[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.
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[Western Music] Bluegrass Masterpieces: Recommended Popular and Signature Songs (21–30)
Poison & WineThe Civil Wars
A song by The Civil Wars, an indie folk duo consisting of vocalist Joy Williams and guitarist-songwriter John Paul White.
It was released in 2009 as their debut single and was featured in TV dramas such as 90210 and The Vampire Diaries, as well as the 2011 film Something Borrowed.
Roll In My Sweet Baby’s ArmsFlatt & Scruggs
An American traditional song.
This version is by the American bluegrass duo Flatt & Scruggs.
Their version has been covered by many artists, including Roy Acuff, Glen Campbell, and Dolly Parton.
Heard It In A Love SongThe Marshall Tucker Band
A song released by The Marshall Tucker Band that became their biggest hit on the pop charts.
It tells the story of a man caught up in an incident and was written by guitarist Toy Caldwell.
The track was covered by Mark Chesnutt in 2006.
Fox On The RunEmerson&Waldron
“Fox On The Run” is a song created in 1968 by the British rock band Manfred Mann, which reached No.
5 on the pop music charts.
Later, Bill Emerson heard the song on a car radio and performed a bluegrass version with his own band, Emerson & Waldron.
Today, it has become a classic beloved by many bluegrass fans.
Paper AirplaneAlison Krauss & Union Station
The title track from the album released in 2011 by bluegrass and country singer-songwriter Alison Krauss and her backing band, Union Station.
It was produced by American country singer-songwriter Robert Lee Castleman.
Wildwood FlowerEmpty Bottle String Band
Originally recorded by The Carter Family in 1928.
This version is by the Empty Bottle String Band, known for their performances of traditional Appalachian music.
It was covered by actress Reese Witherspoon on the soundtrack of the 2005 film Walk the Line.
Wagon WheelOld Crow Medicine Show
A song that depicts a hitchhiking journey along the U.S.
East Coast from New England in the Northeast to Raleigh, North Carolina.
Ketch Secor added partially autobiographical lyrics to Bob Dylan’s unfinished song “Rock Me Mama” to create it.
It was released in 2004.