Bluegrass Genre Surges Nationwide Driven by Billy Strings' Record Success

Kentucky is experiencing severe weather conditions with damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes expected as thunderstorms move across the state, with the threat continuing into the evening before calming after midnight. A curfew from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. is in effect from May 20 through May 27 to support recovery efforts. Meanwhile, the bluegrass music genre is undergoing a resurgence, boosted by artists like Billy Strings and Molly Tuttle, which has opened new opportunities for musicians such as Susto Stringband. This revival reflects a cycle of bluegrass popularity seen since its 1930s origins by Bill Monroe, with periodic reinventions by artists over the decades. The Nashville-based International Bluegrass Music Association and Planet Bluegrass note that many artists now embrace bluegrass without fear of being pigeonholed, contributing to its growing mainstream appeal. This trend is bringing bluegrass back into the spotlight with increasing festival bookings and broader audience interest.