Music in Kentucky
Bluegrass was born here, and musicians of all genres find inspiration in the local musical traditions. Visit the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum or check out the hometown of Bill Monroe or Chris Stapleton, and be sure to enjoy some live music.
Country Music
You can ride along U.S. 23 in eastern Kentucky, known as the Country Music Highway - this Road Trip for music-lovers takes in the birthplaces of stars like The Judds, Loretta Lynn, Dwight Yoakam, Ricky Skaggs and Billy Ray Cyrus. En route, in Paintsville, you’ll find the Country Music Highway Museum which is packed full of country music memorabilia and exhibits.
Over 100 years of Bluegrass
Bill Monroe, the Father of Bluegrass music was born just south of Owensboro in Rosine and the family home has been restored and is open for tours. It is also the location for one of the biggest Bluegrass celebrations every Autumn at Jerusalem Ridge – four days of live performances by Bluegrass bands and individuals from across the country, many of whom played with or knew Bill Monroe personally. Monroe is buried with his family in the Rosine cemetery. There are several Bluegrass Music Festivals in Kentucky each year to choose from.
Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour
In Lexington is Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour which broadcasts live from the historic Lyric Theater every Monday night, and is played on radio around the world. With a format similar to Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, host Michael Jonathan brings the best in bluegrass and blues, folk and country, rhythm and blues and rockabilly to his audiences.
Stephen Foster
Stephen Foster is known as the father of American Music. He is an American songwriter who wrote well known songs such as "Oh! Susanna”, "Old Folks at Home" (the official state song of Kentucky) and “My Old Kentucky Home" (the official state song of Florida). In My Old Kentucky Home State Park in Bardstown, a musical, dedicated to Stephen Foster and called The Stephen Foster Story has been performed since 1958. The musical takes place in the outdoor Amphitheatre and is performed every summer. Many Foster songs are performed by actors in Antebellum period costume, retelling Foster's life.
If you want some advice on planning your Kentucy trip, please get in touch with our Kentucky State experts - we are always happy to help you!
