Celebrating Bluegrass Brilliance: 2025 IBMA Awards Preview

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The 2025 IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards are fast approaching, and the organization recently unveiled nominees for its awards, Hall of Fame inductees, and Distinguished Achievement Award honorees.

Selected for induction into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame were two groups that shaped my formative years: Hot Rize, an innovative Colorado band featuring Pete Wernick (aka Dr. Banjo), Tim O’Brien, Charles Sawtelle, and Nick Forster, known for their 1978–1990 run; The Bluegrass Cardinals, formed by banjoist Don Parmley, his son David, and Randy Graham, who toured extensively from 1974 to 1997; and Arnold Shultz, an African American musician born in 1886 whose influence shaped bluegrass’s roots.

Entertainer of the Year nominees include my friends Alison Krauss & Union Station and The Del McCoury Band, alongside Appalachian Road Show, Billy Strings, and East Nash Grass. Vocal Group of the Year contenders are Alison Krauss & Union Station, Authentic Unlimited, Blue Highway, Sister Sadie, and The Del McCoury Band.

For years, I’ve been honored to direct segments of the IBMA Awards, including the Distinguished Achievement Award. This year, I’m thrilled to celebrate Penny Parsons, a 45-year bluegrass advocate; Missy Raines, the first woman to win IBMA Bass Player of the Year (10 times); “Cuzin’ Al” Knoth, a pioneering California radio host; Ron Thomason of Dry Branch Fire Squad; and Sidley Austin LLP, recognized for supporting bluegrass initiatives.

Among the nominees, I’m especially excited for The Auctioneer by The Kody Norris Show (Video of the Year), Blue Collar Gospel by Jerry Salley featuring The Oak Ridge Boys (Gospel Recording), vocalists Russell Moore and Jaelee Roberts, banjo player Gena Britt, fiddler Maddie Denton, and New Artist Wyatt Ellis. Other categories, like Song of the Year and Album of the Year, and all the various musicians of the year showcase bluegrass’s vibrant talent.

Join us for the 36th Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards, presented by Get It Played, on September 18, 2025, at Chattanooga’s Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium. The IBMA World of Bluegrass®, September 16–20, includes the Business Conference (Sept. 16–18), Bluegrass Ramble, and Bluegrass Live! (Sept. 19–20). Tickets are on sale at worldofbluegrass.org.

I can’t wait to celebrate bluegrass’s finest in Chattanooga—join me to honor the music America love!