[Western Music] Bluegrass masterpieces: recommended popular and signature songs
Bluegrass music is an acoustic genre that developed in the United States based on the traditional music of Scotland and Ireland.
Because the pioneering figure Bill Monroe was from Kentucky, the term “bluegrass,” which is both the name of a pasture grass and the state’s nickname, came into use.
It features ensembles centered on acoustic instruments, with the bright, lively sounds of banjo and fiddle being especially characteristic.
In this article, we present a lineup focused on classic songs in the traditional bluegrass style.
It’s a recommended selection even for beginners, so please take this opportunity to check it out.
- [2026] A Guide to Country Music: From the Latest Hits to Classic Favorites
- [Western Music] Bluegrass masterpieces: recommended popular and signature songs
- Foreign folk music. Classic folk masterpieces and recommended popular songs.
- [2026] The Wonderful Irish: Popular Bands from Ireland
- Masterpieces of Celtic music. Recommended Irish music.
- [Irish Folk Songs] Surprisingly Familiar Masterpieces and Standards of Ethnic Music
- [2026] Bob Dylan’s Famous and Popular Songs: A Guide for Beginners
- [Nostalgic Collection] Classic oldies masterpieces. Recommended popular songs
- A cappella masterpieces: Recommended songs where beautiful harmonies shine (Western and Japanese music)
- [English Folk Song] A collection of classic British trad masterpieces
- Polka masterpieces. Recommended popular songs.
- Masterpieces and history of folklore: An introduction to traditional music of the South American Andes
- [Hymns] Famous hymns and sacred songs. Recommended hymns and sacred songs.
[Western Music] Bluegrass Masterpieces: Recommended Popular and Iconic Songs (11–20)
JOHN HENRYTHE LILLY BROTHERS
The Lilly Brothers were a bluegrass brother duo active mainly from the 1950s through the ’70s, and they had a significant influence on subsequent bluegrass artists.
In fact, they visited Japan twice in the ’70s, releasing a recording of those appearances titled “Holiday in Japan, Part 1.” For those who loved bluegrass back then, their name may be a nostalgic one.
Playing classic bluegrass rooted in traditional roots music, they offer a quintessential example in “John Henry,” a track brimming with bluegrass spirit thanks to its lively banjo.
First released in 1959 as a 7-inch single, it was later included in a compilation titled “Early Recordings.” The title refers to a legendary figure celebrated as an African American folk hero.
White House BluesDel McCoury
Charlie Poole was a legendary folk singer and banjo player active from the 1920s to the early 1930s.
He formed the band the North Carolina Ramblers, released many hit songs, and had a profound influence on bluegrass artists.
The song featured here, White House Blues, is one of Charlie Poole & the North Carolina Ramblers’ signature numbers.
It’s a traditional piece widely known as a classic, with many bluegrass artists covering it.
In this article, I’ve included a video of Del McCoury’s version—he was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in 2011.
By the way, the “McKinley” mentioned in the original lyrics refers to President William McKinley, though details can vary depending on the performer.
Atlanta Is BurningThe Boys From Indiana
The title, reminiscent of “London’s Burning” turned into “Atlanta’s Burning,” is striking, but of course this isn’t a punkish number—it’s a mellow tune rooted in traditional bluegrass.
It’s an original song by a bluegrass group formed in 1973 in Indiana, as their band name suggests, centered around two brothers.
The central figure, Aubrey Holt, is said to have been inspired to write it after watching the classic film Gone with the Wind.
An album of the same name was released in 1974, and the song is included on it.
Angel BandThe Stanley Brothers
Originally a gospel song titled “My Latest Sun Is Sinking Fast,” “Angel Band” is especially well-known in the bluegrass version recorded by the Stanley Brothers in 1955, and it was also used in the 2000 film O Brother, Where Art Thou? directed by the Coen Brothers.
The Monkees covered it in 1969 as well, offering beautiful harmonies that still retain a gospel feel.
Bringing Mary HomeCountry Gentlemen
There’s a subgenre called “progressive bluegrass,” which blends elements like jazz and rock into traditional bluegrass and is characterized by jam band–style, extended improvisations.
The Country Gentlemen, who launched their band in the 1950s and boasted an activity span of over 50 years until the death of one of their key members in 2004, are one of the most famous groups in progressive bluegrass.
Their 1966 release Bringing Mary Home is the title track of an album that includes original songs, traditional numbers, and even a cover of Bob Dylan.
It’s kind of amusing how the lyrics, which resemble a ghost story, are sung so gently, but as a piece of music it leans more toward a folky, unadorned feel than a brisk bluegrass tune.
Listening with an understanding of the 1960s American folk music revival gives it even more depth.
Tennessee 1949Larry Sparks
“Tennessee 1949” was first released in 1987, written and composed by Bill Emerson and Pete Goble along with an album of the same name.
It’s a classic that’s also well known in the version by Larry Sparks, a popular bluegrass artist who’s also recognized for his work with the Clinch Mountain Boys.
As the title suggests, the song features nostalgic lyrics and a melody that seem to sing of teenage memories in Tennessee in 1949.
While the sound is cheerful, it carries a faintly wistful atmosphere.
In Larry’s version, the leisurely tempo is paired with banjo phrases that look quite fingerwork-heavy, creating a lively, sprightly feel.
[Western Music] Bluegrass Masterpieces: Recommended Popular and Signature Songs (21–30)
I Don’t Believe You’ve Met My BabyThe Louvin Brothers
The Louvin Brothers were an American duo formed by brothers Ira Lonnie Loudermilk and Charlie Elzer Loudermilk.
They were one of the musical duos that popularized harmony through vocal techniques in country music and country rock.
They were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011.