrass.com.

About Smithsonian Folkways

Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, the "National Museum of Sound," makes available close to 60,000 tracks in physical and digital format as the nonprofit record label of the Smithsonian, with a reach of 80 million people per year. A division of the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, the non-profit label is dedicated to supporting cultural diversity and increased understanding among people through the documentation, preservation, production and dissemination of sound. Its mission is the legacy of Moses Asch, who founded Folkways Records in 1948 to document "people's music" from around the world. For more information about Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, visit folkways.si.edu.

The Industrial Strength Bluegrass Festival is now a three-day indoor festival featuring the best in bluegrass, old-time, gospel, and roots music. Be sure to join us every Fall and Spring at the Roberts Convention Centre in Wilmington, OH

We're looking forward to welcoming ALL of these outstanding artists and more to our Industrial Strength Bluegrass Festival November 11, 12 and 13, 2021!

Tickets go on sale Monday, August 2 at 10am EDT. Buy online and see complete festival details at www.industrialstrengthbluegrass.com or tickets by phone are at 1-800-965-9324. The Holiday Inn at The Roberts Centre will begin accepting reservations Monday, August 16 at 10am EDT. Links to all other hotel accommodations, camping info and more are on the festival website.

More Information Here

Industrial Strength Bluegrass: Southwestern Ohio's Musical Legacy was named the International Bluegrass Music Association's Album of the Year during a ceremony last night in Raleigh, NC. Joe Mullins who produced the album released on Smithsonian Folkways earlier this year, accepted the award and expressed heart-felt gratitude upon receiving the honor.

Watch Joe Mullins' Acceptance HERE

Industrial Strength Bluegrass is the story of bluegrass’ transformation from a music to a movement, carried north by Appalachians seeking a better life in the booming post-WWII factories of Southwest Ohio. The 16-song collection was produced by Mullins whose father - fiddler and radio personality Paul “Moon” Mullins - made that journey and helped found the region’s bluegrass scene. The compilation (companion to the new book of the same title from University of Illinois Press) presents Southwest Ohio bluegrass classics remade by an all-star cast featuring Country Music Hall of Famers the Oak Ridge Boys and Vince Gill, Bluegrass Hall of Famer Bobby Osborne, and many of today’s finest bluegrass and Americana artists including Lee Ann Womack, Dan Tyminski, The Isaacs, Sierra Hull, and more.

This historic album debuted at #3 on Billboard's Top 10 Bluegrass Albums, reached #1 on SiriusXM's Bluegrass chart and is currently resting at #1 for the second consecutive month on the National Bluegrass Survey's Top 30 Albums chart.

Order the album HERE

In homage to the pioneers who established Southwestern Ohio as one of the most significant markets in bluegrass history, Mullins has rebranded his long-running twice-annual music festival as the Industrial Strength Bluegrass Festival and expanded it to three-days, making it the largest indoor music festival in Ohio. The event will take place in Wilmington, OH November 11, 12, & 13, 2021 with hosts Mullins and his band the Radio Ramblers, and will feature performances by Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, The Quebe Sisters, Bobby Osborne, and more. A spring festival is planned for March 24 through 26, 2022.

For more information on Joe Mullins, the award-winning album, Industrial Strength Bluegrass, and the fall festival, visit www.radioramblers.com. For more on Smithsonian Folkways, visit folkways.si.edu.

I met Doug Eyink nearly 15 years ago when he called me to help present and promote a Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver concert at Centerville, Ohio High School. He said, “I’m a banjo player who teaches music and orchestra to over 600 students, and I want them learn about bluegrass." I was immediately excited!

Doug has now inspired hundreds of former students and families with his passion and skills. He began the Alternative Strings program to teach select orchestra students bluegrass, Celtic, jazz and other music styles, and has showcased the students as performers in the bluegrass community, extensively. Doug and his Alternative Strings students have hosted concerts and performed with The Radio Ramblers many times, as well as Sierra Hull, Special Consensus, Doyle Lawson, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Rhonda Vincent, Nothin’ Fancy and many others through the years.

When JMRR and Alternative Strings first partnered to perform and video record our song “Some Kind of War,” Doug was fighting his first battle with colon cancer. It was an emotional time for his family, his students, alumni and everyone who so enjoys working with this wonderful teacher. The fight has continued and Doug’s doctor recommended his retirement from teaching this year.

I want Doug's impact and legacy to always be appreciated and represented in Ohio schools so I contacted his dear friend Hillary Wagner, an Alternative Strings assistant and coordinator, and asked her to help launch the Doug Eyink Alternative Strings Scholarship. Doug, the Eyink family and many Alternative Strings alums were thankful and eagerly approved of the effort. We have even received a MATCHING GRANT from a former student of up to $5000!!

I hope you will participate in contributing to our first fundraising campaign during the Industrial Strength Bluegrass Festival, November 11, 12 and 13, 2021. The Radio Ramblers will host a “Fan Feast Brunch” on Friday morning of the event at 10:30am. Net proceeds from the breakfast and ALL tips and donations from this activity will benefit the scholarship fund. The brunch has a limited capacity but we still have room and advance tickets are available here. Brunch is sponsored by Tudor’s Biscuit World and The Radio Ramblers will be serving their fantastic biscuits and gravy.

In addition, a gorgeous custom guitar has been donated by Frank Howard of Centerville to assist in raising funds and will be awarded to a lucky winner. An Alternative Strings booth at the festival will give all attendees an easy opportunity to make a donation, and each $5.00 donor receives a raffle ticket for the guitar drawing Saturday evening.

Please, seek out the Alternative Strings representatives during our festival. We would love to have your help creating the scholarship fund that will allow us to encourage future generations. 

The Industrial Strength Bluegrass Festival is now a THREE-Day indoor event featuring the best in bluegrass, gospel and roots music entertainment. March 24th, 25th & 26th, 2022 – don’t miss Blue Highway, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Larry Sparks & The Lonesome Ramblers, Appalachian Road Show, High Fidelity, The Little Roy & Lizzy Show, Larry Stephenson Band, Carson Peters & Iron Mountain, The Primitive Quartet, Chosen Road, The Wayfarers, Master of Ceremonies, Blake Williams, and your hosts Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers. All at The Roberts Centre, Wilmington, OH, just off I 71, exit 65, centrally located less than an hour from Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton.

What is "Industrial Strength Bluegrass"?

This title refers to bluegrass music created or connected to southwestern Ohio. Bluegrass Hall of Fame member Dr. Neil V. Rosenberg first used the phrase over thirty years ago describing the music made by those of Appalachian heritage who landed in the Cincinnati/Dayton region and made music that has been celebrated around the world. The Osborne Brothers, Jim and Jesse, Red Allen, Larry Sparks, Jimmy Martin and other Bluegrass Hall of Fame members lived and performed in  the Miami Valley for a portion of their careers. Flatt and Scruggs, The Stanley Brothers, Dave Evans and many others recorded in Ohio recording studios. The Boys From Indiana, The Allen Brothers and The Radio Ramblers among others past and present, began their career in this region. And Joe's dad, the late Paul “Moon” Mullins, featured ALL of this music and its history on radio and on stages for decades.

Industrial Strength Bluegrass Festival featuring some of the best in bluegrass, gospel and roots music entertainment will be bigger than ever this Fall –– November 10, 11 & 12, 2022!

Don’t miss The Del McCoury Band, Dan Tyminski Band, The Grascals, Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, Junior Sisk, Chris Jones & The Night Drivers, Hammertowne, The Caleb Daugherty Band, The Kody Norris Show, Heather Alley & Lincoln Mash, Morehead State University's Mountain Music Ambassadors, Master of Ceremonies, Blake Williams, and your hosts Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers. All at The Roberts Centre, Wilmington, OH, just off I 71, exit 65, centrally located less than an hour from Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton.

Tickets go on sale Wednesday, June 15th at 10am ET. Buy online and see complete festival details at www.industrialstrengthbluegrass.com or tickets by phone are at 1-800-965-9324.

The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) honored two Ohio entities last week during their annual conference and awards show: Industrial Strength Bluegrass as Event of the Year; and Paul "Moon" Mullins as their newest inductee to the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.

Producer, radio broadcaster, and bluegrass musician Joe Mullins established the Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival in 2003 and in 2021, expanded the event to a three-day festival, re-branding it as the Industrial Strength Bluegrass Festival. The twice-annual event is the only indoor bluegrass, old-time, gospel, and roots music event of this caliber in the region and features nationally-known, award-winning acoustic acts from bluegrass pioneers such as Paul Williams and Doyle Lawson, to rising stars such as The Caleb Daugherty Band and The Po Ramblin' Boys, to modern contemporaries such as Ricky Skaggs and Rhonda Vincent. The festivals are sponsored by Mullins’ network of southwest Ohio radio stations, WBZI, WEDI, and WKFI, collectively referred to as Real Roots Radio.

