American bluegrass musician born February 1, 1939, in Bakersville, North Carolina. Long-running bandleader of the Del McCoury Band, with sons Ronnie McCoury (mandolin) and Rob McCoury (banjo) as core members. Among the most acclaimed traditional bluegrass artists of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Released over 20 albums starting with Del McCoury Sings Bluegrass (1968). Career-defining acts include over 30 IBMA Awards (more than any other artist) and the 1996 album The Cold Hard Facts. Frequently collaborates across genre lines — with Steve Earle (The Mountain, 1999) and Bruce Hornsby, among others. Inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2003.
