The 67th annual Grammy Awards nominations were revealed this morning, and as always, the world’s attention turns to the most anticipated category for bluegrass fans: Best Bluegrass Album. With a blend of established names and exciting newcomers, the 2025 nominees represent the richness and diversity of the bluegrass genre. The winners will be announced on February 2, 2025, during the Grammy ceremony in Los Angeles, CA, which will be broadcast live on CBS and streamed via Paramount+.
Here are the nominees for the Best Bluegrass Album category, which showcases the heart and soul of bluegrass music:
Best Bluegrass Album Nominees for 2025
- I Built A World – Bronwyn Keith-Hynes
Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, a celebrated fiddle player in the bluegrass scene, has earned her first Grammy nomination with her album I Built A World. This work features a mix of original compositions and bluegrass standards, showcasing Keith-Hynes’ skillful fiddling and deeply personal songwriting. Known for her work with Della Mae and other bands, this album marks a significant milestone in her career as a solo artist. - Songs Of Love And Life – The Del McCoury Band
The legendary Del McCoury Band continues to prove why they’re considered one of the pillars of bluegrass music. Songs Of Love And Life is a reflection of the band’s rich history, with both original songs and covers that highlight Del McCoury’s unmistakable voice and the band’s signature sound. This marks another well-deserved nomination for the Grammy-winning band. - No Fear – Sister Sadie
Sister Sadie, one of the top all-female bluegrass groups, brings a fresh and contemporary take on the genre with No Fear. The album is packed with powerful performances, original tunes, and tight harmonies that display the incredible talent of its members, including Gena Britt, Mary Meyer, and Deanie Richardson. Their nomination is a testament to the influence they’ve had in the bluegrass world. - Live Vol. 1 – Billy Strings
Known for his boundary-pushing style and electrifying performances, Billy Strings has earned a Grammy nomination for Live Vol. 1, an album that captures the raw energy of his live shows. The album features a collection of live performances that highlight Strings’ virtuosity on guitar, his band’s musical synergy, and his ability to breathe new life into bluegrass classics. - Earl Jam – Tony Trischka
The legendary Tony Trischka brings a tribute to bluegrass pioneer Earl Scruggs with Earl Jam, an album that explores Scruggs’ influence on the genre. Known for his innovative banjo playing and contributions to bluegrass, Trischka brings together a stellar group of musicians to honor one of the most important figures in bluegrass history. - Dan Tyminski: Live From The Ryman – Dan Tyminski
A Grammy-winning artist known for his work with Alison Krauss and Union Station, Dan Tyminski takes center stage with Live From The Ryman. This live album, recorded at the iconic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, is a powerful testament to Tyminski’s artistry and his ability to deliver an unforgettable performance. Fans of his work as both a solo artist and a collaborator will enjoy this collection of bluegrass, country, and folk classics.
Bluegrass-Adjacent Nominations
In addition to the Best Bluegrass Album category, several artists with strong bluegrass influences received nods in other categories, further highlighting the genre’s far-reaching impact on American roots music. Notable mentions include:
- Sierra Ferrell and Rhiannon Giddens in the Best Americana Roots Performance category for their songs Lighthouse and The Ballad of Sally Anne, respectively.
- Sierra Ferrell also garnered a nomination for Best Americana Performance with American Dreaming, along with Sarah Jarosz for Runaway Train and Gillian Welch & David Rawlings for Empty Trainload of Sky.
- Aoife O’Donovan and Sierra Ferrell earned nods for Best American Roots Song with All My Friends and American Dreaming.
- Aoife O’Donovan and Gillian Welch & David Rawlings received nominations for Best Folk Album with All My Friends and Woodland, respectively.
- Authentic Unlimited earned a nomination for Best Roots Gospel Album for The Gospel Sessions, Vol. 2.
These nominations further cement the connections between bluegrass and other roots genres, showcasing the deep influence that bluegrass musicians have on contemporary music.
What’s Next for Bluegrass at the Grammys?
With these exciting nominations, it’s clear that bluegrass music continues to thrive and evolve, with both veterans and newcomers making waves in the industry. The 2025 Grammy Awards will be a great opportunity to celebrate the best of bluegrass, from the genre’s iconic figures like Del McCoury and Tony Trischka to the new generation of artists like Billy Strings and Bronwyn Keith-Hynes.
