New Orleans has jazz; Chicago has blues. While few cities can actually lay claim to being the home of an entire musical genre, the whole state of Kentucky has the honor of being synonymous with bluegrass. Forged in the 1940s and ’50s through a fusion of folk, country, and gospel, bluegrass continues to attract audiences around the world with its signature fast tempos and “high lonesome” sound.

In a fitting tribute to the Commonwealth’s heritage, three icons of the genre take the stage for the “Bluegrass Royalty” edition of In Performance. Taped in early 2000, the program features performers who embody bluegrass music’s deepest roots as well as the farthest-reaching branches of its newest sounds.

Representing the roots of bluegrass are Melvin Goins and Windy Mountain. Ray Goins, Melvin’s brother, joins the band for several numbers, celebrating a joint career that spans 50 years. The brothers are followed by banjo legend J.D. Crowe, who performs with his influential band the New South. Rounding out the performance is a relative newcomer who has assumed the mantle of leader of the new generation of pickers, Sam Bush. Guest host for the evening is Byron Crawford.

The last segment of this tribute to bluegrass features Crowe, Bush, the Goinses, and representatives from their bands jamming together, much to the delight of the audience. It’s an unprecedented chance to see Kentucky “bluegrass royalty” playing together ... and playing, of course, “Blue Moon of Kentucky.”

Seasons 2-5 were made possible
by a generous grant from Ashland Inc.