International Bluegrass March 2015

IB

INTERNATIONAL

bluegrass

WOB

AWARD SHOW ON PBS!

Registration Bill Yates R e m e m be red Who’s topping the charts?

International Bluegrass

Vol. 30 | No. 3 | March 2015

Editor: Taylor Coughlin taylor@ibma.org

Designer: Erin Faith Erdos erinfaitherdos@gmail.com

STAFF

Nancy Cardwell Consultant

BOARD

Taylor Coughlin Communications and Professional Development Director

Eddie Huffman Convention Services and IT Systems Director

Jon Weisberger/Board Chairperson

Alan Bartram/Director, Artists/Composers/Publishers Becky Buller/Director, At Large D.A. Callaway/Director, At Large Danny Clark/Director, At Large Jamie Deering/Director, Merchandisers/Luthiers Regina Derzon/Director, Associations, Secretary John Goad, Print/Media/Education William Lewis/Director, At Large

Steve Martin/Director, Broadcasters Stephen Mougin/Director, At Large Joe Mullins, Director, Artists/Composers/Publishers Leah Ross/Director, Event Producers Ben Surratt/Director, Recording/Dist./Marketing Tim Surrett/Vice Chair/Director, Artists/Composers/Publishers Angelika Torrie/Director, International

INFO CONTACT US

INTERNATIONAL BLUEGRASS

The monthly emailed publication of the International Bluegrass Music Association

(ISSN #1095-0605) IBMA: IBMA is the trade association

608 W. Iris Drive, Nashville, TN 37204 USA 615-256-3222 | 888-GET-IBMA Fax: 615-256-0450 Email: info@ibma.org Website: www.ibma.org

that connects and educates bluegrass professionals, empowers the bluegrass community, and encourages worldwide appreciation of bluegrass music of yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Statement of fact and opinion are made on the responsibility of the writers alone and do not imply an opinion on the part of the officers, directors, staff or members of IBMA. Portions of International Bluegrass may be reprinted provided that explicit citation of the source is made: “Reprinted with permission from International Bluegrass, the publication of the International Bluegrass Music Association, www.ibma.org.�

MARCH Table of CONTENTS Cover photo by Dave Brainard

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EDITORIAL

IBMA NEWS

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BILL YATES: An Appreciation

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SHAKE AND HOWDY! Stephen Mougin

14 16

FRESH SOUNDS

INDUSTRY NEWS

EDITORIAL

It’s a planet of FOlk

by Taylor Coughlin

and a world of bluegrass W

hether you march to the folk beat, bluegrass beat, or any beat that moves you, it’s in your veins. You feel it when you hear a chord, a riff, a beat. It changes you, improves you, challenges you, and it’s yours.

February 18 through 21 I experienced Folk Alliance International for the first time, as a supporter, representing IBMA. I witnessed and experienced the above, with the music and energy pumping through my blood like oxygen.

Rhythms, hues, melodies, images – everything had its own flavor, texture, and style. I soaked it up, and I got at the same time nostalgic and anxious for the bluegrass world’s version of what the folk world was currently experiencing (i.e. World of Bluegrass).

As the lone wolf from the IBMA team (due to weather conditions back home, fellow staffer Eddie Huffman was stuck in Nashville), I represented IBMA to potential exhibitors, showcase bands, and general World of Bluegrass attendees, as well as offered reasons why they should join our great organization. I sat in on seminars, met with Education Committee Chair Molly Nagel-Driessen to formulate ideas and concepts for 2015, and talked to some big-wigs in the industry about serving on our panels come fall. They’re up for it – so get ready for some star power!

On Thursday night of FAI, IBMA hosted an all-bluegrass showcase in the impressive Benton Suite atop the Westin hotel.

If you weren’t there, or have never visited, it’s usually a restaurant/bar that serves up a 360-degree view of downtown Kansas City. A fine venue, if there ever was. With fire places, a cash bar, big windows, and plenty of seats, a consistent 50-80 people enjoyed the night of acts with at least 120 folks joining

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Who was there to showcase, you ask?

