Bill Monroe, Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Flatt and Scruggs, George Jones, Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time, Lonzo & Oscar, Merle Haggard, The Osborne Brothers, Jimmy Martin, Gail Davies, Mike Snider, Steve Wariner, and Dierks Bentley.
Already among the most beloved and acclaimed of contemporary bluegrass groups, The Grascals are the reigning International Bluegrass Music Association’s Entertainers of the Year, first earning the top honor in 2006, only one year after being named Emerging Artist of the Year and winning Song of the Year for “Me and John and Paul.” Their trademark blend of traditional bluegrass and classic country with more modern elements, delivered with vocal and instrumental intensity and virtuosity, earned them Grammy nominations for their first two critically-acclaimed releases—The Grascals and Long List of Heartaches. Timely and timeless, The Grascals’ music is entirely relevant to the here and now, yet based on a deeply-seeded knowledge of and admiration for the music’s founding fathers.
The Grascals began their career in 2004, when they recorded their debut album and were invited by Dolly Parton to open her fall tour. They opened additional dates for her in 2005, including her sold-out concert at Radio City Music Hall, and they have also shared the stage with Brooks & Dunn, Dierks Bentley, Patty Loveless, Mac Wiseman, J. D. Crowe, Charlie Daniels, Kenny Rogers, Steve Wariner, Vince Gill, the Jordanaires and many others. They are proud to make regular guest appearances on the Grand Ole Opry and have also appeared on Opry Live, The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson and the TV Guide Channel.
In addition to the IBMA awards, The Grascals won the 2008 SPBGMA Bluegrass Awards for Instrumental Group of the Year (for the third consecutive year), Bluegrass Band of the Year (for the second consecutive year) and Mandolin Player of the Year (Danny Roberts’ second win in three years). In 2006 the group also took home Album of the Year for their self-titled debut and Song of the Year for “Me and John and Paul.” The group earned a Dove Award nomination in 2007 for Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year for “Did You Forget God Today,” featuring the Jordanaires, which is included on Long List of Heartaches.
The Grascals recently entered into a sponsorship agreement with Mayberry’s Finest Brand Foods, a line of 35 Southern-seasoned stews, chilis, vegetables and baking mixes inspired by The Andy Griffith Show. The Grascals wrote and recorded the Mayberry’s Finest jingle and have recorded radio and internet commercials for the product line, with television spots to follow.
The Grascals reach new levels of power and confidence with their third Rounder release, Keep On Walkin’, in stores on July 15. Their distinctive sound and is showcased on an impeccable selection of songs highlighting both their freewheeling, infectious side and a deeper, more thoughtful perspective. The album includes the duet “Sad Wind Sighs,” featuring special guest Vince Gill.
