Gary Brewer
Gary Brewer | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 19, 1965 Louisville, Kentucky |
| Genres | Bluegrass music |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Instrument | Guitar |
| Years active | 1979–present |
| Labels | louisvillemusic.com Records, Stretch Grass Music |
| Website | brewgrass |
Gary Brewer is
Biography
Brewer was raised in Louisville, Kentucky. His grandfather Finley J. Brewer Sr. performed with the Carter Family, and his father Finley J. Brewer Jr. (aka Jim Brewer) has played since 1950. Sometimes Jim haa performed with his son Gary and Gary’s sons Wayne and Mason.[1][2]
Brewer played rock music until he began playing acoustic guitar while recuperating from an auto accident. That was when he and two friends formed the bluegrass group Kentucky Ramblers in 1979.
Brewer also purchased Bill Monroe’s bus "Bluegrass Breakdown."
Brewer recorded his first album Lonesome Road in 1982.
In 1989, Brewer started the Strictly Bluegrass bluegrass festival in Louisville.
In 1994, Brewer was invited to participate in Bill and James Monroe’s “Father and Son” Winter Tour.
Brewer released Jimmy Martin Songs For Dinner in 1999, with assistance from J. D. Crowe, Larry Stephenson, Doyle Lawson, Bobby Hicks, Terry Eldredge, Terry Smith, and [Art Stamper. The title song on this tribute to Jimmy Martin was written by Tom T. Hall specifically for this album.
Music instruction
Brewer recorded the video Learn to Play Old Style Mountain Banjo With Gary Brewer, released by MUMs the Video.
Awards and recognition
Since 1986, Brewer and Kentucky Thunder have been under contract with the City of Louisville, performing for the Mayor and other city functions. The band members are on the city payroll, and they receive paychecks.
In 2000, Brewer was nominated as a finalist twice by the International Bluegrass Music Association: for Guitar Player of the Year, and his song Jimmy Martin Songs for Dinner for Song of the Year.
Personal life
Brewer's nickname is "Stretch," and his record label is Stretchgrass Productions.
In 2002, Brewer won two gold medals at the U.S. Tai-Kwon-Do championships, qualifying him to be a part of the 2004 Olympic team.
Discography
Solo recordings
- ____: Guitar (Copper Creek)
Gary Brewer and the Kentucky Ramblers
- 1990: Down Home Memories (Copper Creek)
- 1992: Goin' Back to Kentucky (Copper Creek)
- 1993: Nearing Jordan's Crossing (Copper Creek)
- 1994: Money to Ride the Train (Copper Creek)
- 1996: Live in Europe (Copper Creek)
- 1997: Memories of Home (Cowan)
- 1998: Kentucky Headlines & Heartbreaks (self-released)
- 1998: Heaven's Jubilee (Cowan)
- 1999: Jimmy Martin Songs For Dinner (
- 2001: Home Brew (Copper Creek)
- 2014: Homestretch (Stretch Grass)[3]
Pap Brewer With Gary Brewer and the Kentucky Ramblers
- 1994: Finley J. Brewer, Sr. from Roan Mountain, TN (June Appal Recordings)
Gary Brewer and Phil Sexton
- 1999: The 5th Generation (June Appal)[4]
Music instruction
- 1998: Gary Brewer, Guitar: Bluegrass Guitar at Its Best (Mel Bay) ISBN 978-0786644506
References
- ^ "Gary Brewer and the Kentucky Ramblers Wrap Up July at the Carter Fold". Cybergrass. July 4, 2011. Retrieved September 13, 2017.
- ^ Andrew Lyons (June 22, 2017). "'Brew-grass Music is a Family Tradition for Gary Brewer and the Kentucky Ramblers". WHAS. Retrieved September 13, 2017.
- ^ John Curtis Goad (June 26, 2014). "Homestretch – Gary Brewer & The Kentucky Ramblers". Bluegrass Today. Retrieved September 13, 2017.
- ^ "JA- 076 – The 5th Generation". June Appal Recordings. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
External links
- website
- Gary Brewer at AllMusic
- Gary Brewer discography at Discogs