Various Industrial Strength Bluegrass - Southwestern Ohio's Musical Legacy (CD)

(Smithsonian Folkways Recordings) 16 tracks, digipack incl. 37-page booklet

In the middle decades of the 20th century, the factories of southwest Ohio attracted hundreds of thousands of migrants from Appalachia, including countless musicians. “Industrial Strength Bluegrass” celebrates the music these migrants made and loved, exploring a pivotal moment in the history of bluegrass and country music in general. Produced by popular artist and radio host Joe Mullins, the collection features a stellar lineup of bluegrass veterans, including Rhonda Vincent, Bobby Osborne and Mullins himself, tackling songs that have resounded throughout Ohio for decades. Bringing together some of the biggest names in bluegrass today, this group honors the joyous highs and lonely lows of life among the factories and warehouses, reflecting the rich culture and resilient people of the region.