© 2024 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Big Family: The Story Of Bluegrass Music | Special

Steve Shaffer
/
KET
Bela Fleck

Fri. Aug. 30, 9pm on WKAR-HD 23.1 | Examine the history of bluegrass music, from its orgins to its pioneers to its eventual worldwide popularity.

Hear dozens of musicians explain the ways bluegrass music transcends generational, cultural, and geographic boundaries. Big Family: The Story Of Bluegrass Music traces the genre’s history — outlining how Scots-Irish and African-American influences led Bill Monroe to develop the distinct musical genre to its foothold in popular culture through television and movies.

At the heart of the two-hour film is the music itself, as recordings and performance footage showcase and celebrate its unique sound. More than 50 musicians appear in the film, including Alison Brown, Dale Ann Bradley, Sam Bush, JD Crowe, Bela Fleck, Laurie Lewis, Del McCoury, Bobby Osborne, Ricky Skaggs, Chris Thile, and many more.

Journalism at this station is made possible by donors who value local reporting. Donate today to keep stories like this one coming. It is thanks to your generosity that we can keep this content free and accessible for everyone. Thanks!