Ricky Skaggs is a bluegrass and country music artist, known for his virtuoso mandolin playing and his influence in bringing bluegrass to mainstream country music
Albums:
- Skaggs/Hornsby – mandolin, vocals, guitar, Danelectro, banjo, fiddle, jaw harp, banjolin
- Cluck Ol Hen – mandolin, vocals
- The Essential Bruce Hornsby – mandolin, guitar, Danelectro, vocals
Instruments:
Website: www.rickyskaggs.com
Ricky Skaggs bio
Ricky Skaggs, born July 18, 1954, in Cordell, Kentucky, is an influential American bluegrass and country musician, producer, and composer. Known for his mastery of the mandolin, as well as his contributions to bluegrass and country music, Skaggs has won numerous Grammy Awards, Country Music Association (CMA) awards, and other accolades throughout his prolific career. His work helped to popularize bluegrass music in the 1980s and 1990s and has made a lasting impact on American music.
Early life
Ricky Skaggs showed prodigious musical talent at a young age, first performing publicly at age seven alongside bluegrass legend Bill Monroe. Raised in a musical family, Skaggs quickly mastered the mandolin and guitar and became known for his powerful voice and impressive musicality. By his teens, he was regularly performing with bluegrass bands, including those led by well-known artists such as Ralph Stanley.
Early career in bluegrass
After high school, Skaggs joined Ralph Stanley’s band, the Clinch Mountain Boys, in the early 1970s. Here, he honed his skills as a mandolinist, guitarist, and vocalist. Skaggs later formed the band Boone Creek with fellow musicians such as Jerry Douglas and future country star Keith Whitley. Their progressive approach to bluegrass helped Skaggs gain recognition and introduced new audiences to the genre.
Success in country music
In the late 1970s, Skaggs transitioned into country music, joining Emmylou Harris’s band, the Hot Band. His virtuosity brought new energy to Harris’s work and led to solo opportunities. In 1981, he released his breakthrough album “Waitin’ for the Sun to Shine”, which topped the country charts and led to mainstream success. Throughout the 1980s, Skaggs scored numerous No. 1 country hits, including “Crying My Heart Out Over You,” “Heartbroke,” and “Highway 40 Blues.” His blend of traditional bluegrass with contemporary country influenced the genre and helped bring bluegrass elements to a wider audience.
Return to bluegrass and formation of Kentucky Thunder
In the 1990s, Skaggs returned to his bluegrass roots with a new emphasis on acoustic instrumentation and traditional arrangements. He formed Kentucky Thunder, a band that showcased his love for traditional bluegrass while also exploring new directions. The group’s debut album, “Bluegrass Rules!”, won a Grammy in 1998 and revitalised bluegrass in the contemporary music scene. Over the years, Kentucky Thunder has included top-tier bluegrass musicians, maintaining a reputation for musical excellence and innovation.
Recording career and achievements
Throughout his career, Ricky Skaggs has released over a dozen albums, spanning bluegrass, gospel, and country music. He has won 15 Grammy Awards, including for projects like “Honoring the Fathers of Bluegrass”, “Brand New Strings”, and “Instrumentals”. Skaggs has also received multiple CMA awards, including Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year, in recognition of his contributions to American roots music.
Legacy and influence
Ricky Skaggs is widely regarded as one of the most influential bluegrass musicians of his generation. By bridging the gap between bluegrass and country, he introduced millions to the sounds of traditional American music. In 2018, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and he continues to mentor young musicians and promote bluegrass as a living, evolving genre.
Recent years and ongoing work
Ricky Skaggs remains active, performing regularly and collaborating with artists from diverse genres. His recent projects reflect his deep spiritual beliefs and commitment to American roots music, and he continues to be celebrated as a trailblazer who has reshaped both bluegrass and country music for modern audiences.