Sam Bush

A pioneering force in the progressive bluegrass scene since the mid-'60s, Sam Bush has extended the musical capabilities of the mandolin and the fiddle to incorporate a seamless blend of bluegrass, rock, jazz, and reggae. As the founder and leader of the New Grass Revival, Bush guided the evolution of modern hill country music. Together with the bluegrass supergroup Strength in Numbers, he pushed the traditions even further. During a five-year stint with the Nash Ramblers, he provided a diverse range of textures for the songs of Emmylou Harris. On his own, he has continued to explore an eclectic musical spectrum, topping the U.S. bluegrass, folk, and country charts with efforts like King of My World (2004), Storyman (2016), and Radio John: Songs of John Hartford (2022).