While Mullins and his band, the Radio Ramblers are the hosts of the event, he was quick to shine a spotlight on his wife Tammy, and son Daniel, for the roles they play in the production. "The foundation this festival has been built upon was put in place by my wife Tammy," stated Mullins during his acceptance speech. "Daniel has done a great job re-branding and producing the event over the last few years, but the chief builder is right here, my wife."

The next Industrial Strength Bluegrass Festival will take place November 10th, 11th and 12th, and will feature Dan Tyminski, The Del McCoury Band, The Grascals, and more.

Although considered to be a rising star in the country music arena these days, Mo Pitney is quick to tell you his interest in music was first peaked with the sounds of banjos and bluegrass; especially that of the late J.D. Crowe. That interest spawned into a thriving career and the opportunity to re-create one of Crowe's classics in the most organic way possible - by accident. The result is an all-star recording of "Old Home Place" featuring the talents of Crowe, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, Jerry Douglas, Jon Randall, Aubrie Haney, Guthrie Trapp and Barry Bales, releasing everywhere Friday, February 10.

Touting J.D. Crowe and The New South as "one of the most influential music groups of his life," Pitney's reverence for the legendary banjoist and band-leader is clear. For years he'd listened to the band's records and the slew of great writers and singers who moved through the band and on to become household names: Harley Allen, Keith Whitley, Tony Rice and Skaggs among them. As a young man honing his craft, this influence was key in a burgeoning career that would eventually lead him to a record and publishing deal on a major country label, Curb Records. And while he's had much success alongside his country music peers, Pitney's passion for the music he was raised on has always remained true.

"The first time I ever heard 'Old Home Place' was on a J.D. Crowe and The New South album when I was a young kid," says Pitney. "I learned that version and would play it with my dad and my brother when we were touring Bluegrass festivals. When I was in the studio to record my current album, Ain’t Lookin’ Back, I started playing the song to warm up. My producer, Jim "Moose" Brown, said ‘Mo, let’s just play through that to get the jitters out and don’t freak out when the band comes in,’ and he recorded it."

Unbeknownst to Pitney, his producer played the track for Stuart who loved it so much, he expressed interest in being part of it. That lead to a conversation with Skaggs who also wanted to play on it. "From there, we decided to recreate as much of the original version as possible, and it became a compilation of my heroes playing bluegrass and country music."

The historic recording was also captured in a timeless video clearly showing the camaraderie between Pitney and his heroes through not only the music created, but in conversation and laughter.

"This track means the world to me," he continues, "and shows the evolution of the music that I want to make now, but also where I came from. I’m thankful for every opportunity I have to be able to do that."

On Thursday, February 9, Pitney will join Kyle Cantrell in-studio for the premiere of "Old Home Place" on SiriusXM Bluegrass Junction at 7am CT/8amET. At 9am CT, Pitney will appear on WSM 650AM and Circle TV for Coffee, Country & Cody. Also on Thursday, catch the premiere of the "Old Home Place" video on the Bluegrass Situation. Then on Friday, February 9 at 12noon, Pitney will visit with Suzanne Alexander on RFD-TV Live.

About Mo Pitney
Curb Records recording artist Mo Pitney received a standing ovation the very first time he performed on the iconic Grand Ole Opry stage. Named an “Artist To Watch” by Rolling Stone, Billboard and The Bobby Bones Show, Pitney has amassed over 36 million streams since the release of his autobiographical debut, Behind This Guitar. The Illinois-native leans on the influences of traditional country and bluegrass stalwarts like Ray Price, Buck Owens, Roger Miller, Merle Haggard, Keith Whitley, Ricky Skaggs and J.D. Crowe. His original song, “Ain’t Bad for a Good Ol’ Boy,” was featured on The Ranch (A Netflix Original Series Official Soundtrack). His sophomore LP, Ain’t Lookin’ Back, is available now.

Proving once again their ability to deliver creative arrangements, top-notch vocals and impressive instrumentation, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers are poised to deliver audiences the selection of songs found on their latest Billy Blue Records project, Let Time Ride. The full-length album will be released world-wide March 17 but is available for preorder now.

Preorder Let Time Ride Here

Produced by Mullins and Radio Rambler Adam McIntosh, Let Time Ride is a masterfully crafted collection of 12 songs covering the gamut of tempos and emotions. As evidenced by the album's first two singles, "Big City" and "I've Been Down That Road," the band is not one to be confined to the expected norm for an all-powerful bluegrass ensemble. Mullins' avant-garde approach to recording affords the band great opportunity to showcase new, classic, and even genre-bending songs to listeners. In fact, that ability has served the band very well over the years allowing them to churn out hit upon hit and making them a songwriter's dream. Case in point, Mullins recognized the writing talents of his daughter-in-law, Santana Mullins, a few years back. Hence, the lead off and title track, "Let Time Ride;" a driving number that right out of the gate shines a light on Mullins' banjo prowess, proving his recent SPBGMA Banjo Player of the Year title.

Mullins continues to shine vocally, too, on "Black And White," a look back to simpler times when family and common sense were prevailing themes, and on "Play The Wildwood Flower," a lilting love song that will leave a lump in your throat, and featuring Lizzy Long on autoharp. Although his name is at the forefront of the band, Mullins is intent on sharing the spotlight with The Radio Ramblers.

McIntosh, for example, is building a reputation as one of the genre's finer balladeers as showcased on the previously released "Living Left To Do" from their all-Gospel album, Somewhere Beyond The Blue, and this album's aforementioned second single, "I've Been Down That Road." He continues to add to that foundation with "End Of The End Of The World," a country-tinged waltz, lamenting among bendy notes, 'my baby's back from wherever she's been, and it's the end of the end of the world.' But don't let his crooning ability fool you, McIntosh is equally comfortable taking the lead and showcasing his creative guitar style on the driving, trucking song, "Old Fire." Ramblers bass man Randy Barnes brought this tune to the band and gives this cut a rockin' groove that makes you want to hit Route 66 in a cloud of smoke.

Chris Davis makes his recording debut with the Radio Ramblers as the mandolin player, bringing with him an energy that melds with the music effortlessly. "A-Courtin' I Go" is the perfect fit for Davis' vocal flair and personality. He is Joe’s duet partner on “Play The Wildwood Flower” and leads the quartet with his mandolin and vocals on “The Glory Road." Throughout the album, fiddler Jason Barie brings an emotive element offering the "just right" amount of melancholy to songs like Casting Crowns' "Scars In Heaven," and giddiness to "A-Courtin' I Go."

Perhaps though, this overall vocal blend with Mullins, McIntosh and Davis is what makes this album so refreshing, and of the Radio Ramblers configurations, is one of the best in the band's tenure. Adding in the bass vocal of Barnes, Gospel numbers such as the album's a cappella closer, "It's A Grand And Glorious Feeling," wrap up an album that will no doubt stand the test of time.

Let Time Ride will be released everywhere on March 17 and is available for preorder now. Radio programmers can look forward to the next single, "Black And White" to arrive March 3 with a fun concept video release on March 10. For more information on Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, visit www.RadioRamblers.com.

Let Time Ride Track List
Produced by Joe Mullins and Adam McIntosh, Songwriters in Parentheses

1. Let Time Ride (Santana Mullins)
2. I've Been Down That Road (Jerry Salley, Larry Cordle)
3. Black and White (Jeff McClellan, Daniel Salyer)
4. The Glory Road (Marty Stuart, Paul Martin, Harry Stinson)
5. Old Fire (Cliff Wagner)
6. Play The Wildwood Flower (Conrad Fisher)
7. Big City (Paul Williams, Sam Humphrey)
8. Scars In Heaven (John Mark Hall, Matthew Joseph West)
9. A-Courtin' I Go (Barkley C. Davis)
10. End Of The End Of The World (Adam Wright)
11. Forsaken Love (Jason Romero, Pharis Romero)
12. It's A Grand And Glorious Feeling (Albert E. Brumley)

Don’t miss Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, The Little Roy & Lizzy Show, Danny Paisley & The Southern Grass, Chosen Road, Kenny & Amanda Smith, Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, Larry Efaw & The Bluegrass Mountaineers, Ralph Stanley II & The Clinch Mountain Boys, The Price Sisters, The Wayfarers and so much more!

