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Who is Kristin Scott Benson? A Brief Career Overview

Kristin Scott Benson is a powerhouse in the realm of bluegrass music, renowned for her mesmerizing banjo skills and dynamic performances. Often recognized simply as Kristin Benson, she has made a significant mark in the bluegrass genre, blending traditional picking techniques with a progressive edge reminiscent of luminaries like Béla Fleck and Alison Brown. Her joyous and relaxed playing style captivates audiences, inviting them into the exhilarating world of bluegrass. With notable contributions to both group and solo projects, Kristin has become a pivotal figure in music, especially for vinyl enthusiasts who appreciate her exceptional artistry and the tactile experience of spinning her records. Whether performing with the famous band The Grascals or her solo endeavors, her connection to the vinyl culture is deep, with her albums being cherished collectibles that celebrate the essence of the music she loves.

Kristin Scott Benson's Early Life and Background

Born in South Carolina, Kristin Scott Benson came from a musically rooted family; her father and maternal grandfather both played the mandolin, creating an environment rich with melodies and rhythms. At just 13, she picked up her first banjo, sparking a lifelong passion that would lead her to perform with various bands by the age of 15. Growing up immersed in the sounds of traditional bluegrass, Kristin's early experiences shaped her artistic journey, fostering a deep appreciation for the genre. The vibrancy of her upbringing, combined with her exposure to musical instruments and family jam sessions, set the stage for her future love of vinyl records as a medium for sharing soulful music that resonates with audiences.

The Musical Influences That Shaped Kristin Scott Benson's Sound

Kristin's musical influences are a rich tapestry woven from the strands of traditional and progressive bluegrass. She dr

Great musicians will always find a way to make good music, but for great musicians to make great music, they must form a bond – one that, more often than not, goes beyond the purely musical to the personal. For The Grascals, that bond has been forged at the intersection of personal friendships, shared professional resumes and an appreciation for the innovative mingling of bluegrass and country music that has been a hallmark of the Nashville scene for more than forty years. 

Their cutting-edge modern bluegrass is delivered with a deep knowledge of, and admiration for, the work of the music’s founding fathers. Timely yet timeless, The Grascals make music that is entirely relevant to the here and now yet immersed in traditional values of soul and musicianship. It’s a unique sound that has earned three Grammy® nominations and two Entertainer of the Year awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association, as well as national media attention that seems to perpetually elude acts entrenched in niche genres. Such appearances include The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Fox & Friends, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and CBS’ The Talk. Honors also include performing twice for President George W. Bush and at President Barack Obama’s inaugural ball at the Smithsonian. 

The Grascals have over 200 guest appearances on the Grand Ole Opry to their credit and have also performed on the revered stages of Radio City Music Hall, the Ryman Auditorium and the Kennedy Center as well as music festivals such as MerleFest, Stagecoach, and the CMA Music Festival. In addition to performing across the United States and Canada, the awarding-winning band has traveled the world to take bluegrass music to Japan, Greece, France, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, and Belgium. 

The Grascals have also had the opportunity to record and share the stage with several country music legends including Dolly Parton, Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill, Hank Williams, Jr., George Jones, Kenny Rogers, Bro

Kristin Scott Benson is the four-time International Bluegrass Music Association’s Banjo Player of the Year. Since 2008, she has been a member of Grammy-nominated and two-time IBMA Entertainers of the Year, The Grascals, making an indelible mark on the bluegrass music industry.

Kristin has attained a national identity as one of the top bluegrass banjo players on the scene, exhibiting impeccable taste, timing, and tone. With an attentive ear to back-up, she is known and respected as a true team player among her peers.

Many consider her to be one of the first females to successfully be a side-musician in a top-tiered bluegrass band:

“There was one grass ceiling no woman could cut through—until Kristin Scott Benson came along, that is. Almost two years ago, she joined The Grascals. Not to front the band, not to sing, not to be eye candy, but instead to drive the group with her fivestring banjo. Until then, no woman had ever been hired to play one of the most defining of the bluegrass instruments in an Alist, festival-headlining, all-male band….It’s a high profile gig, as Kristin takes the banjo where no woman has
taken it before.”

Larry Nager – “Kristin Scott Benson – Cutting the Grass Ceiling” Bluegrass Unlimited: Oct, 2010

Kristin’s latest solo album, entitled Stringworks, on Mountain Home Records, was released in July of 2016. It debuted in the top-ten on Billboard’s Bluegrass album chart and the self-penned opening track, Great Waterton, was nominated for IBMA’s Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year. The record is a mixture of styles, reflecting her tastes, and features original and traditional instrumentals, as well as vocal songs, all showcasing her banjo playing.

She has been featured on The Grascals’ albums since 2008, including the latest release, And Then, There’s This. This album has enjoyed more chart success than any other, having spent eight of its first 12 months at #1 on the Bluegrass Unlimited alb