Country and Bluegrass

A large number of successful country acts have originated in Indiana. In fact, the following have recorded #1 hits on the Billboard Country chart: Janie Frickie, Crystal Gayle, Connie Smith, Sylvia, Steve Wariner, and Peggy Sue Webb. Likewise, a number of Hoosier bluegrass musicians have made their mark by winning Grammy awards and other accolades. Ever since bluegrass pioneer Bill Monroe bought land in Brown County to create a site for bluegrass events in 1951, activity in that style has flourished in Central Indiana. Lastly, Indiana has been the breeding ground for many highly successful pedal steel guitar players, among them Buddy Emmons, Bud Isaacs, Johnny Sibert, Greg Galbreath, Herb Remington, and "Sneaky Pete" Kleinow.