All PRE-SALE ticket options are available June 1st through June 14th. (Use Passcode "TIME23")

▪     New GOLD Reserved level purchases are for the first FIVE rows, A through E, center section reserved seats. At $125 each, the purchase secures a room reservation* for those wishing to stay at the Holiday Inn at The Roberts Centre. (NOTE: one room available PER PAIR of tickets purchased, AND no need for you to call the hotel – your name will automatically go on the reservations list and the hotel will contact YOU to confirm your stay and payment information, should you opt-in to this perk at the time you purchase your tickets.)
▪     SILVER Reserved ticket options - center section reserved seats beginning at row F, only $95 each (through 9/5/23.)
▪     Three-Day General Admission tickets are only $85 each (through 9/5/23.)
▪     Tickets go on sale to the general public (those not on our mailing list) beginning June 15th.

PRE-SALE Tickets Now Available - Passcode: TIME23

Due to the illness of his wife, Doyle Lawson will be unable to attend our Hall of Fame Homecoming Weekend at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Owensboro, KY. Our prayers are with Doyle and Suzanne as they navigate this season. We are all encouraged by good news from Suzanne's doctors and are confident God will take care of our dear friends.

In Doyle's stead, we are grateful to announce that renowned bluegrass legend DEL MCCOURY has graciously agreed to step in and take the stage at the Hall of Fame Homecoming. “JMRR enjoys a wonderful friendship with Del. Each of us have been inspired and encouraged by Del McCoury and Paul Williams. And what a THRILL to enjoy their powerful music on stage at a facility they BOTH helped build – the Bluegrass Hall of Fame!" ~ Joe Mullins

Join us September 1st and 2nd at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum for the Hall of Fame Homecoming featuring Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, Del McCoury and Paul Williams.

TICKETS & INFO HERE

After an eight-year recording hiatus, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out are announcing the release of TWO new singles this week: "Heading East To West Virginia" and "When I Get There." Both songs will be available to radio and digital streaming services Friday, October 6th.

With a career in full-time music spanning 32 years, the International Bluegrass Music Association's (IBMA) seven-time Vocal Group of the Year has amassed 18 full-length albums including their 2015 release, It's About Tyme, that stayed #1 on the National Bluegrass Survey Top 15 Albums chart for a record-setting six months. Prior, the band garnered the attention of executives at Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores® who invited the band to record Timeless Hits From The Past...BLUEGRASSED sold exclusively at Cracker Barrel stores across the country. With so much success to their credit, IBMA's six-time Male Vocalist of the Year, Russell Moore has been asked repeatedly, "Why wait so long?"

"I've always wanted our band to present the absolute best music possible so entering the studio to record comes with a great deal of forethought and preparation for me," says Moore. "Before we recorded the album for Cracker Barrel, it had been five years since our previous album. In fact, going into the studio only two years later for It's About Tyme was kind of an anomaly for us. That album was so successful that I didn't really feel the need to prepare for another project right away. And then there was a period of time when we experienced a couple band member changes, and then came the pandemic, and the next thing you know, time has flown by." But the wait is finally over and Moore is counting on beloved fans and radio to be as excited about this new music as he is. "I'm hopeful that folks will be excited about not just one single, but two! We thought, why not come out of the gate running and give everyone a bluegrass and a gospel song."

Known for their solid delivery of cut-to-the-core bluegrass, "Heading East To West Virginia," written by Tim Raybon, is straight up made for IIIrd Tyme Out. "I like a good 'hook' to a song and when I first saw the title of 'Heading East To West Virginia' it immediately piqued my interest," Moore says. "After listening to the demo I knew I wanted to record it. The positive story-line and excitement of falling in love and longing to be with someone comes thru clearly, and I think you can hear the band's excitement in our performance on this cut!"

Another contributing factor to the band's decades-long success is their delivery of Gospel quartet numbers. The addition of fiddler and bass singer Nathan Aldridge in 2018 afforded them the opportunity to revisit many of the classic gospel songs the band had recorded over the years. So, it was a natural decision to record and release "When I Get There." Of the song, Moore says, "I knew Mike Feagan to be a fiddle player but didn't know he was also a writer. The demo for this song was just Mike and his guitar, but I quickly heard it as being a quartet all the way thru. Mike definitely has a talent other than playing fiddle and I love the way he put his feelings into words with this song. I also look forward to performing it on our live shows for years to come."

Fans will get a sneak peek of the new music when "Heading East To West Virginia" premieres on SiriusXM Bluegrass Junction with Joey Black on Wednesday, October 4th at 8am ET followed by the premiere of "When I Get There" on BanjoRadio with Kyle Cantrell at 7:45am CT on Thursday, October 5th. Both songs will be available to radio programmers and on digital streaming services beginning Friday, October 6th.

For more information on Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, visit IIIrdTymeOut.com or follow the band on Facebook and Instagram: @iiirdtymeout.

Three years after its original release on compact disc and streaming services, Smithsonian Folkways is announcing a special DOUBLE VINYL LP SET of the International Bluegrass Music Association's (IBMA) Album of the Year (2021), Industrial Strength Bluegrass. This all-star project set, which tells the story of bluegrass' transformation from a music to a movement carried north by Appalachians seeking a better life in the booming post-WWII factories of Southwest Ohio, will be released May 3rd. The new vinyl edition includes the original 16-song collection PLUS seven bonus archival tracks.

Industrial Strength Bluegrass was produced by IBMA Award-winning musician, bandleader, broadcaster and event producer Joe Mullins, whose father - fiddler, radio personality and Bluegrass Hall of Famer Paul “Moon” Mullins - made that journey and helped found the region’s bluegrass scene. The compilation (companion to a book of the same title from University of Illinois Press) presents Southwest Ohio bluegrass classics remade by an all-star cast featuring Country Music Hall of Famers the Oak Ridge Boys and Vince Gill, Bluegrass Hall of Fame members Bobby Osborne and Doyle Lawson, and many of today’s finest bluegrass and Americana artists including Lee Ann Womack, Dan Tyminski, The Isaacs, Russell Moore, Sierra Hull, and more. The additional seven tracks, courtesy of Rebel Records, help deepen the narrative of this epochal period in bluegrass with archival recordings by The Traditional Grass, The Hotmud Family, Dave Evans, The Boys From Indiana, and Bluegrass Hall of Fame members Red Allen, Larry Sparks, and The Stanley Brothers.

As the factories of southwestern Ohio hummed with activity during the middle decades of the 20th century, they not only powered the nation's economy but also served as magnets for hundreds of thousands of migrants from Appalachia. Among these migrants were numerous talented musicians whose melodies would come to define the region's cultural landscape. Every Friday, crowds either headed "down home" or to local bars in cities like Cincinnati and Dayton, where bluegrass bands played fervently to homesick Kentuckians.

Recording studios and radio stations offered careers, but the defining sound of Southwest Ohio bluegrass was created in bars. There, musicians and fans formed the first real bluegrass community, and that spirit of adventure in every migrant leaving home for a new life found its way into the music. Southwest Ohio bluegrass was a unique combination of deep tradition and game-changing innovation.

Producer and performer Joe Mullins saw the archival artists performing these songs around the time they were recorded. “My bluegrass journey has been a lifetime labor of love. I live 6 miles from the auditorium where the first bluegrass college concert was held, and where the Stanley Brothers track in the ISB vinyl set was recorded. Adding in classic bluegrass from our neighborhood was so exciting, and these older recordings connect perfectly to the songs we recorded for the 2021 release. The tunes and artists added from the past 60 plus years represent the foundation of Ohio’s bluegrass traditions; industrial strength then and now!”

The double vinyl set of Industrial Strength Bluegrass has expanded liner notes contributed by Joe’s son and co-producer, Daniel Mullins, also a journalist and third generation radio broadcaster, and will be available via Smithsonian Folkways beginning May 3rd. A limited number of advance copies will be available for purchase at the Industrial Strength Bluegrass Festival happening March 21st through 23rd in Wilmington, OH. For more information visit folkways.si.edu.

Track List (*denotes bonus track)
Side A
1. Readin', Rightin’, Route 23 - Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers
2. Are You Missing Me - Dailey & Vincent
3. 20/20 Vision - Dan Tyminski
4. You'll Never Be The Same - The Traditional Grass*
5. Baby Blue Eyes - Vince Gill
6. When He Blessed My Soul - Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver

Side B
1. Barefoot Nellie - Jim Lauderdale and High Fidelity
2. Once More - The Grascals
3. Mountain Strings - Sierra Hull
4. Stone Wall - Red Allen & The Allen Brothers*
5. Suzanne - Mo Pitney and Merle Monroe
6. The Singer - The Hotmud Family*

Side C
1. Larry Sparks Medley: Dark Hollow/A Face In The Crowd/These Old Blues - Josh Williams, Bradley Walker and Russell Moore
2. Ninety-Nine Years Is Almost for Life - Dave Evans*
3. Garden Tomb - The Isaacs and The Oak Ridge Boys
4. He's Everything to Me - Larry Sparks*
5. From Life's Other Side - Lee Ann Womack

Side D
1. I'm Bound to Ride - The Stanley Brothers*
2. Stone Walls and Steel Bars - Ronnie Bowman, Don Rigsby, and Kenny Smith
3. Shakin' the Grate - The Boys From Indiana*
4. Family Reunion - Rhonda Vincent and Caleb Daugherty
5. The Rolling Mills of Middletown - Larry Cordle
6. We'll Head Back to Harlan - Bobby Osborne

About Smithsonian Folkways
Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, the "National Museum of Sound," makes available close to 60,000 tracks in physical and digital format as the nonprofit record label of the Smithsonian, with a reach of 80 million people per year. A division of the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, the non-profit label is dedicated to supporting cultural diversity and increased understanding among people through the documentation, preservation, production and dissemination of sound. Its mission is the legacy of Moses Asch, who founded Folkways Records in 1948 to document "people's music" from around the world. For more information about Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, visit folkways.si.edu.