The Slocan Ramblers from Ontario, Canadalocanramblers.com/) Lonely Heartstring Band from Boston, MA (http://www.lonelyheartstringband. com/) who were official showcasers at World of Bluegrass 2014!

Gold Heart from Virginia (http://www. goldheartsisters.com/) 10 String Symphony from Nashville, TN (http://www.10stringsymphony.com/) The HillBenders from Springfield, MO (http://www.hillbenders.com/) Billy Strings and Don Julin out of Travers City, MI (http://www.billystrings. com/) Run Boy Run from Tucson, AZ (http://

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Billy Strings and Don Julin

Lonely Heartstring Band

We’re so thankful to all of them for playing, to everyone who came to the showcase, and to our awesome friends at Folk Alliance International for providing us a spot.

I had some GREAT barbecue ribs at Jack’s Stacks, and walked my way around the Link more than a couple times. I made some great connections, and had a very productive time.

While there were definite differences between FAI and WOB, Raleigh and Kansas City, there were also many similarities. First, and most obviously, everyone is nuts about the music. In the best way. Don’t miss a moment because you never know who’s gonna join who!

Now, I’m looking from the Planet of Folk to the World of Bluegrass. And while the views look similar because of the people and music that infiltrate them, they’re not the same; each is different and unique in its own ways.

But one thing’s for sure: Whether you’re on the Planet Folk or in the World of Bluegrass, you’re always encouraged to jam, dance, pick, sing – to your own beat.

In a most memorable moment, Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn were joined by Americana duo Milk Carton Kids in The Bluegrass Situation, 12x12, and Quicksilver’s private midnight showcase. Accordions joined fiddles and guitars, saxes joined pedal steel and bass fiddle – not anything you’d find at World of Bluegrass, but the music crafted very much the same way: from the fervent spirit of the musician.

Town Mountain

See further in the issue details about World of Bluegrass registration, open to members on March 31st and nonmembers on April 14. WOB takes place Sept. 29-Oct. 3 in Raleigh, NC.

Slocan Ramblers

A M IB ews n World of Bluegrass (Sept. 29-Oct. 3 in Raleigh, NC) registration opens up to members on Tuesday, March 31st at 9am CST. This includes all ticket sales for the Awards Show and Wide Open Bluegrass, The Bluegrass Ramble Showcase, and Business Conference and hotel registrations.

Bobby Hicks and Friends by Dave Brainard

Visit www.ibma.org for more details, and if you’re not a current member, join at the Grassroots level or above to receive discounts!

Registration, lodging, and ticket prices vary with different packages and options.

All current IBMA members on March 31st will receive an email with a special code to register and buy tickets! Keep an eye out for it to make sure it doesn’t land in your “Spam” inbox!

Tir Na Nog by Todd Gunsher

World of Bluegrass is comprised of the IBMA Business Conference, Bluegrass Ramble Showcase, IBMA Awards, and Wide Open Bluegrass Festival. If bluegrass music moves you, come to the event that moves bluegrass music!

Bluegrass Express by Todd Gunsher

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International Bluegrass

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The 25th Annual IBMA Awards Show will air on PBS networks across the U.S. starting in April 2015 as part of Music City Roots’ eighth season. Check your local listings for air times, as they vary by market. If your local PBS station does not carry Music City Roots, ask them if they can! May we recommend hosting a viewing party with your closest bluegrass pals?

Memorial Hall by Todd Gunsher

Awards Eligibility Period The eligibility period for awards that will be honored at the 2015 IBMA Awards on October 1st in Raleigh, NC during World of Bluegrass is wrapping up: April 1, 2014 – March 31, 2015. Anything released in those dates are eligible for award nominations. Be on the lookout at https://ibma. org/world-of-bluegrass/awards for an eligibility list, coming up in April.

