Bluegrass music in American Culture

Bluegrass music is a form of America’s root music and sub genre of country music. It has its roots in Irish, West African, Scottish, Walsh and English traditional music. The music was inspired by immigrants of the United Kingdom, Ireland and Afro Americans through genres such as jazz and blues. Blue grass is typically based on acoustic stringed instruments such as an acoustic guitar, banjo, fiddle and upright bass.

Recently in Colorado, four men in suits and ties work their way through a fast and complex Bluegrass melody. Audience members wear neckties over t-shirts announcing their support for the homegrown band. Is this real? Yes, these are musicians assuming different characters to entertain their fans. These rituals along with their fan base represent a dialogue with the past and an understanding of current Bluegrass tradition.

Bluegrass as a style developed in the 1940’s. The music was used for dancing in rural areas, with a style known as buckdancing. The music eventually moved to urban areas and became more popular. Bill Monroe is called the father of bluegrass. He actually performed with a group called the Blue Grass Boys. During this time period the musicians performed gospel songs, work songs, folk and country music. Lester Flatt (guitar)and Earl Scruggs (banjo) joined together to form a group called the Foggy Mountain Boys in the early fifties.

Educators in Southern states such as Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia have used music, story and verse as a method of helping teach people about people places and cultures. This method allows for studies of rural life, Appalachian cultures, folklore, spirituality as well as work ethic and value systems.