Jason Carter Band

In Lloyd, Kentucky, on U.S. 23, there's a sign on the Country Music Highway dedicated to renowned fiddler Jason Carter. It was placed there because of his other accomplishments—the GRAMMY awards, the worldwide tours, and the many other accolades he's earned through his music. But for Carter, joining the legendary names honored on that stretch of highway just might mean the most. "There's a certain sound that's up there that you just don't hear anywhere else," he says. "I think that played a big part in how I sound today."

True to those Kentucky roots, Carter continues to pour all he has back into bluegrass. For thirty years, he's been the fiddle player for the Del McCoury Band—the most awarded group in bluegrass history. He's won three GRAMMY awards, including 2018's "Best Bluegrass Album" with the Travelin' McCourys, of which he is a founding member. He's the five-time IBMA "Fiddle Player of the Year," a staggering number that isn't quite so crazy once you realize just how many bluegrass greats have turned to Carter for collaboration.

As a fiddler, Carter has been featured on albums by Steve Earle, Ricky Skaggs, Dierks Bentley, Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill, Asleep at the Wheel, and many more, all in addition to his tireless touring and recording with Del and the Travelin' McCourys. On Carter's solo album, Lowdown Hoedown, listeners may recognize instrumental contributions from such legends as Jerry Douglas or Sam Bush alongside vocals from young trailblazers like Sarah Jarosz or Billy Strings. This time, though, Carter is singing lead.

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Photo Credit: Michael Weintrob