The Most Popular Bluegrass Song, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the song you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 29, 2024 06:30
In the heart of a lively folk festival, amidst fiddles and banjos echoing through the air, the debate often springs up around which Bluegrass song truly captures the essence of this cherished genre. Such discussions show not only the passion fans hold but also reflect the diverse tapestry of stories and melodies that Bluegrass offers. By ranking these songs, we create a collective snapshot of what resonates most with listeners today.
Creating a live ranking by voting for your favorite Bluegrass songs supports a dynamic appreciation of the genre’s evolution. This ongoing input from listeners like you shapes a continuously updated list that highlights current preferences and emerging classics. Your vote is your voice in this animated conversation, helping to mold a list that everyone invested in Bluegrass music can reference and enjoy.
What Is the Most Popular Bluegrass Song?
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136votes
"Rocky Top" by The Osborne Brothers
The Osborne BrothersThis song is considered a Bluegrass anthem and has been covered by numerous artists. It tells the story of a fictional place called Rocky Top in Tennessee.Rocky Top is a popular Bluegrass song that was recorded by The Osborne Brothers in 1967. It has since become one of the most recognizable and beloved songs of the Bluegrass genre.- Genre: Bluegrass
- Year: 1967
- Length: 2 minutes and 36 seconds
- Songwriters: Felice and Boudleaux Bryant
- Record Label: Decca Records
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228votesThis song gained popularity after being featured in the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou? It has since become a Bluegrass classic.
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328votes
"Blue Moon of Kentucky" by Bill Monroe
Bill MonroeThis song is often considered the first true Bluegrass song and has been covered by countless artists.Blue Moon of Kentucky is a classic Bluegrass song written and originally recorded by Bill Monroe in 1946. It is widely regarded as one of the most popular and influential Bluegrass songs of all time.- Genre: Bluegrass
- Release Year: 1946
- Length: 2 minutes, 4 seconds
- Key: A major
- Tempo: Fast
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417votes
"Foggy Mountain Breakdown" by Earl Scruggs
Earl ScruggsThis instrumental tune is known for its fast-paced banjo picking and has been featured in several movies and TV shows.Foggy Mountain Breakdown is a classic bluegrass instrumental song renowned for its energetic banjo picking. It is considered one of the most popular and influential bluegrass tunes of all time. With its fast-paced tempo, intricate melodies, and captivating banjo solos, the song exemplifies the distinctive sound and technical prowess of Earl Scruggs, a pioneer of the three-finger banjo picking style.- Genre: Bluegrass
- Instrument: Banjo
- Release Year: 1949
- Duration: 2 minutes 20 seconds
- Record Label: Columbia Records
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519votesAnother popular song from the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack, this version features Dan Tyminski on lead vocals.
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68votes
"The Devil Went Down to Georgia" by The Charlie Daniels Band
The Charlie Daniels BandWhile not strictly a Bluegrass song, this tune has Bluegrass influences and is a classic in its own right.The Devil Went Down to Georgia is a popular Bluegrass song performed by The Charlie Daniels Band. It was released in 1979 as a single and later included on their album Million Mile Reflections. The song tells the story of a fiddle-playing contest between the Devil and a young man named Johnny. With its catchy melodies, fast-paced instrumentals, and compelling narrative, it has become one of the most well-known Bluegrass songs of all time.- Genre: Bluegrass
- Year of Release: 1979
- Album: Million Mile Reflections
- Storyline: Fiddle-playing contest between the Devil and Johnny
- Instrumentation: Fiddle, guitar, banjo, drums
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78votes
"Nine Pound Hammer" by Merle Travis
Merle TravisThis song tells the story of a railroad worker and has been covered by many Bluegrass artists.Nine Pound Hammer is a popular Bluegrass song written by Merle Travis. It was first recorded by Travis in 1946 and has since been covered by numerous artists. The song tells the story of a poor worker using a nine-pound hammer as a symbol of his hard work and determination. It is characterized by its lively tempo, driving rhythm, and intricate guitar picking. The lyrics reflect the struggles and aspirations of the working class, making it a beloved and relatable song for many.- Year: 1946
- Genre: Bluegrass
- Recording Artist: Merle Travis
- Covered by: Numerous artists
- Tempo: Lively
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87votes
"Mule Skinner Blues" by Bill Monroe