Noam Pikelny andTony Trischka by Dave Brainard

Balsam Range on the WOB Red Carpet

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The Roys Gig through Europe by Julie Macie

International Bluegrass

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“AirPlay Direct is an incredibly valuable tool for artists and their teams to utilize in efforts to promote their music to radio,” said IBMA Consultant Nancy Cardwell. “And for broadcasters, it’s a convenient, free, online service where they can download new music for their terrestrial, satellite and internet-based radio programs.

If you’re not already taking advantage of this service, I urge you to check it out at ”

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Breaking Grass Thurs. May 28

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Volume Five

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Bill Yates : An Appreciation

by Randy Pitts

T

he bluegrass community lost a longtime pillar of the extended bluegrass family when bassist Bill Yates passed on January 26th of 2015 at the age of 78.

Born in Big Rock, Virginia on April 30, 1936, Bill spent pretty much his entire working life as a bluegrass musician, and was a stalwart member of several important and influential bands. Held in high esteem by those in the business who knew him as an exemplary band member, Bill’s reputation as a dependable bass player, parts singer (he sang whatever was needed, from tenor to bass, on any number of landmark recordings), bus driver, mechanic, and advance man was well known in bluegrass circles.

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He was a seminal member in the early years of the important Washington DC bluegrass scene, first in a band with his brother, mandolinist Wayne Yates as The Yates Brothers and The Clinch Mountain Ramblers; they were later joined in that band

by Red Allen, and banjo player Bill Emerson, among others. This band later recorded as The Kentuckians; together they made some of the finest examples of traditional bluegrass recorded up to that time, with Wayne playing mandolin and singing harmony and occasional leads and Bill playing bass and singing mostly tenor to Red Allen’s powerful leads.

He and Emerson were later members of what has come to be known as the second “classic” edition of the Country Gentlemen, a relationship that dominated his professional life for the next twenty years.

International Bluegrass

In between The Kentuckians and The Country Gentlemen, Bill served a short stint as bass player-bus driver with Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys.

As longtime friend Eddie Adcock, reminiscing about Yates upon his passing, said in Bill Yates’ obituary on Cybergrass “…those two occupations used to go together…” Bill also served that same dual function as a member of Jimmy Martin & The Sunny Mountain Boys, another of the top ranked, successful, and influential bluegrass bands of that golden era of the music’s history, for a lengthier period before becoming a member of The Country Gentlemen, the association with which he will no doubt always be most closely associated. By all accounts Bill was as dependable behind the wheel—and under the bus—as he was a musician.

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FEATURE

Doyle Lawson, another early member of the “second” classic Country Gentlemen, characterized him thusly in Cybergrass’ obituary: “Bill had a heart as big as the state of Virginia and always had a big grin on his face and a funny story…he possessed a work ethic second to none and took pride in all that he did.”

Of the “second” classic Country Gentlemen aggregation (Charlie Waller, Emerson, Lawson, and Yates) longtime bluegrass community member and observer Fred Bartenstein said, “(they) were the top band in bluegrass in the early 70s and wouldn’t have been the same without Bill. It was a different band and had a very different sound than the Duffey/Adcock band.” Bill Yates held down the bass job with the Gents from 1969 until 1989, when he retired, only to return to the active music scene (and the road) after the death of his longtime partner Charlie Waller in 2005, when he became a founding member of Bill Yates & The Country Gentlemen Tribute Band, helping keep the classic sound he’d done much to create alive until shortly before his own passing.

So highly thought of for his considerate nature in later years that he was dubbed “The Ambassador Of Bluegrass,” Yates was known for his feats of strength as a younger man, as well as his iron pants approach to bus driving when he got behind the wheel of the band bus…and he was not in those years a man to back down from a scrap.

Eddie Adcock, who though he left The Country Gentlemen shortly after Yates’ arrival, considered him a lifelong friend, said of him to Cybergrass, “Bill was Charlie Waller’s right arm, and he kept things going on the road. Bill was a hard worker, always.