With a friendship forged in the the early '90s bluegrass scene, Jason Carter and Michael Cleveland soon discovered they shared a plethora of fiddle influences that shaped their illustrious careers. From late-night jam sessions and unforgettable stage performances, to recording on each others solo projects, the idea of a joint collaboration began taking shape with each passing conversation. 15 years later, the dream has become reality and for fans of these two titans of the fiddle, the wait is finally over.

Carter and Cleveland are thrilled to announce the release of their highly anticipated debut single. Produced with impeccable craftsmanship and heartfelt sincerity, "Give It Away" sets the stage for Carter and Cleveland's forthcoming album on Fiddle Man Records, which promises to be a landmark release in Americana and Bluegrass music.

Written by esteemed musicians, Tim O'Brien and Matt Combs, "Give It Away" features Carter and the legendary Sam Bush on vocals delivering a powerful message about the profound connection between giving and receiving love. With their masterful fiddle playing at the forefront, Carter and Cleveland deliver a performance that is both soul-stirring and technically brilliant.

Reflecting on the song's significance, Carter shares, "When I first heard this song from Tim and Matt, it resonated deeply with me. It reflects a principle instilled in me by my parents: it's always better to give than receive. Having Sam join me on vocals felt fitting. He has a remarkable ability to light up any room with his presence, and he embodies the spirit of giving and receiving love. It's a joy to share this song with him."

Cleveland adds his perspective, saying, "I first heard 'Give It Away' on a demo Tim sent us and I liked the song immediately. Tim’s version had a great old-time feel to it, but once I heard Jason sing it in the key of B, I knew we had a hard-driving bluegrass song on our hands! The message of the song is something we can all learn from and the groove never stops. I’d like to extend my gratitude to Bryan Sutton, Cory Walker, Alan Bartram, and Sam Bush for bringing this song to life."

Jason Carter and Michael Cleveland's first single, "Give It Away," is now available on Fiddle Man Records to radio programmers via AirPlay Direct or by requesting a direct download. "Give It Away" is also available on popular digital streaming platforms. More music is expected in the coming months with the full album slated for later this year. For information, visit JasonCarterFiddle.com and MichaelClevelandFiddle.com.

About Jason Carter
For over three decades, Jason Carter has been a cornerstone of the bluegrass world, serving as the fiddler for the renowned Del McCoury Band and as co-founder of the Travelin’ McCourys. Throughout his career, Carter's talent has garnered widespread recognition, including three GRAMMY® Awards and six International Bluegrass Music Association Fiddle Player of the Year accolades. Notably, his recording of "Kissimmee Kid" from his album Lowdown Hoedown earned him an Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year award. Beyond his work with Del McCoury and the Travelin' McCourys, Carter's fiddling has graced albums by an impressive array of artists including Steve Earle, Ricky Skaggs, Dierks Bentley, and Billy Strings, among others. His contributions to the genre were further immortalized in 2015 when his name was added to The Country Music Highway in Eastern Kentucky, alongside legends like Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gayle, and Chris Stapleton.

About Michael Cleveland
Michael Cleveland began playing professionally after graduating from high school, first with Jeff White, later with Dale Ann Bradley and Rhonda Vincent. In 2006 he formed Flamekeeper, seven-time recipients of the IBMA’s Instrumental Group of the Year award, including Josh Richards, Nathan Livers, Jasiah Shrode, and Chris Douglas. In addition to touring with his band, Cleveland has performed with a legendary list of bluegrass greats: Bela Fleck, Tommy Emmanuel, Billy Strings, Vince Gill, and more. Widely considered the bluegrass fiddler of his generation, Cleveland has been recognized 12 times as the IBMA’s Fiddle Player of the Year and in 2018 was inducted into the National Fiddlers Hall of Fame. He is a three-time GRAMMY® nominee and won in 2019 for Best Bluegrass Album for Tall Fiddler. The same year, Cleveland’s amazing life of adversity and achievement was featured in the documentary film Flamekeeper: The Michael Cleveland Story. In 2022 he was awarded the National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellowship.

Following his bluegrass tease in early 2023 with the release of "Old Home Place," Mo Pitney is making good on his promise of more bluegrass music with the announcement of his partnership with banjoist John Meyer. Born of an enduring friendship and a love of traditional bluegrass music, Pitney Meyer is a musical brotherhood and songwriting collaboration.

What began with informal jam sessions in hallways and stairwells during SPBGMA and IBMA conferences, evolved into a mutually deep reverence for an art form that was built on human connection and heart. Pitney Meyer found themselves creating songs out of these spontaneous sessions, eventually feeling the pull to record a collection in the most authentic way possible. "I knew we wanted to record a live album so I immediately became interested in using tape for that reason," says Mo. "Our heroes, this is the way they recorded. They sat in a circle gathered around in a room and made music."

Committed to capturing the human element at every level of the recording process, Pitney Meyer, alongside Serve Productions, built a completely analog recording studio in the heart of an 1837 hand-hewn log cabin, formerly owned by Johnny Cash, now the Storytellers Hideaway Farm in Bon Aqua, Tennessee. "It’s interesting, I think, learning about this property," says John. "What this was for Johnny Cash, was sort of his place to get away from it all. So in a way, we’re kind of here for the same reason. We want to make music but we want it to be defined by the music."

"That Sounds Lonesome" serves as the perfect introduction to Pitney Meyer with John's solid banjo kick and roll throughout the track, coupled with Mo's well-loved lead vocal. John adds tenor and Nate Burie, who also plays mandolin, sings baritone. The band track is complete with award-winner Jenee Fleenor on fiddle and Blake Pitney on bass. The single is quintessential bluegrass in feel but with a fresh take on the lonesome theme:

Coon dogs bayin', Know what he's sayin'
Whistling winds a playin' through a weeping willow tree
Wood floors creakin', Tin roof is leakin'
The company I'm keepin' is the shadow of a dream

That sounds lonesome, That sounds lonesome
The sounds a little lonesome to me
That sounds lonesome, Low down and then some
That sounds a little lonesome to me

"My first introduction to being overjoyed with music is with Bluegrass," continues Mo. "Jimmy Martin, Tony Rice, Larry Sparks, Del McCoury. Now, it’s like the best of all worlds with John and I being able to come out here and have songs that we’ve written, stories that mean something to us, but sounds like the old joyful, child-like bluegrass that we grew up loving."

"This form of music is inherently nostalgic," John adds, "But it can’t only be nostalgia. There has to be something fresh, there has to be something from your heart. What’s your story? How do you tell that? I really think that’s what’s been happening with this music and that’s why it’s been resonating with us and with others."

Pitney Meyer will celebrate the release of "That Sounds Lonesome" with its World Premiere on BanjoRadio with Hall of Fame Broadcaster Kyle Cantrell on July 18th at 7:00am CT and again at 10am CT. The duo will appear live July 19th on WSM 650 AM with Coffee, Country & Cody at 8:15am CT and on RFD TV at 12noon CT. Additionally, Bluegrass Today will premiere the official video for "That Sounds Lonesome."

"That Sounds Lonesome" will be available everywhere Friday, July 19th. Presave the song here. For more on Pitney Meyer, visit PitneyMeyer.com.

About Pitney Meyer
PITNEY MEYER is the inspired bluegrass collaboration of Mo Pitney & John Meyer, born out of jam sessions and music gatherings in living rooms, festivals, and stages like the Station Inn where Mo and John played a sold-out residency. With Mo on acoustic guitar and John on banjo, they are joined on-stage by Nate Burie (mandolin) and Blake Pitney (bass), along with a rotating list of top-tier fiddle players including CMA Musician of the Year Jenee Fleenor, Ivy Phillips, and Ron Stewart. Their debut record is scheduled to be released Spring 2025.

