Before there was Bela Fleck…there was J.D. Crowe!
Bluegrass banjo virtuoso J.D. Crowe died December 24, 2021 in his Lexington, Kentucky home at the age of 84. No official cause of death was released. Crowe had been recovering at a rehab facility following a hospital stay last month.
the Grammy Award winning musician has been a part of Bluegrass and Country music for over 50 years including the Sunny Mountain Boys, the Kentucky Mountain Boys – later New South, and playing with Mac Wiseman. Tony Rice, Ricky Skaggs, Jerry Douglas, and Keith Whitley were all a part of New South at one time.
Along with his Grammy Award, Crowe is a member of the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. He also earned a Bluegrass Star Award.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Py9ZPX-8CUE
When it came to the banjo, Crowe was considered an innovator, legend, and an influence on generations of players.
James Dee Crowe got his first taste of Bluegrass when he saw Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs at the age of 12. He began his musical career in the ‘50’s.
He is survived by his wife Sheryl, children David and Stacey, and granddaughter Kylee.
J.D. Crowe discography:
“Bluegrass Holiday”
“The Model Church”
“Ramblin’ Boy”
“Bluegrass Evolution”
“J.D. Crowe & the New South”
“You Can Share My Blanket”
“My Home Ain’t in the Hall of Fame”
“Blackjack”
“Somewhere Between”
“Live in Japan”
“Bluegrass Album Vol. 4”
“Straight Ahead”
“Come on Down to My World”
“Old Friends Get Together”
feature photo credit: J.D. Crowe (3232521845).jpg