20 years of bluegrass memories: A look back at artist highlights from IBMA Awards
Lisa L. Rollins
Posted On September 28, 2009
The two-decade milestone is a significant one for any event, from celebrating a wedding anniversary to time dedicated to an employer on the job.
That said, this year’s International Bluegrass Music Association Awards, which will be held Oct. 1 at Nashville’s historic Ryman with the aid of co-hosts Kathy Mattea & Hot Rize, are certainly no exception.
In reviewing the awards show’s 20-history, there’s an ample supply of special moments to recall. In turn, the following is an overview of just such IBMA Awards moments for those who care to remember the music event and its participants.
In 1995, Ronnie McCoury received the Mandolin Player prize, and instead of simply dedicating the award to his idol, he walked into the crowd and presented the trophy to the Father of Bluegrass Music, Bill Monroe, who was seated in one of the first few rows. Monroe smiled broadly and waved the crystal award in the air above his head, to the delight of the entire audience.
The envelope, please …
Opening awards envelopes can be a catastrophe on any awards show. To resolve a problem with an uncooperative one at the very first IBMA Awards show, Mitch Jayne of The Dillards reached into his boot for a large bowie knife to open the envelope that announced the 1990 Entertainer of the Year. Mitch then flipped the knife into the wooden podium, anchoring the tip of his blade in place while he announced Hot Rize as the award recipients.
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