Bill MonroeThis song is about a hard-working mule driver and has been covered by numerous artists, including Dolly Parton.The 'Mule Skinner Blues' is a popular Bluegrass song that was originally recorded by Bill Monroe in 1940. It is a lively and upbeat track with a catchy melody and engaging lyrics. The song tells the story of a hardworking mule skinner who works on the railroad, hauling goods and living a tough life. 'Mule Skinner Blues' has since become a classic in the Bluegrass genre and has been covered by numerous artists throughout the years.- Genre: Bluegrass
- Year of recording: 1940
- Style: Lively and upbeat
- Lyrics: Engaging storytelling about a mule skinner working on the railroad
- Melody: Catchy and memorable
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97votes
"Orange Blossom Special" by The Del McCoury Band
Ervin T. RouseThis tune is known for its fast-paced fiddle playing and has become a Bluegrass classic.The "Orange Blossom Special" is a popular Bluegrass song performed by The Del McCoury Band. It was originally written by Ervin T. Rouse in 1938 and has since become one of the most iconic and frequently covered instrumental pieces in the genre. The song is known for its energetic and virtuosic fiddle playing, capturing the feel of a fast-moving train.- Train-themed: Yes
- Genre: Bluegrass
- Year: 1938
- Band: The Del McCoury Band
- Instrument: Fiddle
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103votesWhile not strictly a Bluegrass song, this tune features many Bluegrass legends and has become a classic in the genre.
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular song
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TimelessnessConsider if the song has remained a classic throughout the years and if it continues to be popular among Bluegrass fans of all generations.
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Cultural and historical significanceGauge whether the song represents the characteristics and themes that define Bluegrass music and its history (e.g., stories about rural life, folk tales, and traditional values).
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Artist popularityCheck if the song is performed by a renowned or influential Bluegrass artist known for their contributions to the genre.
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Musical compositionEvaluate if the song showcases quintessential Bluegrass instruments (e.g., banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and bass) and offers a high level of musicianship and skill.
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Lyrics and storytellingDetermine if the song's lyrics are engaging, meaningful, and able to effectively tell a story or convey emotion.
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Commercial successLook at the song's chart performance, sales, and overall commercial influence within the Bluegrass genre, as well as in the broader music world.
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Awards and recognitionCheck if the song has been recognized and awarded by notable music organizations for its quality and impact on the genre.
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Influence on other artistsConsider whether the song has inspired other musicians within the Bluegrass genre or outside of it.
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Radio airplay and streamingGather data on the frequency of radio airplay and streaming of the song, as high numbers may indicate its popularity among fans.
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Fan popularityAnalyze social media engagement, concert performances, and overall buzz around the song to understand its popularity among Bluegrass enthusiasts.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Bluegrass song. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or song is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1343 views
- 155 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each song once every 24 hours. The rank of each song is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular bluegrass song
Bluegrass music is a genre of American roots music that originated in the Appalachian region of the United States. It is characterized by its use of acoustic instruments, such as the banjo, mandolin, fiddle, guitar, and upright bass, and its distinctive vocal harmonies. Bluegrass songs often tell stories of rural life, love, and loss, and have a unique sound that is both energetic and soulful.
Over the years, many popular Bluegrass songs have emerged, each with its own unique style and message. From classics like "Blue Moon of Kentucky" and "Rocky Top" to more recent hits like "Old Crow Medicine Show's "Wagon Wheel" and "Alison Krauss's "When You Say Nothing at All," there is no shortage of great Bluegrass songs to choose from.
So, what is the most popular Bluegrass song? With so many great options, it's hard to say. However, at StrawPoll, we've compiled a list of the most popular Bluegrass songs as voted on by our users. Check out our poll to see if your favorite Bluegrass song made the cut!
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