It's the words that matter most

“Lyrics are kind of the whole thing; it's the message. Something might have a beautiful melody but if it's not the truth coming out of your mouth, it's not appealing.” – Alison Krauss

Often credited with reviving America’s interest in bluegrass through her writing of the score of the wonderful movie O Brother Where Art Thou?, Alison Krauss was born to be a singer, songwriter and entertainer extraordinaire.  A violinist at age 5, and competition fiddler by age 8, she had her first recording at age 14, already the lead fiddler by then with a group that was to become Union Station – the band she still performs with today.   And while her fiddling is almost unsurpassed, her singing, as they say “ain’t too shabby either.”

She has released 14 albums, appeared on numerous soundtracks, and won dozens of awards, including 28 Grammys, more than any other living performer.  Her creative and heartfelt writing has been lauded in successful movies like the one above and Cold Mountain, which both earned her Academy Award nominations. 

 

Alison Krauss turns 44 today

To jump-start your day and enjoy great music, too, here are two examples of Alison Krauss’ writing, singing and fiddling.  The first is with Union Station on The David Letterman Show, and the second a version of her award-winning hit “Down to the River to Pray” from O Brother Where Art Thou? performed with the Berklee College Gospel Choir.  Enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hayb9mZSZDQ  (Lay My Burden Down)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CJfxaWRkNs  (Down to the River to Pray)

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