The Grascals

Few bands have made as lasting an impact on bluegrass music as The Grascals. From the very beginning, their blend of modern traditional bluegrass, gospel, and country influences, matched with world-class musicianship and an unshakable love for the genre, has earned them a spot among the most respected and enduring groups in acoustic music.

Formed in 2004 in Nashville, Tennessee, The Grascals are a band built on friendship, shared roots, and a common vision to create bluegrass music that honors tradition while forging its own identity. Their breakout moment came fast—within months of forming, they were hand-picked by Dolly Parton to serve as her opening act and backing band on tour. That early endorsement set the tone for the band's trajectory: respected by legends, loved by fans, and celebrated by the industry.

Their debut album, The Grascals announced their arrival with authority. It won IBMA's Emerging Artist of the Year and Album of the Year and included a duet with Dolly Parton on “Viva Las Vegas” that showcased their versatility and crossover appeal. From there, the accolades kept coming with two IBMA Entertainers of the Year awards, three GRAMMY nominations, a Dove Award nomination and a host of other awards and recognition. Now with thirteen albums, performances all over the world and for two United States Presidents, The Grascals can truthfully say they have the best of both worlds — the steadiness of a veteran group that knows who they are and where they’re going, and the excitement and energy of an ensemble that knows it still has something to prove.

The band’s collaborative spirit is another hallmark of their career. In addition to Dolly Parton, The Grascals have recorded and toured with artists including Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill, Kenny Rogers, Hank Williams Jr., George Jones, The Oak Ridge Boys, Patty Loveless, Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Brad Paisley, Joe Nichols, Steve Wariner, The Jordanaires, Tom T. Hall, and more. Their respect for their musical heroes and peers has allowed them to build bridges between bluegrass and other genres, expanding their reach without compromising their sound.

The Grascals are known for their ability to balance traditional drive with contemporary flair along with their authenticity, humility, and showmanship, The Grascals are a fan favorite on the festival circuit and are regular performers on the Grand Ole Opry with over 200 guest appearances. Their live shows combine technical excellence with emotional storytelling and a dose of humor, making every performance memorable.

Now more than two decades into their career, The Grascals remain at the top of their game—honoring the past, embracing the present, and helping shape the future of bluegrass music. With a renewed spirit and zeal to continue to create and blaze new music trails, be on the lookout for much more to come from The Grascals!

We Proudly Endorse:

McClanahan Mandolins, D'Addario Strings, BlueChip Picks, Peterson Tuners, Hogan Custom Mandolin Straps, Cody Case Company, Just Off The Bench, Deering Banjos, Superior Cases, GHS Banjo Strings, Ceres Banjo Works (Jim Britton), Bluegrass Outlet, Banjolit, Reunion Blues Cases, Cirrus Guitars, Paige Guitar Capos, MJ Franks Guitars, Takamine Guitars, Harrison Straps

We Are Sponsored By:

HOPELESS HOLLER TRADING CO.

Discography

20 (Mountain Home, 2024)
Up All Night (Mountain Home, 2021)
Straighten the Curves (Mountain Home, 2019)
Before Breakfast (Mountain Home, 2017)
…and then there’s this (Mountain Home, 2016)
When I Get My Pay (Mountain Home, 2013)
Life Finds A Way (Mountain Home, 2012)
Dance Til Your Stockings Are Hot & Ravelin (A Tribute To The Music Of The Andy Griffith Show) (BluGrascal, 2011)
The Grascals and Friends: Country Classics With a Bluegrass Spin (BluGrascal, 2010)
The Famous Lefty Flynn’s (Rounder, 2010)
Keep On Walkin’ (Rounder, 2008)
Long List of Heartaches (Rounder, 2006)
The Grascals (Rounder, 2005)