Co-IBMA fiddle nominees Jason Carter and Michael Cleveland are happy to announce more music from their long-awaited collaboration is now available. "Outrun The Rain," the second single from their forthcoming album on Fiddle Man Records, drops to radio and digital streaming services today. In celebration, the fiddle phenoms will perform the song for the first time publicly on the Grand Ole Opry tonight!

From late-night jam sessions and unforgettable stage performances, to recording on each others solo projects, the idea of a joint collaboration began taking shape each time Carter and Cleveland visited. 15 years later, the dream has become reality and for fans of these two titans of the fiddle, the result has already taken the industry by storm. Their first single, "Give It Away," instantly became a radio hit and reached #1 on Bluegrass Today's Top 30 Songs chart two weeks in a row, and ranked #1 on the August Top 20 Monthly Songs chart. Weeks after its release, the fiddle duo took the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, receiving two standing ovations and an invitation from Opry management to return for another performance.

Watch "Give it Away' Live on the Grand Ole Opry

Carter and Cleveland are set to captivate listeners once again with their sophomore single, "Outrun The Rain." This track highlights their impeccable musicianship, further enhanced by the talents of Bryan Sutton on guitar, Cory Walker on banjo, Harry Clark on mandolin and Alan Bartram on bass. The track only gets better with Carter's deep baritone on lead vocal accompanied by rising star Jaelee Roberts and Country Music Hall of Famer Vince Gill.

"'Outrun the Rain' was written by Terry Herd and Jimmy Yeary, and I think we both knew we wanted to record this song the first time we heard it," said Carter. "Everyone knows Michael is one of the world’s greatest fiddle players, but it was really cool for me to watch him produce this song."

Cleveland explains, "I aimed to create a twin fiddle intro that mimics the sound of rain, and when I heard Jason sing the chorus for the first time, I knew adding tenor and high baritone would make it even more powerful. Vince and Jaelee exceeded all expectations, making the final track something truly special."

"During the recording process, we also wanted to incorporate a jam section with instrument trades, and Michael also came up with a really cool twin fiddle part to lead us back into the final chorus," adds Carter. "We’re thrilled with how 'Outrun the Rain' turned out."

Jason Carter and Michael Cleveland will celebrate the release of "Outrun the Rain" by performing it for the first time publicly on the Grand Ole Opry tonight at 7pm CT. For tickets, visit Opry.com or listen in at WSMonline.com.

"Outrun the Rain" is now available on Fiddle Man Records to radio programmers via AirPlay Direct or by requesting a direct download here. "Outrun The Rain" is also available on popular digital streaming platforms here. More music is expected in the coming months with the full album slated for early 2025. For information, visit JasonCarterFiddle.com and MichaelClevelandFiddle.com.

Jason Carter and Michael Cleveland announce the release of their first instrumental track, "Bluegrass in the Backwoods," a Kenny Baker classic, from their eagerly awaited new album. Following two standout singles that highlighted Carter's rich baritone vocals, "Bluegrass in the Backwoods" shifts focus to the duo's exceptional instrumental prowess, offering a fresh and dynamic glimpse into their musicianship.

Carter and Cleveland set the bluegrass world on its ear when after 15 years of teasing a collaboration, finally released their first single, "Give It Away," featuring Sam Bush on mandolin and harmony vocal. The sophomore track, "Outrun The Rain" dropped jaws when the duo debuted it on the Grand Ole Opry backed by a cast of top-tier musicians and resulting in a standing ovation. Both songs reached #1 and remain on radio charts across the genre.

With a combined 18 IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year awards, these fiddle phenoms are finally ready to release an instrumental that features their collective musical genius, while simultaneously paying homage to one of bluegrass music's most lauded fiddle players, and a favorite of both Carter and Cleveland.

"Kenny Baker was one of the pioneers of bluegrass fiddling and has been a huge influence on both mine and Michael’s playing styles," says Carter. "I've loved 'Bluegrass in the Backwoods' ever since I first heard it as a teenager."

"It’s a challenging tune to play and I’ve often wondered how it would sound with twin fiddles," adds Cleveland. "One of the highlights for me is the trade-off section where Jason and I get to jam over the third and fourth parts of the tune. Casey Campbell (mandolin), Alan Bartram (bass), Cody Kilby (guitar), and Cory Walker (banjo) absolutely crushed it. I couldn’t be happier with how our arrangement turned out—it's such a blast, with everyone taking blistering solos. It’s hard to play this song without thinking of Kenny Baker, and I often imagine a big jam session in the field at Bean Blossom, with someone like Joe Greene or Bobby Hicks playing harmony."

"Bluegrass In The Backwoods" is now available on Fiddle Man Records to radio programmers via AirPlay Direct or by requesting a direct download here. The song is also available on popular digital streaming platforms here. More music is expected in the coming months with the full album slated for 2025. For information, visit JasonCarterFiddle.com and MichaelClevelandFiddle.com.

Cherokee Pioneer, the eagerly awaited debut album from Pitney Meyer, is set to release on April 18, 2025, via Curb Records. This groundbreaking project features the duo’s new single, “Bear Creek Clay,” a bluegrass barn-burner highlight in an 11-song collection that captures the heart and soul of the musical brotherhood formed between Mo Pitney and John Meyer. Pre-orders for the album begin today, with “Bear Creek Clay” available now.

The rollout of Cherokee Pioneer began with “That Sounds Lonesome,” the first in an accelerated single release schedule that also included “Old Friend” and “Trail of Tears.” With two more tracks set to drop ahead of the album’s April release, the songs have been warmly embraced by fans and radio, generating widespread excitement for the upcoming full-length debut. Each track showcases Pitney Meyer’s dedication to authentic storytelling and their deep connection to the traditional bluegrass roots that inspire their music.

"My first introduction to being overjoyed with music is with Bluegrass," says Mo. "Jimmy Martin, Tony Rice, Larry Sparks, Del McCoury. Now, it’s like the best of all worlds with John and I being able to come out here and have songs that we’ve written, stories that mean something to us, but sounds like the old joyful, child-like bluegrass that we grew up loving." 

That joy deepened when Mo and John began meeting for impromptu jam sessions in hallways and stairwells at renowned bluegrass events like SPBGMA and IBMA's World of Bluegrass. It was during these spontaneous moments that they discovered their shared musical voice and started crafting songs together. These collaborations eventually led to a residency at Nashville's iconic Station Inn, where plans for recording their first album began to take shape.

The duo recorded Cherokee Pioneer entirely on analog tape at the Storytellers Hideaway Farm in Bon Aqua, Tennessee, inside a historic 1837 log cabin once owned by Johnny Cash. "I knew we wanted to record a live album so I immediately became interested in using tape for that reason," says Mo. "Our heroes, this is the way they recorded. They sat in a circle gathered around in a room and made music."

The album, steeped in the rich sounds of banjo, mandolin, and heartfelt lyrics, honors the Appalachian roots of bluegrass, a genre that took shape on front porches where stories were sung and traditions passed down. Pitney Meyer channels this timeless spirit, crafting 10 of the 11 tracks where the interplay of acoustic instruments and soaring harmonies brings their ancestors’ folklore to life. Blending mournful eulogies with jubilant spirituals, the duo’s full-length debut creates a vivid tapestry of imagery and intricate arrangements that showcase the depth and camaraderie of a true bluegrass brotherhood.

“Bear Creek Clay” written by Danielle Yother, John Meyer and Mo Pitney, is the latest single from the forthcoming album, and highlights John on lead vocal, further underscoring the duo’s remarkable versatility. Much like the protagonist in “Bear Creek Clay” who sets out on a bold adventure, Mo and John are embarking on an exciting journey of their own, bringing their shared passion for bluegrass to life in this captivating debut.

Long is the road that now lies before me

With my hound by my side and the rifle I carry

Walking both night and both day

To the banks of the Bear Creek Clay

"This form of music is inherently nostalgic," John adds, "But it can’t only be nostalgia. There has to be something fresh, there has to be something from your heart. What’s your story? How do you tell that? I really think that’s what’s been happening with this music and that’s why it’s been resonating with us and with others. We wanted to make music that’s defined by the music. This project is about connecting with people, honoring the past, and sharing what’s in our hearts."

Cherokee Pioneer is set to release on April 18th, with pre-orders available now, and the newest single, “Bear Creek Clay,” streaming everywhere and out to radio today. For more on Pitney Meyer and their debut release, visit PitneyMeyer.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram @pitneymeyer.

