Guitarist Billy Strings continues his domination of the roots music world, being named the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year for the third year in a row. This came just a week after he repeated as the Artist of the Year Award from the Americana Music Association.
The IBMA award was the top prize handed out September 28 at World of Bluegrass, the association’s annual convention, trade show and festival in Raleigh, NC.
This year’s show featured several multiple winners. Molly Tuttle captured Female Vocalist of the Year honors, and with her band Golden Highway won Song of the Year and Album of the Year for “Crooked Tree.” Jason Carter was named Fiddler of the Year and won Instrumental Recording of the Year, and his band the Travelin’ McCourys took Instrumental Group of the Year honors. Authentic Unlimited was named Vocal Group of the Year and New Artist of the Year.
IBMA uses World of Bluegrass to recognize talent and achievement. Three new members were inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame: pioneer Wilma Lee Cooper and newgrass stalwarts Sam Bush and David Grisman.
Lee Michael Demsey will air highlights of the Awards Show on Saturday morning, October 7 at 10 am.
Earlier in the day, IBMA presented its Industry Awards. Distinguished Achievement Awards went to Terry Baucom, Tom Ewing, Carl Goldstein, Red Wine and the Bluegrass Situation. Industry awards honor a broadcaster, songwriter, writer, graphic designer and sound engineer, as well as liner notes and an Event of the Year.
The award winners are selected by the professional members of IBMA, the nonprofit professional organization for the global bluegrass music community. Here’s a full list of winners.
2023 Bluegrass Music Awards
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR – Billy Strings
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR – Authentic Unlimited
INSTRUMENTAL GROUP OF THE YEAR – The Travelin’ McCourys
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR – Authentic Unlimited
SONG OF THE YEAR – “Crooked Tree” Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway
ALBUM OF THE YEAR – “Crooked Tree” Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway
GOSPEL RECORDING OF THE YEAR – “The Scarlet Red Lines” Larry Sparks
INSTRUMENTAL RECORDING OF THE YEAR – “Kissimmee Kid” Jason Carter
COLLABORATIVE RECORDING OF THE YEAR – “Alberta Bound” Special Consensus with Patrick Sauber, Ray Legere, John Reischman, Trisha Gagnon, Claire Lynch, Pharis and Jason Romero
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR – Greg Blake
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR – Molly Tuttle
BANJO PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Kristen Scott Benson
BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Vickie Vaughn
FIDDLE PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Jason Carter
RESOPHONIC GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Justin Moses
GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Trey Hensley
MANDOLIN PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Sierra Hull