The first time I saw Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky at the Ryman many years ago, I was blown away. Growing up, I had heard about bluegrass music but had never had the opportunity to experience it live. It was and is truly a magical genre.
Since I became an entertainment writer, I have had the opportunity to feature several bluegrass bands, and I have never ceased to be amazed. Bluegrass instrumentalists are the very best on the planet. Their technical prowess is unparalleled.
When I saw Ken Burns’ historical documentary on country music in 2019, Skaggs was prominently featured. He included a clip of seven-year-old Skaggs telling Lester Flatt that he wanted “to pick,” after which he impressively played “Foggy Mountain Special,” a Flatt and Scruggs staple.
Since then, Skaggs has been a pioneer, keeping Bluegrass music at the forefront of the country music world.
At the Ryman on July 22, emcee Bill Cody stated that “If there is a music hall of fame, Ricky Skaggs is in it.” He cited membership in the IBMA Bluegrass Hall of Fame, the National Fiddler Hall of Fame, the Musicians Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame, and the revered Country Music Hall of Fame. He is also a long-time member of the Grand Ole Opry. Not only that, he is a 15-time Grammy winner.
The Ryman Auditorium was packed on the final night of their annual “Bluegrass Nights” as Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder played favorite Bluegrass covers alongside their impressive originals. A memorable performance was when they covered the Blue Sky Boys’ “Lonesome Night,” a tune that was popular in the 1940s. It was the 18th year that Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder played the Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman Auditorium summer series.
When Skaggs performs, you are not only utterly entertained, but you also receive a bluegrass/country music history lesson as the seventy-one-year-old reminisces about his early days playing alongside Bill Monroe (the founder of Bluegrass Music), the Stanley Brothers, Flatt & Scruggs, Keith Whitley, and others.
You must make it a priority to see Skaggs in person, as he is one of the finest mandolin players in the world. Additionally, the Ryman Auditorium hosts the highly anticipated Bluegrass Nights annually in July, so be on the lookout for that as well. You will not be disappointed.
You can follow Skaggs on his website, Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and all streaming services.
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Bethany Bowman is a freelance entertainment writer. You can follow her blog, Instagram, Facebook, and X.
