Biography of J.D. Crowe

In the late 50s, bluegrasser Jimmy Martin attracted a number of highly talented musicians to his Sunnysiders. One is J. D. Crowe, a Kentucky native who quickly made a reputation on the five-string banjo, initially as a first-rate interpreter of traditional bluegrass and then, with his band The New South, as a highly respected proponent of progressive -- a blend of the old with modern country and rock, sometimes with electrified instruments. Rounder's 1975 album J. D. Crowe and the New South greatly influenced other progressive bluegrass groups. The band's personnel, in addition to the stellar picking of Crowe, included guitarist Tony Rice, Ricky Skaggs on mandolin and fiddle, and dobro player Jerry Douglas, all of whom went on to make big names in the business. ~ David Vinopal