Del McCoury Band has established itself as a significant entity within the bluegrass music genre.
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Request A ShowDel McCoury joined Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys in early 1963, a significant opportunity that transformed McCoury's career, as Monroe is considered the Father of Bluegrass.
The Preservation Hall Jazz Band forged a creative partnership with bluegrass legend Del McCoury, including recording the album "American Legacies" (2011).
The Del McCoury band gained a large fanbase from cultish jam-band followers after their collaborations with groups such as Phish, extending their audience beyond traditional bluegrass.
Nora Guthrie, Woody Guthrie's daughter and keeper of his archives, discusses a landmark new collaboration between bluegrass legend Del McCoury and Woody Guthrie's work, including the album 'Del and Woody' (2016).
The band had unforgettable collaborations with country artist Dierks Bentley, demonstrating their adaptability and appeal across different country music sub-genres.
The Del McCoury Band created onstage magic jamming with titans like String Cheese Incident, further embracing the jam band scene.
The Del McCoury Band originated in 1967, initially known as Del McCoury and the Dixie Pals. Del McCoury, on guitar, and his brother Jerry, on bass, formed the core of the early group. The band underwent various personnel adjustments during its initial years, gradually evolving its sound and lineup. A pivotal period occurred in the 1980s with the integration of McCoury’s sons, Ronnie on mandolin and Rob on banjo, which solidified the group’s composition. In 1988, the ensemble transitioned to its current name, the Del McCoury Band, signifying a new phase in its career. This period marked the beginning of their emergence as a nationally recognized touring act, expanding their audience beyond traditional bluegrass circles. The band’s consistency in performance and recording fostered a growing reputation.
Further stability in the band’s lineup was achieved in the early 1990s with the addition of fiddler Tad Marks and bassist Mike Brantley. Following these changes, Jason Carter joined as fiddler and Mike Bub as bassist in 1992, creating a consistent lineup that remained together for 13 years. This period was characterized by extensive touring and recording, building a solid foundation for their future successes. In 1999, the band received the “Entertainer of the Year” award at the International Bluegrass Music Awards, a significant recognition of their standing in the genre. Their continuous musical output and touring schedule contributed to their sustained presence in the music industry. The Del McCoury Band has also been recognized for its collaborative endeavors, working with artists across different genres, further expanding their artistic reach.
Notable collaborations include their work with Steve Earle on his 1997 album “El Corazón” and later co-billing on his 1999 album “The Mountain.” These projects showcased the band’s versatility and willingness to explore diverse musical paths. In 2004, the band received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Bluegrass Album for “It’s Just the Night.” Their achievements culminated in a Grammy Award win in 2006 for the same category with their album “The Company We Keep.” Mike Bub departed the band in 2005 and was succeeded by Alan Bartram, maintaining the band’s strong instrumental foundation. The band also developed The Travelin’ McCourys, an offshoot featuring current members minus Del, demonstrating their continued musical exploration.
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