The International Bluegrass Music Awards celebrated their 30th year on September 26. The program was held at Raleigh’s Duke Energy Performing Arts Center, North Carolina. Moreover, it was hosted by McCoury and Jom Lauderdale.
Importantly, Billy Strings, the guitarist took home appreciable prizes. He won Guitar Player of the Year. Besides he was also noted as New Artist of the Year.
Secondly, Del McCoury, the genre icon added to his already noteworthy achievements. He shared ‘Collaborative Recording of the Year’ with Joe Mullins and band. However, he added it by winning Album of the Year award for Del McCoury Still Sings Bluegrass.
Clearly, Missy Raines, bassist won Instrumental Recording of the Year for ‘Darlin’ Pal(s) of Mine’. She has bagged around seven IMBA awards. Besides, the talented bassist-singer-songwriter-teacher is one of the most sought after bassist in bluegrass music.
Additionally, the event witnessed the honouring of the 2019’s Bluegrass Hall of Fame inductees. Most importantly, they are: musician Mike Auldridge, banjoist and original member of the Country Gentlemen Bill Emerson and the Kentucky Colonels — they are eternalized for their hard work and service towards the folk revival of the early ’60s.
Furthermore, IBMA awardees are determined by the members of the International Bluegrass Music Association.
Entertainer of the Year: Balsam Range
Vocal Group of the Year: Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
Instrumental Group of the Year: The Travelin’ McCourys
Female Vocalist of the Year: Brooke Aldridge
Male Vocalist of the Year: Buddy Melton
Emerging Artist of the Year: The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys
Song of the Year: “If I’d Have Wrote That Song” – Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers
Album of the Year: Rivers & Roads, Special Consensus
Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year: “Speakin’ to That Mountain,” Becky Buller
Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year: “Squirrel Hunters,” Special Consensus
Recorded Event of the Year: “Swept Away,” Missy Raines with Alison Brown
Banjo Player of the Year: Ned Luberecki
Bass Player of the Year: Tim Surrett
Dobro Player of the Year: Justin Moses
Fiddle Player of the Year: Michael Cleveland
Guitar Player of the Year: Molly Tuttle
Mandolin Player of the Year: Sierra Hull