Cherokee Pioneer Track List

Produced by Eric Quinlan, Daniel Kohavi, John Meyer, Mo Pitney; songwriters in parentheses

1. "Banjo Picker (In A Bluegrass Band)" (Mo Pitney, Darryl Miller)

2. "Old Friend" (Mo Pitney, John Meyer, Wyatt McCubbin)

3. "Bear Creek Clay" (Danielle Yother, John Meyer, Mo Pitney)

4. "Mourning Dove" (Mo Pitney, John Meyer)

5. "White Corn Graves" (Darryl Miller)

6. "Trail Of Tears" (Mo Pitney, John Meyer) 

7. "Blue Water" (Mo Pitney, John Meyer)

8. "Seminole Wind" (John Anderson)

9. "Walk In The Way" (Mo Pitney, John Meyer)

10. "Rivers Of Living Water" (Mo Pitney, John Meyer) 

11. "Lord Sabbath" (Mo Pitney) 

The world of bluegrass music is abuzz as two of the genre’s most acclaimed fiddlers, Jason Carter and Michael Cleveland, prepare to release their long-awaited collaborative album, Carter & Cleveland, on March 14, 2025, via Fiddle Man Records. Fans can now pre-save the album and enjoy the latest single, a spirited interpretation of John Hartford’s “With a Vamp in the Middle,” available on all streaming platforms and radio.

Carter & Cleveland builds on the duo’s more than 30 years of friendship, a natural culmination of their frequent musical cross-pollinations and collaborations over that time. They first met as teenagers—Cleveland was 13 and Carter was 19—and they were already mutual admirers of the skill, musicality, reverence for tradition, and unique fiddle fire they each heard in the other’s playing.

“When I first heard Michael, I was blown away,” Carter recalls. “He sounded as good as anyone out there, even back then.”

As they each grew and developed as pickers and musicians, they continued to cross paths at many junctures—festivals, co-bills, conferences—in Indiana, Nashville, Kentucky, and beyond. They’d perform together as a special feature with Del McCoury, or Carter would jump on stage with Cleveland’s band, Flamekeeper. Though they rarely had time to rehearse material or build repertoire, the two always had an ease and comfort making music together, even off the cuff, pulling their bows in perfect synchronicity. They speak about their remarkably complementary styles the way family bands talk about singing harmony—there’s something magical and telepathic about their connection.

“Twin fiddle is like really good vocal harmony when it’s right,” Cleveland explains. “When it’s super tight and together, there’s nothing else like it. It’s like our own brother duet.”

Carter & Cleveland is chock-full of this particular brand of brotherly fiddle synergy, built around their one-of-a-kind, effortless blend. Across its 11 tracks, there’s bluegrass, fiddle tune standards, rip-roaring alt-country, and endlessly rich and lush double- and triple-stop harmonies.

Carter’s delicious and honeyed baritone vocals anchor quite a few numbers, including the album’s first single, “Give It Away,” written by Tim O'Brien and Matt Combs, which climbed to the #1 spot on Bluegrass Today’s Top 30 Songs chart. The song was propelled by a show-stopping debut at the Grand Ole Opry that earned two standing ovations and inspired an exclusive mini-documentary produced by the Opry.

Watch the "Give It Away" Mini-Documentary

Equally impressive is “Outrun the Rain,” penned by Terry Herd and Jimmy Yeary—another #1 for the fiddle duo—a slow burner dripping with loneliness, featuring guest vocals by Vince Gill and Jaelee Roberts.

There are classic instrumentals, of course, with Carter and Cleveland sawing on mouthwatering twin fiddle on tracks like “Kern County Breakdown,” a reimagined staple of guitar-picking country, and “Bluegrass in the Backwoods” and “Stoney Lonesome,” pulled directly from the great bluegrass fiddle songbook. String band music is just the beginning, though, as there are plenty of Americana, country, and “grassicana” moments as well. “Middle of Middle Tennessee,” written by Darrell Scott, is an alt-country banger with tinges of Southern rock, propelled—like all great country tunes—by driving, superlative bluegrass fiddling.

Beyond the duo’s masterful fiddling, the album features an all-star lineup of collaborators, including Gill, Roberts, Scott, Sam Bush, The Del McCoury Band, Charlie Worsham, Sierra Hull, Jerry Douglas, Jeff White, and more, backed by session greats such as Cody Kilby, Bryan Sutton, Alan Bartram, Harry Clark, Casey Campbell, Cory Walker, Dominick Leslie, David Grier, Justin Moses, and Jordan Perlson.

Cleveland describes the project as a personal milestone: “I’ve always admired Jason’s playing, and creating this album together is a dream come true.” Carter echoes the sentiment: “Michael’s been an inspiration since I first met him. Fans will definitely feel the magic we’ve poured into this album.” Carter & Cleveland is certainly poised to land right alongside the indispensable records in bluegrass history books and in the hearts of its listeners.

Carter & Cleveland will be released on March 14 via Fiddle Man Records. Fans can pre-order the album now and stream the captivating single, “With a Vamp in the Middle,” available on all major platforms. For more information, visit JasonCarterFiddle.com and MichaelClevelandFiddle.com.

Carter & Cleveland Track List

Give It Away (featuring Sam Bush)
Kern County Breakdown
With a Vamp in the Middle (featuring Darrell Scott)
Runnin’ Late (featuring Jerry Douglas)
Dreams (featuring The Del McCoury Band)
Outrun the Rain (featuring Vince Gill and Jaelee Roberts)
Stoney Lonesome (featuring The Del McCoury Band)
Middle of Middle Tennessee (featuring Charlie Worsham)
Arapahoe
Fiddler Jones (featuring Jeff White)
Bluegrass in the Backwoods

Produced by Michael Cleveland and Jason Carter

About Jason Carter

For over three decades, Jason Carter has been a cornerstone of the bluegrass world, serving as the fiddler for the renowned Del McCoury Band and as co-founder of the Travelin’ McCourys. Throughout his career, Carter's talent has garnered widespread recognition, including three GRAMMY® Awards and six International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Fiddle Player of the Year accolades. Notably, his recording of "Kissimmee Kid" from his album Lowdown Hoedown earned him the IBMA’s Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year award. Beyond his work with Del McCoury and the Travelin' McCourys, Carter's fiddling has graced albums by an impressive array of artists, including Steve Earle, Ricky Skaggs, Dierks Bentley, and Billy Strings, among others. His contributions to the genre were further immortalized in 2015 when his name was added to The Country Music Highway in Eastern Kentucky, alongside legends like Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gayle, and Chris Stapleton.

About Michael Cleveland

Michael Cleveland began playing professionally after graduating from high school, performing with Dale Ann Bradley and Rhonda Vincent. In 2006, he formed Flamekeeper—seven-time recipients of the IBMA’s Instrumental Group of the Year award—featuring Josh Richards, Nathan Livers, Jasiah Shrode, and Chris Douglas. In addition to touring with his band, Cleveland has performed with an impressive roster of legendary musicians, including Béla Fleck, Tommy Emmanuel, Billy Strings, and Vince Gill. Widely considered the bluegrass fiddler of his generation, Cleveland has been recognized 12 times as the IBMA’s Fiddle Player of the Year and, in 2018, was inducted into the National Fiddlers Hall of Fame. He is a three-time GRAMMY® nominee and won in 2019 for Best Bluegrass Album for Tall Fiddler. That same year, Cleveland’s inspiring life of adversity and achievement was featured in the documentary film Flamekeeper: The Michael Cleveland Story. In 2022, he was awarded the National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellowship.

Award-winning fiddler, Jason Carter, has announced he is departing the Del McCoury Band and the Travelin' McCourys after three decades of sharing some of the biggest stages in bluegrass music.

"It has been the honor of a lifetime to spend the last 33 years making music with The Del McCoury Band," shares Jason. "After a considerable amount of thought, I’ve decided to say my farewell to Del and the Travelin’ McCourys in order to pursue my solo career as The Jason Carter Band.

I feel so much gratitude to these guys for nearly a lifetime of education in bluegrass music. I consider them to be not only the best musicians in the world, but the finest people you’d ever meet, and I couldn’t have picked a better boss or co-workers to be on this bluegrass journey with.

From the moment I heard Del, I wanted to play in his band. At first, I played guitar and mandolin. I talked so much about playing with Del as a kid that eventually my Dad had to tell me that Del’s sons played banjo and mandolin and Del was the guitar player so if I wanted to be in this band, I would probably have to learn fiddle or bass, and we had a fiddle at the house. I was so obsessed with his music that every day of my senior year in high school, my mother drove me to school and we’d listen to 'I Feel The Blues Moving In.' That song was the perfect length of time to go from our driveway to the doorstep of the school.