The Country Gentlemen play a Cartlon Haney festival in 1971 And he was a hell raiser in his early days, but we were all Looking back on Bill Yates’ career in young and sort of crazy then.” bluegrass, one is struck with just how fundamental the presence of men Dobro great Jerry Douglas, who like him have been to the continuing joined The Country Gentlemen the growth of the music. Never exactly summer before he graduated from high school in 1973 and participated a star, seldom even a lead singer, Bill Yates nevertheless functioned as an in his first recording session with them, remembered Bill’s compassion essential part of bands at the very and generosity above all else when he highest levels of the music for most of his career. He seldom stood out, learned of the older man’s passing, but he was always there, and for the remembering on his Facebook page people he worked for and with, he how he boarded at Yates’ house in was as essential as any element of the Springfield, Virginia that first sumband. mer, how Bill taught him how to shoot pool, how to clean a bus, and kept him from being homesick,” not an easy thing for a 16-17 year old boy,” and of how Bill kept him entertained with stories of life on the road with Monroe, Jimmy Martin, and Red Allen and his time in the service with his brother Wayne. In talking of Bill Yates, Jerry speaks of him very much as if he were a second father to a young boy on the cusp of manhood and a career in bluegrass.

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International Bluegrass

Bill’s showcase lead vocal piece during all the years he was with the Country Gentlemen was Whitey Shafer’s “When I Break Out Tonight;” he sang it on virtually every show for all the years he toured with the Country Gentlemen. “Bill was always a gentleman and kind to me,” Fred Bartenstein told me. “I’ll never hear ‘I’ll Break Out Tonight,’ without thinking of Bill, but now I’ll cry.”

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Shake Getting to Know & your IBMA Board howdy

Musician, Teacher, Songwriter, Studio/Label Owner, Producer At Large member since fall 2013 In brief, what brought you to bluegrass music?

Bluegrass has been a part of my life since about 6/7 years old when my Dad started playing guitar and seeking out jam sessions.

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What do you hope to bring to the bluegrass community by serving on the board of directors?

I’m interested in helping to preserve the traditions, encourage growth, increase exposure, and find ways to help bluegrass professionals “do what they do.”

International Bluegrass

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BOARD Q&A

How have you seen the bluegrass industry change in your time working in it?

What projects are you working on for the future of bluegrass music right now?

What is your advice to someone fresh to the bluegrass industry?

Through many years of touring, I’ve noticed a change in the amount of venues and available gigs. The record industry has been turned on its head, leaving folks to figure out new ways to make albums (crowd sourcing, social media campaigns, home studios, etc.). I think that it’s both easier AND harder to make a living in Bluegrass music at this point in time. Easier because access is UNLIMITED (inexpensive home recording, free social media for fan contact, internet search capabilities for booking contacts/events).

Harder because it’s hard to pierce through the constant barrage of bands doing EXACTLY what you are doing! Harder because of seemingly fewer gig opportunities (though folks are finding some pretty creative ways to rectify this!!).

I teach. A LOT. On top of my private students, I’m the Director of Bluegrass at Bethel University in McKenzie, TN. Spending time with youth is the most immediate way to “work on the future of bluegrass music,” in my opinion. Through workshops, camps, and individual lessions, I try to spread my love of Bluegrass (old and new) and instill a passion for jamming and making music with others.

Find a bluegrass mentor! This industry is like one giant family and most folks are HAPPY to help! Ask as many questions as you can, observe what your peers are doing (what works, what doesn’t), observe what the pros are doing.

Be the BEST you can be. In music, in business, in life. If you’re not working hard, you’re probably not doing it right!!

So many bands and individuals offered me guidance throughout my career, and many still do. Try to glean ideas and inspiration from everyone you can.

The music is fun part, sometimes we forget that. Have fun pickin’!

What is your favorite (bluegrass) album and why?

