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When talking traditional
bluegrass, it is hard to find an article, review or feature that doesn't use the Del
McCoury Band synonymously with "high lonesome." It could be said that Del is
the definition of "high lonesome."
 For more than 30 years, Del McCoury has been actively
playing Bluegrass Music. Since his apprenticeship with Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys
in the '50s, he has played with some of the best bands in Bluegrass.
Del has been recording and performing for four decades. Early in his
career he was a member of the Bluegrass Boys, playing guitar and singing
with Bill Monroe. In the early 60's he formed his own band, The Dixie Pals,
and went on to establish himself as one of the most distinctive and recognizable
performers in bluegrass.
Stringent rhythm guitar and piercing lead vocals have made Del a
cornerstone of traditional bluegrass music. The International Bluegrass Music
Association (IBMA) accorded Del the Male Vocalist of the Year
three years in a row. Currently Del is touring as The Del McCoury Band with sons
Ronnie and Robbie on mandolin and banjo, Jason Carter on fiddle, and Mike Bub on bass.
In a interview Del was asked about his preference for the blues.
"The blues have a lot in them for a singer. There's more melody that you can get out
of a slow, bluesy tune. You can turn it and twist it and this and that. I like to see what
I can get out of it." Whether it is bluesy, hard-driving, or high lonesome, what he
get out if it is making some of the hottest bluegrass heard today.
 In 1981 Ronnie joined The Del McCoury Band as a
vocalist and mandolin player. The tight vocal harmonies of Del and Ronnie will spur chills
on any given night. Instrumentally, Ronnie is one of the premier mandolin players in
bluegrass and a sought after studio musician. Ronnie is IBMA's Mandolin Player of
the Year for 1993 and 1994. Winning this award two years straight makes Ronnie
and Sam Bush the only winners since the award's inception.
In 1987 Robbie joined the band, first as the bassist, then two years
later switching to banjo. Robbie has been called "one of the most exciting and
masterful new interpreters of Scruggs-style banjo picking." Robbie has been a
finalist in the Banjo Player of the Year category for three years
running.
Mike Bub, bass and harmony vocals, and Jason Carter, fiddle, round out
the Del McCoury Band. Mike has performed and recorded with many well
respected bands. Being an accomplished banjo player as well, he brings an innate sense of
rhythm to the band. Jason is the newest and youngest member, joining the band in 1992.
Playing in the bluesy style of many of the bluegrass pioneers, Jason's fiddle playing is
right at home.
Though anchored by Del's strong vocals, the group as a whole has been
recognized by the IBMA as finalist in every category possible, excluding only the Female
Vocalist of the Year Award. In addition to Ronnie's award for Mandolin Player of the
Year, the band walked away with awards for Album of the Year ("A Deeper Shade of Blue") and Entertainer of the Year for
1994.
Recently the McCourys have made several appearances on "The
Nashville Network" as guests on "Music City Tonight," "The American
Music Shop," "Crook & Chase," "Country Music News" and the
"Americana Network" on "Ronnie Reno's Old Time Music Festival," as
well as The Grand Ole Opry. Touring extensively, the band performs year-round throughout
the United States and abroad.
Awards include --
- International Bluegrass Music Association
Entertainer of the Year 1998
- International Bluegrass Music Association
Entertainer of the Year 1997
- International Bluegrass Music Association
Instrumental Group of the Year 1997
- International Bluegrass Music Association
Entertainer of the Year 1996
- International Bluegrass Music Association
Instrumental Group of the Year 1996
- International Bluegrass Music Association
Entertainer of the Year 1994
Notable songs include -- .
- Rain and Snow
- Cold Hard Facts
- Look of a Perfect Diamond
- Carrie Brown
- Get Down on Your Knees and Pray
- High on a Mountain
- Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms
- Cheek to Cheek With the Blues
- Bluest Man in Town
- Black Mountain Rag
The Del McCoury Band may be available for your next special event!
For booking information, click
HERE!
Genre: ..Bluegrass
Styles:
..Bluegrass
..Traditional Bluegrass
..Contemporary Bluegrass
Years active:
..60s, ..70s, ..80s, ..90s, ..00s
Born: ..in North Carolina
..in Bakersville
Feb 1, 1939 |