When I graduated high school, I realized the chances of even being in the same place as Del and his band were slim to none because they lived in Pennsylvania and I lived in Kentucky. I wound up getting a job with the Goins Brothers right out of high school and six months later, in February 1992, we were in Nashville at the same festival as Del. Tad Marks was the fiddle player in his band and he told me that the McCourys were moving to Nashville and he wasn’t making the move. He knew that I wanted his job and he encouraged me to go talk to Del. So I gave Del my number and a couple weeks later he called our home. He said I was the first to ask for the job so I was the first to get to try out if I wanted to. I’ve been there ever since.

I have to give a huge thank you to the band for practically molding me into the player I am today. Del never told me that I had to play a song a certain way; he always encouraged me to play it how I felt. In those days he would drive the bus, and there were many nights I would ride shotgun all night and play fiddle trying to learn solos to his songs. Del would sing melodies to me and I would try to play them back to him.

I can’t begin to list all the experiences that we had, but I’m extremely proud of every moment. We played everything from college town bars to Carnegie Hall, and the biggest festivals in the world. I’m so proud of all the music that we played together.

I also feel I owe a lot to the guys in the Travelin’ McCourys. I’m extremely grateful to be able to have been part of that band since the beginning. I’m very much excited to watch their growth and all they will accomplish, too. I’ll be their biggest cheerleader!

Not long ago, I realized when Del made the move to Nashville in 1992 and I started with his band, he was close to the same age I am now. This is just another example of how I have been inspired by Del McCoury. At this point in time, I feel that everything in my world is pointing me in the direction of starting my own band and pursuing my solo career. After releasing my latest solo record, Lowdown Hoedown, I have really enjoyed touring and fronting my own shows. I have a new record coming out with my friend, Michael Cleveland, in March, and I’m very excited about playing some shows with him. And, I'm preparing to begin recording my second solo project very soon. I am so excited about this new chapter and for the chance to share my own music with the world."

For more information on Jason Carter including his tour schedule and future projects, visit www.jasoncarterfiddle.com. Jason can also be found on Facebook and Instagram @jasoncarterfiddle.

Feb 20 || Nashville, TN || The Station Inn with Michael Cleveland

Feb 21 || Fort Meyers, FL || Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center with Michael Cleveland

Apr 2 || Savannah, GA || Ships Of The Sea Maritime Museum with Michael Cleveland

Jun 14 || Lake Cowichan, BC, Canada || Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Festival

Sept 12 || Louisville, KY || Bourbon & Beyond with Michael Cleveland

Sept 14 || Flagstaff, AZ || Pickin' In The Pines with Michael Cleveland

About Jason Carter

For over three decades, Jason Carter has been a cornerstone of the bluegrass world, serving as the fiddler for the renowned Del McCoury Band and as co-founder of the Travelin’ McCourys. Throughout his career, Carter's talent has garnered widespread recognition, including three GRAMMY® Awards and six International Bluegrass Music Association Fiddle Player of the Year accolades. Notably, his recording of "Kissimmee Kid" from his album Lowdown Hoedown earned him an Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year award. Beyond his work with Del McCoury and the Travelin' McCourys, Carter's fiddling has graced albums by an impressive array of artists including Steve Earle, Ricky Skaggs, Dierks Bentley, and Billy Strings, among others. His contributions to the genre were further immortalized in 2015 when his name was added to The Country Music Highway in Eastern Kentucky, alongside legends like Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gayle, and Chris Stapleton.

Cherokee Pioneer, the eagerly awaited debut album from Pitney Meyer, is set to release on April 18, 2025, via Curb Records. This groundbreaking project features the duo’s new single, “Blue Water,” a touching, spiritual ballad in an 11-song collection that captures the heart and soul of the musical brotherhood formed between Mo Pitney and John Meyer. Pre-orders for the album are available now, with “Blue Water” on streaming services and out to radio today.

The rollout of Cherokee Pioneer began with “That Sounds Lonesome,” the first in an accelerated single release schedule that also included “Old Friend" and "Trail of Tears." Their January release of "Bear Creek Clay" was featured in Billboard's 5 Must-Hear New Country Songs alongside country music mega stars Jelly Roll, Kane Brown and Lauren Alaina. These first singles from bluegrass music's newest collaboration have been warmly embraced, generating widespread excitement for the upcoming full-length debut. Each track showcases Pitney Meyer’s dedication to authentic storytelling and their deep connection to the traditional bluegrass roots that inspire their music.

"My first introduction to being overjoyed with music is with Bluegrass," says Mo. "Jimmy Martin, Tony Rice, Larry Sparks, Del McCoury. Now, it’s like the best of all worlds with John and I being able to come out here and have songs that we’ve written, stories that mean something to us, but sounds like the old joyful, child-like bluegrass that we grew up loving." 

That joy deepened when Mo and John began meeting for impromptu jam sessions in hallways and stairwells at renowned bluegrass events like SPBGMA and IBMA's World of Bluegrass. It was during these spontaneous moments that they discovered their shared musical voice and started crafting songs together. These collaborations eventually led to a residency at Nashville's iconic Station Inn, where plans for recording their first album began to take shape. Soon after, country artist Sam Hunt extended the invitation to open for him at the Ryman Auditorium where Pitney Meyer performed bluegrass music to a sold-out audience.

Watch Pitney Meyer Perform

"Banjo Picker (In A Bluegrass Band)" at The Ryman

The duo recorded Cherokee Pioneer entirely on analog tape at the Storytellers Hideaway Farm in Bon Aqua, Tennessee, inside a historic 1837 log cabin once owned by Johnny Cash. "I knew we wanted to record a live album so I immediately became interested in using tape for that reason," says Mo. "Our heroes, this is the way they recorded. They sat in a circle gathered around in a room and made music."

The album, steeped in the rich sounds of banjo, mandolin, and heartfelt lyrics, honors the Appalachian roots of bluegrass, a genre that took shape on front porches where stories were sung and traditions passed down. Pitney Meyer channels this timeless spirit, crafting 10 of the 11 tracks where the interplay of acoustic instruments and soaring harmonies brings their ancestors’ folklore to life. Blending mournful eulogies with jubilant spirituals, the duo’s full-length debut creates a vivid tapestry of imagery and intricate arrangements that showcase the depth and camaraderie of a true bluegrass brotherhood.

Pitney Meyer seeks divine guidance in "Blue Water," their latest single—a hauntingly beautiful bluegrass track that feels both timeless and deeply personal. Woven with the duo’s signature brother-like harmonies and the gentle lilt of a banjo, the song carries the weight of a well-worn spiritual, despite its recent origins. 

And the rain may keep on falling

Through the pain I keep on calling

Out of the blue, blue water

Where the silent sufferer long his vigil keeps

Blue, blue water

In the heart of man where deep calls unto deep

Blue, blue water

"This form of music is inherently nostalgic," John adds, "But it can’t only be nostalgia. There has to be something fresh, there has to be something from your heart. What’s your story? How do you tell that? I really think that’s what’s been happening with this music and that’s why it’s been resonating with us and with others. We wanted to make music that’s defined by the music. This project is about connecting with people, honoring the past, and sharing what’s in our hearts."

Cherokee Pioneer is set to release on April 18th, with pre-orders available now, and the newest single, “Blue Water,” streaming everywhere and out to radio today. For more on Pitney Meyer and their debut release, visit PitneyMeyer.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram @pitneymeyer.

Cherokee Pioneer Track List

Produced by Eric Quinlan, Daniel Kohavi, John Meyer, Mo Pitney; songwriters in parentheses

1. "Banjo Picker (In A Bluegrass Band)" (Mo Pitney, Darryl Miller)

2. "Old Friend" (Mo Pitney, John Meyer, Wyatt McCubbin)

3. "Bear Creek Clay" (Danielle Yother, John Meyer, Mo Pitney)

4. "Mourning Dove" (Mo Pitney, John Meyer)

5. "White Corn Graves" (Darryl Miller)

6. "Trail Of Tears" (Mo Pitney, John Meyer) 

7. "Blue Water" (Mo Pitney, John Meyer)

8. "Seminole Wind" (John Anderson)

9. "Walk In The Way" (Mo Pitney, John Meyer)

10. "Rivers Of Living Water" (Mo Pitney, John Meyer) 

11. "Lord Sabbath" (Mo Pitney)

Celebrating two decades of authentic, heart-driven bluegrass, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers are set to release their 12th career album, Lovin', Fightin', Losin' Sleep, on June 27 via Billy Blue Records. The 10-track collection showcases the band’s harmonic mastery with three lead vocalists on a fresh batch of songs from revered writers.

The album’s title is drawn from the opening track and the previously released first single, “Time Adds Up (If You’re Lucky),” a fitting summation of the band’s journey and the timeless themes woven throughout the record. “I hope the title of our latest album is intriguing," says bandleader Joe Mullins. "I think it’s entertaining! Each of the subjects has been sung about for decades, and believe it or not, new songs are always coming our way about some of these familiar topics. We didn’t plan the rest of the album’s material because of that line, but when we analyzed the content, it was perfect.”

