Kentucky—known for being the home of horse racing, bourbon, and bluegrass. However, it is also home to some of the biggest names to have ever made it in country music. If one is familiar with the musical landscape of the state, this comes as no surprise. Country and bluegrass music are a cultural essential and are instilled in the state’s residents. Between Renfro Valley and The Country Music Highway, the state holds a sincere pride in its musical products.
Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson, Chris Stapleton, and Wynonna Judd are just a few of the acts from the state. Even though they are all respected in their own light, there are three names residing seemingly above the rest that put the state on the map. Here are three country music legends from the bluegrass state of Kentucky.
Hailing from Rosine, Kentucky, Bill “The Father of Bluegrass” Monroe was the first person to introduce bluegrass to mainstream country music. With his band The Bluegrass Boys, Monroe was known for songs “Blue Moon of Kentucky,” “Uncle Pen,” and “Kentucky Waltz.” Thanks to these songs, he is a member of The Country Music Hall of Fame, The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Lastly, he was made an honorary Kentucky Colonel in 1966.
In addition to introducing country music to one of its most decorated genres, Monroe paved the path for generations of future Kentucky-born musicians. Creating Kentucky as a hub for country music, the man’s talents consistently attribute to the influence of modern musicians.
Without Loretta Lynn, there would be no Dolly Parton or Lainey Wilson. Primarily known as one of the first female country stars, Lynn was born and raised in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky. Moving away from her home in 1949, Lynn went on to become a sensation. With songs “Don’t Come Home a Drinkin’” and “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” Lynn climbed to the top of country music and created an avenue for future women pursuing a musical career.
Despite her enormous success, Lynn has kept Kentucky close to her heart. When talking about the mentality Kentucky gifted her in a PBS interview, Lynn stated, “I don’t see things above that, and I wouldn’t let myself go above that today.”
Ironically, Bill Monroe was part of one of Skaggs’ most historical musical moments. Born in Cordell, Kentucky, Skaggs went to a Monroe show at a nearby high school, performed on stage, and called it a “defining moment,” per Billboard. Seemingly vetted by a Kentucky great, Skaggs would go on to become a Kentucky great in his own way.
Best known for his songs “Crying My Heart Out Over You” and “Let It Be You,” he is also a member of The Country Music Hall of Fame, a Grammy winner, and a CMA winner. Most importantly, Skaggs is a Kentucky native. A Kentucky native who has kept the tradition of bluegrass alive for the entirety of his career.
Photo by Jim Smeal/BEI/Shutterstock
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