Alison Krauss helped bring bluegrass to a new audience in the ’90s. Blending bluegrass with folk, Krauss was instantly acclaimed from the start of her career, but it wasn’t until her platinum-selling 1995 compilation Now That I’ve Found You that she became a mainstream star.
No events found.Between her 1987 debut Too Late to Cry and Now That I’ve Found You, she matured from a child prodigy to a versatile, ambitious, and diverse musician and, in the process, made some of the freshest bluegrass of the late ’80s and early ’90s.
Krauss & Union Station followed the unexpected success of Now That I’ve Found You with So Long, So Wrong in spring 1997. Forget About It came in mid-1999. A year later, Krauss & Union Station joined the likes of John Hartford, Ralph Stanley, and others for the multi-million-selling soundtrack O Brother, Where Art Thou? A North American tour encompassing some of the album’s stellar musicians followed in summer 2002, allowing Krauss and her band’s popularity to soar. New Favorite appeared in November and went gold within four months. A live record came soon after, and in 2004 Krauss put forth Lonely Runs Both Ways. A Hundred Miles or More, a collection drawn from Krauss’ Rounder albums, along with sides recorded for assorted soundtrack projects and five previously fresh new tracks, appeared in 2007.
Alison Maria Krauss: A Journey Through Music
Alison Maria Krauss, the enchanting American bluegrass-country singer and fiddler, has graced the world with her melodious talents since her early years. From her humble beginnings in Decatur, Illinois, to becoming a record-breaking artist, her story is a remarkable one. With 14 albums under her belt, unforgettable performances on prestigious soundtracks, and a history-making collection of 27 Grammy Awards, Krauss’s musical odyssey is an awe-inspiring tale of talent, perseverance, and success.
Early Beginnings
Born on July 23, 1971, in Decatur, Illinois, to parents with diverse artistic backgrounds, Alison Krauss’s journey into the world of music started at an early age. Her mother’s banjo and acoustic guitar playing filled their home with folk music, while her radio introduced her to rock and pop. Her brother, Viktor, also contributed to her musical development by playing the piano and double bass. At the insistence of her mother, Krauss began studying classical violin at the tender age of five, even though she was initially reluctant. Her early years were marked by a diverse range of interests, including roller skating, eventually leading her to make the pivotal choice to pursue a career in music.
Emergence as a Fiddling Prodigy
Krauss’s extraordinary talent truly emerged when she started playing the fiddle. Her first taste of bluegrass came when she competed in a fiddle contest at the Champaign County Fair at the age of eight, placing fourth and even meeting fellow prodigy Andrea Zonn. She quickly developed an uncanny ability to learn complex riffs by ear and make them her own. By age 13, she won the Walnut Valley Festival Fiddle Championship and was hailed as the “Most Promising Fiddler in the Midwest” by the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass in America. Her virtuoso talents were even recognized by Vanity Fair magazine.
No events found.Joining Union Station
Krauss’s journey led her to meet Dan Tyminski and the members of Union Station in 1984 at bluegrass festivals. This encounter marked the beginning of her illustrious career with the band that would shape her musical identity. Each member of Union Station has their own remarkable story, and Krauss’s unique blend of talents was the final piece that elevated the band to new heights.
The Path to Stardom
Krauss’s career took off in 1985 when she signed with Rounder Records. In 1987, at the age of 16, she released her debut album “Too Late to Cry” with Union Station as her backup band. This was just the beginning of her journey towards becoming one of the most celebrated artists in the bluegrass and country genres. Krauss’s unique contract with Rounder Records required her to alternate between solo and group albums, leading to a stellar discography and numerous hits.
Rising Success and Grammy Triumphs
Alison Krauss’s success was not limited to bluegrass and country circles. Her collaboration with the Cox Family on the bluegrass album “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow” and her work with Shenandoah on “Somewhere in the Vicinity of the Heart” propelled her into the country music scene. Notably, her contribution to the “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” soundtrack played a pivotal role in reviving interest in bluegrass music, earning her a Grammy Award for Album of the Year.
The Legendary Collaboration with Robert Plant
One of the most iconic chapters in Alison Krauss’s career was her collaboration with English rock singer Robert Plant. Their platinum-selling album “Raising Sand” in 2007 earned them five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. This remarkable achievement cemented her status as one of the greatest artists of her generation. The duo also recorded a memorable Crossroads special for the Country Music Television network.
Continued Success and Upcoming Tours
Alison Krauss’s journey continues to this day. Her album “Paper Airplane,” released in 2011, topped the charts and showcased her unwavering commitment to creating remarkable music. In August 2021, she announced a sequel album with Robert Plant titled “Raise the Roof,” along with an exciting 2022 tour.
Other Work and Honors
Aside from her solo and group work, Krauss has made significant contributions to other artists’ records and motion picture soundtracks. Her remarkable career has earned her a multitude of awards, including 27 Grammy Awards and recognition from the music industry and her hometown of Champaign, Illinois, where an honorary street bears her name.
Alison Krauss’s story is a testament to the power of talent, dedication, and passion in the world of music. With a discography that continues to inspire and a live performance history that captivates audiences worldwide, she remains a shining star in the realm of bluegrass and country music. Her journey is far from over, and her legacy is a timeless one, etched into the annals of music history.
Discography
- Too Late to Cry (1987)
- Two Highways (1989)
- I’ve Got That Old Feeling (1990)
- Every Time You Say Goodbye (1992)
- Forget About It (1999)
- New Favorite (2001)
- Lonely Runs Both Ways (2004)
- Paper Airplane (2011)
- Windy City (2017)
- Raise the Roof (Upcoming, 2022)
Awards
- 27 Grammy Awards
- 14 International Bluegrass Music Association Awards
- 9 Country Music Association Awards
- 2 Gospel Music Association Awards
- 2 CMT Music Awards
- 2 Academy of Country Music Awards
- 1 Canadian Country Music Award
Alison Krauss’s extraordinary journey through the world of music has left an indelible mark, and her live performances continue to mesmerize audiences around the globe. Her compelling story and remarkable talent have earned her a place in the annals of music history.
Alison Krauss Tour News
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Alison Krauss Tour 2024 | Events & Tickets
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