Pinecastle Records

About Pinecastle

Created over sixty years ago by a proud Kentuckian named Bill Monroe, bluegrass music has grown from regional popularity to a worldwide phenomenon. Starting in the late 1930s, the world-famous Grand Ole Opry beamed Monroe’s high, lonesome sound, with its soaring vocals and dazzling fast-paced instrumentals, all over the United States. A new revolution in music was started and the tradition has thrived ever since. Today, bluegrass is heard more and more on radio, television, at concerts and weekend long festivals around the world. There are literally thousands of bands playing bluegrass. Many have adhered to the original structures of the music as defined by Bill Monroe, while others have sought to expand those boundaries. A key player in the transmission of bluegrass music to the masses for the last 20 years has been Pinecastle Records. Orlando, Florida businessman Tom Riggs started the label in 1989 as a favor for a friend who was looking for an outlet for their newly recorded CD. Part of Pinecastle’s mission statement reflects the label’s desire to develop and promote new and upcoming talent. Thanks to Pinecastle, many deserving young artists have been given a leg up in the growth of their careers. Pinecastle has also been a home for bluegrass legends with releases by entertainers such as the Osborne Brothers, Jim & Jesse, and Charlie Waller & the Country Gentlemen. In all, it has released nearly 250 projects. Today, Pinecastle is situated in the mountains of southwestern North Carolina owned by businessman and medical doctor, Lonnie Lassiter. After taking ownership on August 1, 2010, Dr. Lassiter brought two of the company's former executives on board to head up the new venture. Ethan Burkhardt was named the company's Vice President of Operations and Matt Hood its Vice President of Public Relations.