Vassar Clements

Inducted into the IBMA Hall of Fame in 2018 and also The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.
American musician, played fiddle, violin, viola, cello and worked as producer and arranger. Born April 25, 1928, Kinard, South Carolina and died August 16, 2005, Nashville, Tennessee. Husband of Millie Clements. Noted for his bluesy improvisations. Toured and recorded with three of the most influential early bands: Bill Monroe, Jim and Jesse, and Jimmy Martin. Leading figure in the New Grass movement, with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, John Hartford, Earl Scruggs, and his own Vassar Clements Band. Six Grammy nominations and one win (2005) for his participation in the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s recording of “Earl’s Breakdown.” Spearheaded a unique genre of music known as “hillbilly jazz.”