SO hard. My computer has a little under 18,500 songs... I’m a Flatt & Scruggs NUT, so I’d have to say Live at Carnegie Hall (or Vanderbuilt for that matter). SO much audible energy, precision and massive desire to entertain!

Give us the top three best festivals you’ve attended.

Telluride! WOW. Amazing music, with fantastic collaborations not seen elsewhere. Then, there’s the UNBELIEVABLE scenery!!!

Thomas Point Beach. I have memories of attending that festival as a kid (back when they had 2 each year!!). So many great jams and so many lifelong friends!

Smokey Green Festival in Schylerville, NY. It was a week long shin-dig that had music on both weekends and more in the middle. We got to jam with EVERYONE you wanted to, because you were there so long!

Great times and a great bluegrass education!

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March 2015

FRESH SOUNDS

Man About a Horse The EP www.manabout.horse

Cody Shuler Cody Shuler www.ruralrhythm.com

Billy Hurt Fiddlin’ www.pxrec.com

Springfield Exit That Was Then www.pxrec.com

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FEATURE Industry NEWS

March 2015

On the charts Billboard: Robert Earl Keen, Happy Prisoner: The Bluegrass Sessions at number one; Punch Brothers, The Phosphorescent Blues at number two; Ralph Stanley, Ralph Stanley and Friends at number three.

Bluegrass Today Monthly Airplay: Lonesome River Band, “Her Love Won’t Turn on a Dime,” (written by Bart Butler, Timothy Johnson, Shane Minor) at number one; Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice, “Honky Tonked to Death” (written by Bill Castle) at number two; Spinney Brothers, “My Music Came From Bill,” (Written by Steve Watts, Bill Castle) at number three.

Bluegrass Unlimited songs: Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper, “Fiddlin’ Joe” (written by Mark ‘Brink’ Brinkman) at number one; Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice, “Honkey Tonked to Death,” (written by Bill Castle) at number two; Balsam Range, “Moon Over Memphis,” (written by Mark Winchester) at number three.

Bluegrass Unlimited albums: Becky Buller, ‘Tween Earth and Sky at number one; The Earls of Leicester, Earls of Leicester at number two; Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice, Trouble Follows Me at number three.

Singing News songs: Crowe, Lawson, Williams, “Insured Beyond the Grave,” at number one; Balsam Range, “Stacking Up the Rocks,” at number two; Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, “Coming Soon,” at number three.

Roots Music Report: Robert Earl Keen, Happy Prisoner: The Bluegrass Sessions at number one; Donna Hughes, From the Heart at number two; Hot Rize, When I’m Free at number three.

For the record - need to know Leadership Bluegrass 2014 alumna and World of Bluegrass photographer Alane Anno has a new business: Bluegrass Image, which offers photography, social media, web support, and EPK design. Check it out at www. bluegrassimage.com.

Progressive Colorado bluegrassers Yonder Mountain String Band have announced a “homecoming” tour date at Red Rocks, in Morrison, Colorado on August 21. They’ll also have a new album to look out for! Get the details as well as tour dates and tickets here.

Busy Carolina boys Steep Canyon Rangers have announced a partnership with SevenBar Aviation, which is a leading air medical provider. Their partnership will maintain special benefit concerts for hospital foundations.

Check out www.steepcanyon.com and www.7bar.com for more info.

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Della Mae has a new bassist: Former Joy Kills Sorrow bass player Zoe Guigueno. In last month’s issue, we told you about Della Mae’s new album, being funded on Pledge Music.

Check it out here.

Steve Harris has signed with Orange Blossom Records. His new album, Sundown, will be released in April.

Hammertowne has released their new single to radio from Mountain Home, “Broken Heart Mended.” Keep an ear out!

The Chantilly Farm Bluegrass & BBQ Festival will now be two days long, instead of one. Happening May 22-23, 2015 in Floyd, VA, the event celebrating its fifth year will see a variety of activities from featured touring acts to children’s activities, arts and crafts vendors, expanded camping, and more.

