The Infamous Stringdusters are a renowned bluegrass band known for their impressive musical abilities and their signature long hair. The band has been making waves in the bluegrass scene since their formation in 2006, and their unique blend of traditional bluegrass with modern influences has earned them a loyal fan base. The members of the band, Andy Falco, Chris Pandolfi, Jeremy Garrett, Travis Book, and Andy Hall, all have long, flowing locks that add to their stage presence and give them a distinctive look. Their music is characterized by intricate instrumentals and tight harmonies, making them a must-see for any bluegrass fan.1. The Infamous Stringdusters
1. The Infamous Stringdusters
The Devil Makes Three is a bluegrass band hailing from California, known for their energetic live performances and their members' long hair. The trio, consisting of Pete Bernhard, Lucia Turino, and Cooper McBean, has been making music together since 2002 and has gained a dedicated following with their unique blend of bluegrass, folk, and punk influences. The band's long hair adds to their edgy image and complements their raw, gritty sound. Their music often tackles darker themes, giving them a distinct edge in the bluegrass genre. The Devil Makes Three is a must-listen for anyone looking for a modern twist on traditional bluegrass music.2. The Devil Makes Three
2. The Devil Makes Three
Greensky Bluegrass is a quintessential bluegrass band, with a twist. The band, consisting of Anders Beck, Michael Arlen Bont, Dave Bruzza, Mike Devol, and Paul Hoffman, has been pushing the boundaries of the genre since their formation in 2000. Their unique sound, which combines traditional bluegrass with elements of rock, has earned them a devoted following. In addition to their musical prowess, the members of Greensky Bluegrass are also known for their long hair, which adds to their free-spirited image. Their electrifying live performances and their charismatic stage presence make them a must-see for any bluegrass fan.3. Greensky Bluegrass
3. Greensky Bluegrass
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Trampled by Turtles is a bluegrass band hailing from Minnesota, known for their fast-paced instrumentals and their members' long hair. The band, consisting of Dave Simonett, Tim Saxhaug, Dave Carroll, Erik Berry, and Ryan Young, has been making music together since 2003 and has gained a loyal fan base with their unique blend of bluegrass, folk, and rock. The band's long hair adds to their laid-back and carefree image, which is reflected in their music. Their energetic live performances and their ability to seamlessly blend different genres make them a standout in the bluegrass scene.4. Trampled by Turtles
4. Trampled by Turtles
Yonder Mountain String Band is a bluegrass band from Colorado, known for their progressive approach to the genre and their members' long hair. The band, consisting of Adam Aijala, Ben Kaufmann, Dave Johnston, and John Frazier, has been making music together since 1998 and has gained a dedicated following with their energetic live performances and their unique sound. The band's long hair adds to their hippie-esque image and complements their experimental approach to bluegrass music. Their ability to incorporate elements of jam and improvisation into their live shows makes them a favorite among bluegrass fans.5. Yonder Mountain String Band
5. Yonder Mountain String Band
Railroad Earth is a bluegrass band known for their rich harmonies and their members' long hair. The band, consisting of Todd Sheaffer, Tim Carbone, John Skehan, Carey Harmon, Andy Goessling, and Andrew Altman, has been making music together since 2001 and has gained a dedicated following with their unique blend of bluegrass, folk, and rock. The band's long hair adds to their rugged and earthy image, which is reflected in their music. Their live performances, which often feature extended jams and improvisation, make them a must-see for any bluegrass enthusiast.6. Railroad Earth
6. Railroad Earth
The Steeldrivers are a bluegrass band known for their soulful sound and their members' long hair. The band, consisting of Richard Bailey, Tammy Rogers, Mike Fleming, Brent Truitt, and Richard Bailey, has been making music together since 2005 and has gained critical acclaim for their unique blend of bluegrass and country. The band's long hair adds to their rugged and gritty image, which is reflected in their music. Their powerful vocals and impressive instrumentals make them a standout in the bluegrass scene.7. The Steeldrivers
7. The Steeldrivers
