Bluegrass Publications, CDs, Video & more

see also: Recommended Reading

Bluegrass Now Magazine

  Wayne Bledsoe started Bluegrass Now in 1990. In 2005 they began an electronic issue of the magazine called Bluegrass Now On Line:

bluegrassnowonline.com

 

  BN features in-depth personal interviews, a Bluegrass radio chart, and lots of current information. Its high gloss pages, editorials, and quality photos give this publication its own niche on the Bluegrass magazine rack!

 



 

Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine

  Considered the "bible of bluegrass music" BU is the longest running publication in existence covering the world of Bluegrass music. Pete and Marion Kuykendall began with regional newsletters in 1966. Today it serves as one of the primary sources of news, feature articles and artist personal appearance dates worldwide.

  Pete is also a musician of note, having performed with Carter & Ralph Stanley. He's also written several outstanding songs still being performed and recorded today.

  Pete Kuykendall was inducted into the IBMA "Hall of Honor" in 1996 for his keen insight and lifelong dedication to the music. Pete's generous support provided invaluable leadership in guiding the creation of the IBMA in the mid-80s, having served more than once as its chairperson and in various capacities with the Bluegrass Music Trust Fund and the International Bluegrass Music Museum.


Women In Bluegrass

  An 8 to 10 page newsletter by banjo player and instructor Murphy Henry that focuses exclusively on women in Bluegrass. It is published 4x per year.

Note: Publication has been suspended while Murphy is focusing on writing her book on Women in Bluegrass.
  Currently they're not accepting any new subscriptions. Murphy plans to resume publication once her book project is completed.

Back issues still available for $2.00



 

 


County Sales

Started by Dave Freeman in 1965, County Sales (in Floyd, VA) is still considered by many to be the source for Bluegrass, Old-Time, Gospel and authentic rural music. To this day they continue to carry the largest selection of CDs anywhere of this type of music. Their huge inventory also includes books, VHS cassettes, DVDs and more. Great folks ...and still a 'down home' operation. They even answer their own phone!

Highly Recommended Reading!

BLUEGRASS: A History
by Neil Rosenberg

  The most complete & factual study of all facets of the Bluegrass music genre.

  An in-depth study that serves both the fan and scholar alike. A valuable resource. Available in paperback since 2005.

Mountain High
Bluegrass Associates

  Home of the Bluegrass Festival Guide and Jenny Brook Bg Festival in VT.

  Candi Sawyer has been publishing the festival guide since taking ownership from Cuzzin' Isaac in 2001. Specializing in the northeastern Bluegrass region. They sponsor "Bluegrass Songwriters" online chat sessions as well (during the winter months.)

Bluegrass Journey

A documentary film portrait of the contemporary Bluegrass music scene by filmmakers Ruth Oxenberg & Rob Schumer.

It's just plain fun to watch!

Available in DVD & VHS

 

Bluegrass Photos

Our friend, Darwin Davidson's most excellent work can be seen (and purchased) from this site. Darwin also hosts a Bluegrass radio show in East Orland, Maine:

"Bronzewound"
Thursdays, 8:00 - 10:00pm
WERU-FM 89.9   weru.org

We don't normally list retailers, but this is an excellent source for Bluegrass DVDs that we wanted to pass along to you.

 

 

 

Recommended videos...

High Lonesome:
The Story of Bluegrass Music

 High Lonesome traces the evolution of Bluegrass music, from its origins in Rosine, Kentucky, to the contemporary sounds now heard around the world. The first, and most complete, documentary on Bluegrass in decades. A beautiful work from director Rachel Liebling.

 

 

 

 

Bill Monroe:
Father of Bluegrass Music

 Superb 90-minute portrait of Monroe, which benefits from extensive interview footage shot three years before Monroe passed away in 1996. Past and present members of Monroe's Bluegrass Boys testify to Bill's lifelong command of his music, as do an impressive list of believers including Emmylou Harris, Jerry Garcia, Marty Stuart, Paul McCartney, and former 'Bluegrass Boys' Del McCoury and Peter Rowan. Lots of time spent with an aging Bill Monroe as he reminisces about events throughout his life.

 

King Of Bluegrass

  King of Bluegrass interweaves Jimmy Martin’s lifelong quest to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry with recent footage capturing the essence of the man and his music. The film crew followed the self-proclaimed "King of Bluegrass" for two years capturing moments backstage, onstage and on the road. Lots of bonus footage & more.

 

Feel free to E-mail us at CTBMA with your suggestions of other publications to be considered for this listing