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[Western Music] Bluegrass masterpieces: recommended popular and signature songs

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

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.

[Western Music] Bluegrass Masterpieces: Recommended Popular and Signature Songs (51–60)

Eighteen Wheels And A Dozen RosesKathy Mattea

Kathy Mattea – Eighteen Wheels And A Dozen Roses

Eighteen Wheels And A Dozen RosesKathy Mattea

A sentimental song written by country music songwriters Paul Nelson and Gene Nelson.

It was released as a single in 1988 by American country music artist Kathy Mattea and reached No.

1 on the charts in the United States and Canada.

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HeartbrokeRicky Skaggs

Ricky Skaggs – Heartbroke (Official video, 1982)

HeartbrokeRicky Skaggs

A song written by Nashville songwriter Guy Clark.

It was originally recorded by Rodney Crowell in 1980.

This version by Ricky Skaggs was released as a single in 1982 and reached No.

1 on the charts in the United States and Canada.

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Over The EdgeSarah Jarosz

Sarah Jarosz – Over The Edge (Trio Version Video) ft. Nathaniel Smith, Alex Hargreaves

Over The EdgeSarah Jarosz

A single from American bluegrass artist Sarah Jarosz’s 2013 album “Build Me Up from Bones.” Thanks to the song’s success, the album reached No.

1 on the Americana airplay charts.

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Poor Ellen SmithThe Kossoy Sisters

The Kossoy Sisters – Poor Ellen Smith

Poor Ellen SmithThe Kossoy Sisters

“Poor Ellen Smith” is a murder ballad that originated in the late 19th century.

It tells of Ellen Smith’s death and the trial and execution of her killer.

The song is based on an incident that occurred in North Carolina in 1894.

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[Western Music] Bluegrass Masterpieces: Recommended Popular and Iconic Songs (61–70)

The Blind Leaving the BlindPunch Brothers

The Blind Leaving the Blind Mvt 1

The Blind Leaving the BlindPunch Brothers

A song released by the Punch Brothers, formed in New York.

It was performed at Carnegie Hall in March 2007, when they were active under the band name The Tensions Mountain Boys.

The piece features mandolin and banjo and incorporates elements of classical music.

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ParadiseJohn Prine

Paradise by John Prine

ParadiseJohn Prine

A song by American country music singer-songwriter John Prine.

It was used in the 1997 film Fire Down Below starring Steven Seagal.

The song has been covered by artists such as John Denver, The Everly Brothers, Johnny Cash, and John Fogerty.

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In conclusion

As a form of American roots music, bluegrass is a genre that has been steadily passed down to today’s musicians.

This time, as mentioned at the beginning, we focused on delivering classic songs in the traditional bluegrass style, but please also turn your attention to bands and artists who, building on bluegrass, are creating a broader range of sounds.