No matter who takes home the award for Best Bluegrass Album, it’s an exciting time for bluegrass, and the 2025 Grammys will undoubtedly be a reflection of the genre’s growth and its place at the heart of American roots music.
Tune in for the 67th Annual Grammy Awards
The 67th Annual Grammy Awards will be held on February 2, 2025, in Los Angeles, CA, with the Best Bluegrass Album award being presented during the afternoon ceremony. The event will be streamed live on CBS and Paramount+, so fans can tune in to see who takes home the prestigious trophy. No matter the outcome, the Grammy nominations for bluegrass this year highlight the incredible talent and creativity within the genre.
Congratulations to all of the nominees, and here’s to another year of exceptional bluegrass music!
Tune In to NewGrass Every Monday Night on JamFest: Traditional Bluegrass Meets “Music Without Rules”
Every Monday night, music fans are treated to something truly unique on JamFest Radio with the NewGrass radio show—a celebration of the rich traditions of bluegrass, alongside the fresh sounds of modern artists pushing the boundaries of the genre. Featuring a mix of classic bluegrass legends and the new wave of innovative musicians, NewGrass embodies the spirit of “Music Without Rules”—a genre-defying blend of traditional and progressive bluegrass, country, folk, and beyond.
Traditional Bluegrass Meets Innovation
Bluegrass has always been about more than just music; it’s about community, culture, and evolution. The NewGrass show pays homage to the artists who helped shape the sound of bluegrass as we know it today, while also showcasing the incredible new talent emerging from the genre. It’s a place where the past and future collide, offering listeners the best of both worlds.
The show’s playlist is as diverse as the genre itself, featuring everything from the timeless songs of bluegrass icons like Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, and The Stanley Brothers, to the revolutionary sounds of the newgrass movement that began in the 1970s. NewGrass radio offers a platform for a new generation of artists who are experimenting with bluegrass elements, blending genres, and reshaping what it means to play music “without rules.”
The Legacy of the NewGrass Revival
The term “newgrass” was coined in the 1970s to describe a new, more experimental approach to bluegrass. One of the key bands that helped define this movement was New Grass Revival, a groundbreaking group that reshaped the sound of bluegrass music. The band featured an all-star lineup, including Sam Bush (mandolin), Courtney Johnson (banjo), Ebo Walker (bass), Curtis Burch (guitar), Butch Robins (banjo), John Cowan (vocals/bass), Béla Fleck (banjo), and Pat Flynn (guitar). This group was instrumental in blending traditional bluegrass instrumentation with elements of jazz, rock, and folk, introducing improvisation and more complex arrangements into the bluegrass world.
Their groundbreaking work paved the way for a new generation of bluegrass artists who aren’t afraid to step outside the boundaries of traditional bluegrass while still paying tribute to the genre’s roots. It was a “music without rules” approach long before it became a defining motto for many contemporary bluegrass musicians.
New Artists, Same Spirit
NewGrass on JamFest showcases today’s version of that same spirit—artists who honor the traditions of bluegrass while embracing influences from various genres. The show is a perfect blend of old and new, playing tracks from the greats of bluegrass history alongside artists like Billy Strings, Sierra Hull, The Infamous Stringdusters, and The O’Connor Band—all of whom continue to innovate and push the genre forward.
It’s also a place for listeners to discover the many up-and-coming artists who are taking the “music without rules” mantra to heart, blending bluegrass with indie rock, alt-country, folk, jazz, and more. Every Monday night, the NewGrass show presents a cross-section of bluegrass music at its most exciting and experimental.
Why You Should Tune In
If you’re a fan of traditional bluegrass or curious about the exciting ways it’s evolving, the NewGrass show on JamFest is the place to be. With each episode, you’ll hear a diverse selection of music—from the classic sounds of bluegrass to boundary-pushing new artists who are redefining what the genre can be. It’s not just about bluegrass; it’s about exploring the future of roots music and celebrating a genre that continues to evolve and inspire musicians across the world.
Whether you’re a die-hard traditionalist or someone who loves to hear music that bends the rules, NewGrass has something for you. So tune in every Monday night on JamFest to hear the sounds of bluegrass past, present, and future—“Music Without Rules” at its finest.