J.D. Crowe

J. D. Crowe (b. James Dee Crowe August 27, 1937) is undoubtedly one of the most influential bluegrass musicians of the twentieth century. Born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, J. D. was a frequent visitor to the Kentucky Barn Dance, where he first saw a Flatt and Scruggs performance. Inspired by the distinctive sound and style of Earl Scruggs, J.D. took up the banjo at the age of 13. Displaying a natural aptitude and tenacity, Crowe had in short order mastered the 5 string banjo. While still in his teens, he was playing with various groups across the state of Kentucky in public performances and on local radio stations.

As Crowe’s exposure to different genres of music grew, his own style began to develop. It became a distinctive blend of traditional bluegrass, rock and roll, country, and blues. Crowe, however, credits Earl Scruggs as being the single greatest influence on his playing style.

In 1956 Crowe joined Jimmy Martin and the Sunny Mountain Boys after being heard on a local Lexington radio station by Jimmy Martin as he drove through town. Martin was so impressed with the young banjo picker that he detoured to the station and offered Crowe a job on the spot. Crowe remained with Martin for six years.

Upon leaving the Sunny Mountain Boys for a solo career, Crowe worked various local bars and hotels further developing what would become his signature style. In the mid 60s he was joined by Doyle Lawson and Red Allen to form the Kentucky Mountain Boys. The band took on a more contemporary sound reflecting the influence of folk and rock. The Kentucky Mountain Boys disbanded in the early seventies after releasing 3 albums.

In 1971, Crowe put together the New South featuring himself (banjo), Tony Rice (guitar), Ricky Skaggs (mandolin), Bobby Sloan (bass, fiddle), and Jerry Douglas (dobro). Unlike the Kentucky Mountain Boys, the new South did not confine themselves to acoustic instruments and traditional bluegrass. Heretofore unheard of electric instruments and a wildly varied selection of songs in the bluegrass world upended the genre with the release of their nationally acclaimed first album in 1975. While the musicians changed over time, the sound of the New South continued to push the envelope and is credited with being responsible for the sound of bluegrass music as we know it today.

J.D. Crowe retired from touring in 1988 to concentrate on producing and promoting new talent. However, the call of his bluegrass roots have returned him to the road and to a more traditional sound with the current version of the New South.