Since the 2000 debut of “O Brother, Where Art Thou?,” the soundtrack became as memorable as the film itself. Chronicling the Odyssean tale of main character Ulysses Everett McGill (played by George Clooney), the Depression-era plot set in Mississippi is accompanied by a roots-music score featuring artists from Alison Krauss to the fictional band, The Soggy Bottom Boys.
Bluegrass musician Dan Tyminski was an essential force behind the soundtrack, laying down vocals and guitar for its signature rendition of the Southern standard “I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow.” When he attended the Grand Ole Opry’s tribute to the film’s music, it gave him an opportunity to look back on a project he once said left him “dumbfounded.” Before the awards and accolades began pouring in for “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” just over 25 years ago, he recalls being shocked by its initial success: “I just remember being blown away by how popular it was.”
