The Art of Kinship: Bluegrass and the Family Band

The genre’s family tradition extends its reach by unifying peoples and communities.
The Art of Kinship: Bluegrass and the Family Band
A detail from the cover of The Osborne Brothers's 1963 album,"Cuttin' Grass Osborne Brothers Style." Public Domain
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Country singer and fiddler Alison Krauss once said regarding the bluegrass genre, “You can’t help responding to its honesty. It’s music that finds its way deep into your soul.”

Bluegrass is indeed a soulful genre, and it’s built on genuine grounds. One reason the genre has remained one of the most authentic musical stylings over its 80 years in the spotlight is its tradition of promoting family bands. It’s hard to develop a big head and stray into lesser authentic territories when Mom and Dad or your siblings are around to keep you centered.

Rebecca Day
Rebecca Day
Author
Rebecca Day is a freelance writer and independent musician. For more information on her music and writing, visit her Substack, Classically Cultured, at classicallycultured.substack.com