While maintaining a rich musical tradition rooted in Appalachian bluegrass, the music of Kentucky has expanded and pushed new and distinct boundaries of categorization. Indeed, the list of famous musicians with Kentucky roots continues to grow, along with the number of musical styles played. While historically recognized as the home of many country artists, Kentucky has been the birthplace of a number of bands not conforming to this categorization.
History
The music of Kentucky begins with bluegrass. Particular to eastern Kentucky, bluegrass is a direct descendant of Appalachian folk music which, in turn, draws much of its lineage from traditional music found in the British Isles – Irish, Scottish, and English. However, bluegrass became distinct by incorporating elements of jazz and blues. In contrast to traditional musical styles where one instrument (or perhaps a harmony of instruments) played the melody while the others provided accompaniment, bluegrass allows each instrument to take turns playing and improvising on a specific melody. Interestingly, while popularly conceived as an extension of folk music, bluegrass was primarily developed by professional musicians.
Using mainly acoustic stringed instruments such as the banjo, fiddle, guitar, and upright bass, groups like Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys (for whom the term "bluegrass" originated) became popular in the 1940s. However, bluegrass became known as a specific musical form only after the Stanley Brothers began recording in the Blue Grass Boys' style of music.
Artists
The musical heritage of Kentucky is diverse and distinct. Many famous and ground-breaking bluegrass artists have hailed from Kentucky, including Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys and the Foggy Mountain Boys.
A number of country music stars were also born and raised in the Bluegrass State. They include Dwight Yoakam, Ricky Skaggs, the duo Montgomery Gentry (Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry), Loretta Lynn, the Kentucky Headhunters, Naomi and Wynonna Judd, and singer/actor Billy Ray Cyrus.
But Kentucky has produced successful musical artists of other stripes. Audio Adrenaline, a Grammy award-winning Christian rock group, was formed at Kentucky Christian University and enjoyed almost 15 years of success as one of the most popular Christian acts of the last 20 years.
Black Stone Cherry hails from Edmonton, and has familial ties to the Kentucky Headhunters – the drummer, John Fred Young, had both a father and an uncle in the group. All in their early- to mid-20s, the four members released their debut album in 2006 and have enjoyed increasing popularity since.
While distinctly different from the commonwealth's bluegrass heritage, hip-hop group Nappy Roots have continued to make a name for themselves in popular music. Formed on the campus of Western Kentucky University, they released their first album independently in 1999. After the success of their 2002 major label debut album, Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz, Kentucky Governor Paul E. Patton honored each of the six members with the title of Kentucky Colonel, an honorific bestowed upon individuals whose achievements have been determined to advance the idea of global community. Previous award recipients include Muhammad Ali, John Glenn, and Johnny Depp. Governor Patton also declared a "Nappy Roots Day" on September 16, 2002.
Events and Venues
Kentucky boasts a number of important and interesting museums and festivals devoted to preserving the bluegrass heritage.
Located in western Kentucky, along the Ohio River, Owensboro is home to the International Bluegrass Music Museum, run by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IMBA). First established in 1991 to document and record the history of bluegrass, it now prides itself on not only its exhibits but on the number and variety of programs it offers for the community. These programs include the Kentucky Bluegrass AllStars, offering free music lessons to students of all ages; and Bluegrass In The Schools, showcasing bluegrass bands and hands-on student/instrument interaction over a period of eight days. Of particular interest is the Video Oral History Project, conceived as a way to document and interview each of the original 232 musicians known as Bluegrass Music's First Generation. As well, between November and May the museum hosts jam sessions for musicians, both local and visiting, every Thursday evening. In conjunction with the museum, the IMBA also hosts an annual River of Music Party (ROMP), a weekend-long celebration of all things bluegrass, featuring concerts, films, and exhibits.
There's also the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum, located in Renfro Valley, in the southwest part of the commonwealth. The site pays tribute to Kentucky music professionals who have significantly impacted the music industry, both in Kentucky and the world over. While country music and its various forms are on primary display, the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum provides a clear picture of all types of Kentucky music in order to showcase the diversity and uniqueness of the commonwealth's music. Entertaining exhibits in the museum include a sound booth in which visitors may record and sing along to songs, an instrument room, and exhibits displaying the costumes and memorabilia of certain eras of music. Recent inductees into the Hall of Fame include Wynonna and Naomi Judd, Lionel Hampton, Ricky Skaggs, and Rosemary Clooney.
Bardstown, located in central Kentucky, is home to the annual Kentucky Music Week. Currently over 25 years old, the KMW features a full week of instruction on instruments as varied as the banjo and the hammered dulcimer, as well as vocal lessons and craft classes. There's also a Kid's Camp for children ages seven through 12.
The oldest, and one of the largest, bluegrass festivals in the country can be found in Lexington, in the heart of the bluegrass region. The Festival of the Bluegrass uses the Kentucky Horse Park for a weekend in June to promote bluegrass, operate a kids camp, and provide a celebration of bluegrass music and culture.
For something different, Big Singing Day is a wholly grassroots tradition, occurring annually on the fourth Sunday in May on the steps of the Marshall County courthouse in Benton. Individuals gather to sing from The Southern Harmony, and Musical Companion, a hymn and tune book. First organized in 1884, the event attracts onlookers and participants from across the country.
The Kentucky Opry, located in Draffenville, has been a popular attraction for almost 20 years. They present fun, family entertainment in the Kentucky Lakes region of western Kentucky.
Whether you're looking for an outdoor music festival or an educational museum in which to stroll, Kentucky is the place to be. Bluegrass may dominate the field, but the music of Kentucky is diverse and well-celebrated.