Additional Recordings

Industrial Strength Bluegrass: Southern Ohio's Musical Legacy (Smithsonian Folkways Recordings) (2021)
Hank Williams Jr. 127 Rose Avenue (Curb Records) (2009)
Tanya Tucker My Turn (Saguaro Road Records)(2009)
Bill Gaither’s Country-Bluegrass Homecoming Volumes 1 & 2 (Gaither Gospel Series) (2008)
“Prodigal Son’s Prayer” with Dierks Bentley from Long Trip Alone (Capitol Records) (2006)
Celebration of Life: Musicians Against Childhood Cancer (Skaggs Family Records) (2006)
Dolly Parton Those Were The Days (Sugar Hill Records) (2005)

Performance Highlights

The Grand Ole Opry
Kennedy Center
Radio City Music Hall
Ryman Auditorium
MerleFest
Wintergrass
Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival
Country Gold (in Japan)
Stagecoach Festival
…and more

Opening performances for

Dolly Parton
Dierks Bentley
Brooks & Dunn
Vince Gill
Patty Loveless
Sarah Evans
Big & Rich
Kenny Rogers
Charlie Daniels
…and more

TV Appearances

The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson
CBS Early Show
ABC Television’s CMA Music Festival: Country Music’s Biggest Party
Fox and Friends
WGN News at Noon
Opry Live
CMT
GAC

Print Media

Bluegrass Now
Bluegrass Unlimited
Associated Press
No Depression
Country Weekly
Bluegrass Music Profiles
Sing Out!
Country Standard Time

Awards & Honors

IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) Awards
2005 Emerging Artist of the Year - The Grascals
2005 Song of the Year “Me and John and Paul”, The Grascals (artists), Harley Allen (songwriter), Rounder Records (label)
2006 Album of the Year - Celebration of Life: Musicians Against Childhood Cancer (Compilation Project/Various Artists), Skaggs Family Records (label)
2006 & 2007 Entertainer of the Year - The Grascals
2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2019, 2023 & 2025 Banjo Performer of the Year - Kristin Scott Benson
2021 Album of the Year - Industrial Strength Bluegrass: Southern Ohio's Musical Legacy, Various Artists, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings (label)
2021 Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year “Ground Speed” - Various Artists including Kristin Scott Benson, Earl Scruggs (songwriter), Mountain Home Music (label)
2025 Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year “Ralph's Banjo Special” - Kristin Scott Benson, Gena Britt, Alison Brown (Ralph Stanley - songwriter), Compass Records (label)

GRAMMY Nominations
2005 Best Bluegrass Album - The Grascals (Rounder Records)
2006 Best Bluegrass Album - Long List Of Heartaches (Rounder Records)
2012 Best Bluegrass Album - Life Finds A Way (Mountain Home)

SPBGMA (Society of the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America) Awards
2006 Song of the Year - Me and John and Paul by The Grascals for Rounder Records
2006 Bluegrass Album of the Year - The Grascals by The Grascals for Rounder Records
2006, 2008, 2011, 2014-2017 Mandolin Performer of the Year - Danny Roberts
2006-2009, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Instrumental Group of the Year - The Grascals
2007-2008, 2010 and 2019 Bluegrass Band of the Year (Overall) - The Grascals
2009 Bluegrass Album of the Year - Keep On Walkin' by The Grascals for Rounder Records
2009, 2011, 2012, 2018, 2019, 2025 Banjo Performer of the Year - Kristin Scott Benson
2022 Bass Performer of the Year - Terry Smith
2025 Song of the Year - Tennessee Hound Dog by The Grascals on Mountain Home

GMA Dove Award Nomination
2007 Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year “Did You Forget God Today” - The Grascals (Rounder Records)

Miscellaneous Honors and Awards
2016 Smithville Fiddlers Jamboree - Blue Blaze Award for “actively cultivating a love of bluegrass music” - Danny Roberts
2017 Uncle Dave Macon Days - Trailblazer Award - The Grascals
2018 Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass - Kristin Scott Benson
2024 Banjo Hall of Fame Induction - Kristin Scott Benson
2026 Absolutely Gospel Music Bluegrass Single of the Year for “Broken Angels” with Dolly Parton