The 35th Annual International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Awards celebrated excellence in bluegrass, with Jerry Douglas, the iconic 68-year-old Dobro player, being inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. Standing on stage at Raleigh’s Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, Douglas reflected on his career, remarking, “You don’t get here alone. I’ve covered a lot of ground in the last 51 years, and I look forward to whatever comes next.”
Douglas’ words resonated with the audience, capturing the essence of the IBMA and bluegrass music itself—anchored in tradition while evolving and pushing new boundaries.
Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway once again won Album of the Year for City of Gold, making it the second consecutive year Tuttle has earned the accolade. Meanwhile, the Del McCoury Band claimed the top honor of Entertainer of the Year. At 85, Del McCoury continues to represent the pinnacle of bluegrass.
C.J. Lewandowski of the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, who were also nominated for Entertainer of the Year, spoke of the genre’s openness to change: “There’s no glass ceiling in bluegrass right now — it’s limitless.”
Authentic Unlimited, a bluegrass/gospel group featuring former members of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, had a standout night, taking home awards for Vocal Group of the Year, Song of the Year, and Music Video of the Year. Jesse Brock was recognized as Mandolin Player of the Year.
A new generation of bluegrass musicians is emerging, highlighted by East Nash Grass, who won New Artist of the Year, and Gaven Largent, who was named Resophonic Guitar Player of the Year. This wave of younger talent, including artists like Billy Strings and Sierra Hull, is filling large venues across the country, expanding bluegrass’ reach to a wider audience. Billy Strings, along with Tony Trischka, won Collaborative Recording of the Year for “Brown’s Ferry Blues.”
The all-female group Sister Sadie continued its upward trajectory, with Jaelee Roberts winning her first Female Vocalist of the Year award and Deanie Richardson earning Fiddle Player of the Year.
A bittersweet note lingered over the awards as it was announced that 2024 would be the last year Raleigh would host the IBMA World of Bluegrass. Starting in 2025, the event will move to Chattanooga, Tennessee, but Raleigh will debut its new bluegrass festival, Raleigh Wide Open, in October 2025.
Joining Jerry Douglas in the Bluegrass Hall of Fame were banjo player Alan Munde and radio host Katy Daley. Douglas performed an emotional solo set following his induction, paying homage to bluegrass pioneers.
2024 IBMA Awards winners list:
Entertainer of the Year
Del McCoury Band
Vocal Group of the Year
Authentic Unlimited
Instrumental Group of the Year
The Travelin’ McCourys
Song of the Year
“Fall in Tennessee,” Authentic Unlimited
Album of the Year
City of Gold, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
Gospel Recording of the Year
“God Already Has,” Dale Ann Bradley
Instrumental Recording of the Year
“Knee Deep in Bluegrass,” Ashby Frank
New Artist of the Year
East Nash Grass
Collaborative Recording of the Year
“Brown’s Ferry Blues,” Tony Trischka with Billy Strings
Male Vocalist of the Year
Danny Paisley
Female Vocalist of the Year
Jaelee Roberts
Banjo Player of the Year
Rob McCoury
Bass Player of the Year
Vickie Vaughn
Fiddle Player of the Year
Deanie Richardson
Resophonic Guitar Player of the Year
Gaven Largent
Guitar Player of the Year
Cody Kilby
Mandolin Player of the Year
Jesse Brock
Music Video of the Year (TIE)
“Fall in Tennessee,” Authentic Unlimited
“Alberta Bound,” Special Consensus