The band has always enjoyed songs with a message and “The Good Old Days” fits well within that theme. Written by Flatt Lonesome's Kelsi Harrigill and her father Dolton Robertson, Adam McIntosh poured his heart into the lyrics, and the harmony vocals are made even sweeter with the addition of Harrigill. The toe-tapping tribute to the working man, “Black and Decker Blues,” penned by Larry Cordle and Jim Rushing, is a masterclass in well-written, timeless bluegrass. Band member Chris Davis, who previously worked with Cordle, delivers a standout lead vocal.

Fiddler Jason Barie brings a defining sound to the band, especially on Conrad Fisher's “The Bluebirds Are Singing For Me,” an intimate arrangement paired only with mandolin by Davis. Another standout is the reflective “Something To Look Forward To,” written by Ronnie Bowman and Billy Strings, exploring the life of a traveling musician—territory the Radio Ramblers know well.

Mullins also contributes original material including the instrumental “Cancellation Blues,” inspired by pandemic-era tour cancellations, and the tongue-in-cheek "Circling The Drain," a light-hearted look at a man being kicked to the curb co-written with Jerry Salley.

Ahead of the full album, the band is showing a completely different side to their multi-faceted vocals with a spirited rendition of “End Of The Line." Originally recorded by supergroup The Traveling Wilburys, the Radio Ramblers’ take is a celebration of vocal harmony and rhythmic energy. “'End of the Line' was so much fun to arrange and record,” says Mullins. “Each Rambler can sing most any harmony part so, much like the originators of the song, four of us take turns delivering the verses, and Adam, Chris, and I all take turns singing three different harmony parts. The contagious beat of the song, supported by Ben Isaacs (bass) and Mike Rogers (bluegrass drums), keeps us all focused and energized. The lyrics are positive and inspiring—heavy on the lovin’ and not dwelling so much on fightin’ or losin’ sleep.”

"End Of The Line" is now available on popular digital streaming platforms with the full album, Lovin', Fightin', Losin', Sleep releasing June 27th. Fans can listen to the new single and presave the album here. For more information and to preorder Lovin', Fightin', Losin' Sleep, visit RadioRamblers.com.

Celebrating two decades of authentic, heart-driven bluegrass, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers proudly release their 12th career album, Lovin', Fightin', Losin' Sleep, available now via Billy Blue Records. Out today, the 10-track collection showcases the band’s harmonic mastery with three lead vocalists delivering a fresh batch of songs from revered writers.

The album’s title is drawn from the opening track and the previously released first single, “Time Adds Up (If You’re Lucky),” a fitting summation of the band’s journey and the timeless themes woven throughout the record. “I hope the title of our latest album is intriguing," says bandleader Joe Mullins. "I think it’s entertaining! Each of the subjects has been sung about for decades, and believe it or not, new songs are always coming our way about some of these familiar topics. We didn’t plan the rest of the album’s material because of that line, but when we analyzed the content, it was perfect.”

The band has always enjoyed songs with a message and “The Good Old Days” fits well within that theme. Written by Flatt Lonesome's Kelsi Harrigill and her father Dolton Robertson, Adam McIntosh poured his heart into the lyrics, and the harmony vocals are made even sweeter with the addition of Harrigill. The toe-tapping tribute to the working man, “Black and Decker Blues,” penned by Larry Cordle and Jim Rushing, is a masterclass in well-written, timeless bluegrass. Band member Chris Davis, who previously worked with Cordle, delivers a standout lead vocal.

Fiddler Jason Barie brings a defining sound to the band, especially on Conrad Fisher's “The Bluebirds Are Singing For Me,” an intimate arrangement paired only with mandolin by Davis. Another standout is the reflective “Something To Look Forward To,” written by Ronnie Bowman and Billy Strings, exploring the life of a traveling musician—territory the Radio Ramblers know well.

Mullins also contributes original material including the instrumental “Cancellation Blues,” inspired by pandemic-era tour cancellations, and the tongue-in-cheek "Circling The Drain," a light-hearted look at a man being kicked to the curb co-written with Jerry Salley.

Released earlier this month to fans, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers offer a completely different side of their multi-faceted sound with a spirited rendition of “End Of The Line,” the album's newest focus track. Originally recorded by the supergroup The Traveling Wilburys, the Ramblers’ version is a lively celebration of vocal harmony and rhythmic drive. “'End of the Line' was so much fun to arrange and record,” says Mullins. “Each Rambler can sing just about any harmony part, so—much like the originators—four of us take turns on the verses, and Adam (McIntosh), Chris (Davis), and I rotate through three different harmony parts. The contagious beat of the song, supported by Ben Isaacs on bass and Mike Rogers on bluegrass drums, keeps us focused and energized. The lyrics are positive and uplifting—heavy on the lovin’, and not so much on the fightin’ or losin’ sleep.”

The band considers Lovin', Fightin', Losin' Sleep their most diverse project to date, thanks to a collection of songs penned by writers across country, Americana, bluegrass, and rock. With contributions from legendary songwriters such as Ronnie Bowman, William Apostol (Billy Strings), James “Jim” Rushing, Larry Cordle, Jerry Salley, John David Anderson, Lionel Delmore, and even the powerhouse collaboration of George Harrison, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, Jeff Lynne, and Bob Dylan, the strength of the material speaks volumes.

Lovin’, Fightin’, Losin’ Sleep is available now on all major digital streaming platforms and to radio programmers via AirPlay Direct. Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers are currently touring the U.S. in support of the new music and will officially celebrate the album’s release July 17th–19th in Xenia, Ohio at the inaugural Industrial Strength Bluegrass Summer Fest, held at the Greene County Fairgrounds and Expo Center. Produced by Joe Mullins and his son, Daniel, the band also serves as host of this brand-new summer festival. Visit www.radioramblers.com for more information on new music, tour schedule and the Industrial Strength Bluegrass Festival.

Track Listing with Songwriting Credits

Time Adds Up (If You're Lucky) (Missy Raines/Tim Stafford)
Something To Look Forward To (Ronnie Bowman/William Apostol)
The Good Ole Days (Kelsi Harrigill, Dolton Robertson II)
Circling The Drain (William J. Mullins/Jerry Salley)
Black And Decker Blues (James Rushing/Larry Cordle)
The Bluebirds Are Singing For Me (Conrad Fisher)
Cancellation Blues (William J. Mullins)
It's Morning Already (Lisa Moore)
Low Dog Blues (John David Anderson/Lionel Delmore)
The End Of The Line (George Harrison/Tom Petty/Roy Orbison/Jeff Lynne/Bob Dylan)

Upcoming Tour Dates

July 10 || Conway, MO || Starvy Creek Bluegrass

July 11 || Westcliffe, CO || High Mountain Hay Fever

July 12 || Westcliffe, CO || High Mountain Hay Fever

July 13 || Westcliffe, CO || High Mountain Hay Fever

July 17 || Xenia, OH || Industrial Strength Bluegrass Summer Fest

July 18 || Xenia, OH || Industrial Strength Bluegrass Summer Fest

July 19 || Xenia, OH || Industrial Strength Bluegrass Summer Fest

July 25 || Radford, VA || Little River Bluegrass Barn

July 26 || Logan, WV || Coalfied Jamboree

July 30 || Columbus, OH || Ohio State Fair

July 31 || Parsons, WV || Pickin In Parsons

Aug 1 || Fairborn, OH || Bluegrass and Brew

Aug 15 || Russiaville, IN || Winding Creek Music Festival

Aug 22 || Clay City, KY || Crowe Fest

Aug 28 || Elon, NC || Camp Springs Bluegrass

Aug 30 || Trenton, OH || Sundown Jam-bilee

Sep 6 || Marion, VA || Song of the Mountains

Sep 12 || Rosine, KY || Jerusalem Ridge Bluegrass

Sep 13 || Wilmington, OH || Bible Baptist Church

Sep 19 || Whitley City, KY || Blazizn' Bluegrass Festival

Sep 20 || Buena Vista, VA || Nothin' Fancy Bluegrass

Sep 28 || Xenia, OH || Backyard Jamboree

Oct 1 ||Athens, AL || TN Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention

Oct 2 || Nashville, TN || Station Inn

Oct 18 || Lockport, IL || Private Event

Oct 19 || Park Ridge, IL || Park Ridge Community Church

Nov 13 || Wilmington, OH || Industrial Strength Bluegrass

Nov 14 || Wilmington, OH || Industrial Strength Bluegrass

Nov 15 || Wilmington, OH || Industrial Strength Bluegrass

Dec 13 || York, PA || Seven Mountains Bluegrass Series