Pickin’ the Past

Let’s Learn about American Bluegrass Music

American bluegrass music is a form of American roots music, meaning it grew from the traditions of people who came from different lands to the United States hundreds of years ago. The bluegrass we know today originated in the Appalachian Mountains, where storytelling through song is an important tradition. In the 1940s, a band called Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys started playing music in Kentucky, and the kind of music they played became so popular that the entire genre was named after them! Bluegrass blends a wide variety of influences—such as Irish and Scottish fiddle tunes, African and African-American blues and banjo traditions, and gospel music—to become a genre uniquely American.

However, just because bluegrass has been around for a long time doesn’t mean it’s gone out of style, and many modern artists still tell their stories through American bluegrass. Join singer, songwriter, and UMS artist facilitator Rochelle Clark to explore the sounds and history of American bluegrass music.

Explore the accompanying slides and worksheets to learn more about American bluegrass.

Meet the Artist

A native of Michigan, Rochelle Clark writes music that has been described as raw, honest, and beautifully vulnerable. She writes and sings about real life, joy, struggle, and human tragedy. Leaning heavily on personal experience, she connects on an intimate level that resonates with her audience. Drawing on her roots in folk, Americana, and country, Rochelle has found a sound that is uniquely her own.

Learn more at rochellepclark.com