Doyle Lawson Receives National Heritage Fellowship

Photo courtesy of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
Pictured from left to right: Mike Hartgrove, Terry Baucom, Doyle Lawson, Darren Beachley & Jamie Dailey.

September 15, 2006--On Thursday, September 14, Bluegrass and gospel artist Doyle Lawson received a National Heritage Fellowship award. "It's an awesome feeling when you're up there, and to know that I'm in the company of so many of my heroes," noted Doyle. "It really didn't hit me until I got a look at the award given to the lady sitting next to me, while I was waiting for my turn to come--and then the full impact finally did hit me emotionally. I was glad I didn't have to go up next!"

Upon presentation of the award, the highest conferred by the NEA upon folk and traditional artists "whose contributions, primarily through teaching, advocacy, organizing, and preserving important repertoires, have greatly benefited their artistic tradition," Doyle joined a select group of bluegrass artists who have received Fellowships, including the genre's founder, Bill Monroe; banjo pioneer Earl Scruggs; legendary guitarist Doc Watson and dobro virtuoso Jerry Douglas.

For Doyle, the honor caps a year of unprecedented recognition. After performing at a concert given by Fellowship honorees today, he'll return to his home in Tennessee--and then in short order to Nashville and the International Bluegrass Music Association's annual Awards Show. Doyle and his group, Quicksilver, have received a seven IBMA nominations in most major categories, including Entertainer of the Year, Vocal Group of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Gospel Recording of the Year and individual entries for Mandolin Player of the Year (Doyle) and Banjo Player of the Year (Terry Baucom).