Old Crow Medicine Show is a bluegrass band known for their high-energy live performances and their members' long hair. The band, consisting of Ketch Secor, Critter Fuqua, Kevin Hayes, Morgan Jahnig, Gill Landry, and Cory Younts, has been making music together since 1998 and has gained a devoted fan base with their unique blend of bluegrass, folk, and Americana. The band's long hair adds to their old-timey and playful image, which is reflected in their music. Their live shows, which often include lively dancing and audience participation, make them a must-see for any bluegrass fan.8. Old Crow Medicine Show
8. Old Crow Medicine Show
The Avett Brothers are a bluegrass band known for their heartfelt lyrics and their members' long hair. The band, consisting of Scott Avett, Seth Avett, Bob Crawford, Joe Kwon, Tania Elizabeth, and Mike Marsh, has been making music together since 2000 and has gained widespread acclaim for their unique blend of bluegrass, folk, and rock. The band's long hair adds to their bohemian and introspective image, which is reflected in their music. Their emotional live performances and their ability to seamlessly blend different genres make them a standout in the bluegrass scene.9. The Avett Brothers
9. The Avett Brothers
The Punch Brothers are a bluegrass band known for their virtuosic instrumentals and their members' long hair. The band, consisting of Chris Thile, Gabe Witcher, Noam Pikelny, Chris Eldridge, and Paul Kowert, has been making music together since 2006 and has gained critical acclaim for their unique blend of bluegrass, classical, and pop. The band's long hair adds to their eclectic and sophisticated image, which is reflected in their music. Their live performances, which often feature complex and intricate arrangements, make them a must-see for any bluegrass fan.10. The Punch Brothers
10. The Punch Brothers
The Unique Style of Blue Grass Bands with Long Hair
A Match Made in Musical Heaven
When you think of blue grass music, images of banjos, fiddles, and harmonicas may come to mind. But there's another defining characteristic of this genre that often goes hand in hand with the music – long hair. Yes, you read that right. Blue grass bands with long hair are a common sight, and it's not just a fashion statement. This unique style actually has a rich history and adds to the overall aesthetic of the music.
The Origins of the Long Hair Tradition
The tradition of long hair in blue grass bands can be traced back to the 1950s and 60s, during the heyday of the genre. Many of the early blue grass musicians, such as Bill Monroe and Ralph Stanley, were from rural areas and had a strong connection to nature and the land. Long hair was seen as a symbol of this connection and was often a way for these musicians to rebel against the clean-cut image of mainstream country music at the time.
A Symbol of Authenticity
In addition to rebelling against mainstream country music, long hair also became a symbol of authenticity in the blue grass world. Many of the musicians in these bands were from working-class backgrounds and didn't conform to societal norms. Their long hair was a way to express their individuality and stay true to their roots. This authenticity is also reflected in the music itself, with lyrics often focusing on traditional themes and storytelling.
Blue grass bands with long hair also have a strong connection to the hippie movement of the 1960s and 70s.
The free-spirited nature of this counterculture resonated with blue grass musicians, and their long hair became a way to show solidarity with this movement. This connection to the hippie culture also brought a new audience to blue grass music, helping it gain popularity and evolve into the diverse and vibrant genre it is today.
A Timeless Tradition
Even as blue grass music has evolved over the years, the tradition of long hair in blue grass bands has remained a constant. Today, you can still find many musicians in the genre sporting long locks, whether they're playing traditional blue grass or adding a modern twist. And it's not just limited to men – female musicians in blue grass bands have also embraced the long hair tradition, adding their own unique style to the mix.
In conclusion, blue grass bands with long hair are not just a visual aesthetic, but an important part of the history and culture of this beloved genre. Whether it's a nod to their rural roots, a symbol of authenticity, or a connection to the counterculture, long hair has become synonymous with blue grass music. So next time you see a blue grass band with long hair, remember the rich tradition and rebellious spirit behind those flowing locks.