International Bluegrass

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NewTown has signed on with Moonstruck Management. The Kentuckybased band had huge success with their Pisgah Ridge release of Time Machine in 2013.

East coast festivals FreshGrass and Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival have announced their line-ups! Check out http://freshgrass.com/ and http:// greyfoxbluegrass.com/festival/ to see what’s in store.

Jerod Walker has joined the Claire Lynch Band as the new mandolin player. He’s previously played with Missy Raines and Rebecca Frazier and Hit & Run. Welcome to the scene: Charm City Junction out of Baltimore, MD. Comprised of Patrick McAvinue (fiddle), Brad Kolodner on banjo, a Celtic accordionist (Sean McComiskey), and bassist Alex Lacquement, the sound is a hybrid style of all genres special to each member. Hear a piece here.

INDUSTRY NEWS Standing o!

Congrats to all the 2015 SPBGMA winners, honored on February 8 in Nashville. For a full list of winners, click here to read the list on Bluegrass Today.

The original Seldom Scene’s banjo player Ben Eldridge received the Washington Monument Award from the DC Bluegrass Union at their annual winter festival in Tyson’s Corner, VA on February 28. He is the third recipient in the award’s young history, with previous winners being Bill Emerson and Eddie Adcock.

On February 3, the European Bluegrass Music Association celebrated its 14th birthday. The Association received a Distinguished Achievement Award at World of Bluegrass in October. Since its inception in 1995, the European Bluegrass Music Association has worked to support bluegrass music across borders, both regional and national. The non-profit organization produces a magazine (Bluegrass Europe) for its members, promotes bluegrass festivals held throughout Europe, and holds regular gatherings, known as Bluegrass Summits, aimed at supporting and encouraging the burgeoning bluegrass scene across Europe.

The EBMA will be holding the 14th General Membership Assembly on Saturday 14th March during the 2015 European Bluegrass Gathering in Munich. All members of the EBMA have the right to attend the assembly, vote on matters concerning the work of the EBMA as well as nominate and vote for members going forward for election to the Board. Subscribers to BLUEGRASS EUROPE, and members of any national bluegrass music association, are welcome to attend the Assembly as guests.

The Telluride Bluegrass Festival won Best Music Festival at the Pollstar Concert Industry Awards in Nashville on February 21. Congrats to our friends and IBMA Members Planet Bluegrass, and Craig Ferguson!

The Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion Festival was named one of the Top 20 Events by the Southeast Tourism Society.

The winners of the first DC Bluegrass Union’s Hazel Dickens Song Contest have been selected: 1st place: “Say What You Mean”

by Gary A. Ferguson of Alexandria, VA 2nd place: “Midnight Flight” by Nancy Cardwell Erdos of Madison, TN and Becky Buller of Manchester, TN 3rd place: “Weeds Where the Flowers of Love Once Grew” by David Morris of Gaithersburg, MD and Chris Dockins of Burke, VA. Honorable mentions: “Baltimore Immigrants” by Karen Collins of Takoma Park, MD “Tenth Day of September” by David Morris of Gaithersburg, MD “Barre Angel 1918” by Tracy O’Connell of Newburyport, MA

In Remembrance Monroe Fields has passed away at age 86 from lung cancer in Knoxville, TN. Fields played bass with Bill Monroe, and Jim & Jesse, as well as mandolin with Carl Sauceman and Flatt & Scruggs. He was a prolific songwriter in the ‘70s and ‘80s and still played sessions in his later years. Plans for his memorial services have been postponed due to inclement weather in the Knoxville area.

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Jean Cornett passed away on February 6 in Kentucky also at age 86. Cornett founded The Festival of the Bluegrass outside Lexington, KY with her husband, Bob. Now run by her grandson Roy and his wife AnnaMarie, Jean and Bob were still very involved with the festival that they began in 1974.

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