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Key Information

Doyle Wayne Lawson[1] (born April 20, 1944) is an American traditional bluegrass and Southern gospel musician.[2] He is best known as a mandolin player, vocalist, producer, and leader of the 6-man group Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver.[3] Lawson was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in 2012.

Early life

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Doyle Lawson was born in Fordtown, Sullivan County, Tennessee,[4] the son of Leonard and Minnie Lawson. The Lawson family moved to Sneedville in 1954.[5] Lawson grew up listening to the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday nights. This is where he heard mandolinist Bill Monroe, the "founding father" of bluegrass, and his band the Blue Grass Boys.

Lawson became interested in playing the mandolin around the age of eleven so his father borrowed a mandolin from Willis Byrd, a family friend and fellow musician. Doyle taught himself how to play the mandolin by listening to the radio and records, and watching an occasional TV show.[2] Later Lawson learned to play the guitar and banjo as well.[4]

Career

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Early career

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In 1963, aged 18 or 19, Lawson went to Nashville to play the banjo with Jimmy Martin and the Sunny Mountain Boys.[6]

In 1966, he started playing with J.D. Crowe and the Kentucky Mountain Boys (later called the New South) in Lexington, Kentucky. He returned to play the mandolin and sing tenor with Martin in 1969 for six months, and then played again with Crowe until August 1971.[5][7]

In September 1971, Lawson started playing with The Country Gentlemen and remained part of the band for almost eight years. During that time, in 1977, he backed up U.S. Senator Robert Byrd on his Mountain Fiddler album. In March 1979, Lawson left the Country Gentlemen with the intention of forming a band and creating his own sound.[5][4]

Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver

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Within a month Lawson had formed Doyle Lawson and Foxfire, with Jimmy Haley on guitar, Lou Reid on bass, and Terry Baucom on banjo.[4] The band name was soon changed to Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver.[8][9] In 1981, through Sugar Hill Records, Lawson with this lineup released the critically acclaimed Rock My Soul, an album that would become a landmark bluegrass gospel project.[6][10][11] With a new bassist, Randy Graham, the band recorded a second gospel album, Heavenly Treasures, also on Sugar Hill.[4][8]

Shortly thereafter, Graham, Baucom and Haley left to form their own band. Lawson hired guitarist Russell Moore, banjoist Scott Vestal and bassist Curtis Vestal, and continued to perform. After a time Ray Deaton took over on bass.[4]

In 1989 the band won song of the year at the International Bluegrass Music Awards for "Little Mountain Church House". In 1997, There's a Light Guiding Me was a 39th Annual Grammy Award nominee for Best Southern Gospel, Country Gospel or Bluegrass Gospel Album.[12] Through the years, Quicksilver toured regularly, performing at festivals concerts and other musical events.[13]

In 1998, Lawson and Quicksilver became the first bluegrass band to perform at the National Quartet Convention. Lawson and Quicksilver performed in Ontario, Canada at the Tottenham Bluegrass Festival in June 2001[14] and again in June 2015. Lawson and Quicksilver provided the background vocals to the song "Dazzling Blue" on Paul Simon's 2011 album So Beautiful or So What. In 2015, In Session was nominated for Best Bluegrass Album at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards.[15]

Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver onstage at the 2015 Tottenham Bluegrass Festival in Ontario, Canada

Lawson composed a number of the band's songs and tunes. His instrumental piece "Rosine", is a tribute to Monroe's birthplace and features, among other things, strains from the singer's 1967 instrumental "Kentucky Mandolin".[16] Lawson hosts the annual Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver Festival in Denton, North Carolina. In 2021, Lawson announced his retirement as a bandleader. Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver played their last show in the winter of 2021.

Personal life

[edit]

Doyle has been married to Suzanne Lawson since 1978. He has one son, two daughters, and a grandchild. Doyle rededicated his life to Christianity in May 1985 and is a practicing member of Cold Spring Presbyterian Church.[citation needed]

Band members

[edit]
Main article: List of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver band members

Final lineup

  • Doyle Lawson — mandolin, mandola, guitar, dojo, lead, baritone and low tenor vocals (1979–2021)
  • Eli Johnston — banjo, guitar, bass (2013–2018), lead, baritone and low tenor vocals (2013–2018, 2020–2021)
  • Stephen Burwell — fiddle, percussion (2014–2020, 2021)
  • Jerry Cole — bass, guitar, percussion, lead, tenor and baritone vocals (2018–2021)
  • Ben James — guitar, lead and tenor vocals (2020–2021)
  • Matt Flake – fiddle, bass, bass vocals (2020–2021)

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Year Album US Bluegrass Label
1977 Tennessee Dream County
1979 Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver Sugar Hill
1981 Heavenly Treasures
Quicksilver Rides Again
Rock My Soul
1985 Once and for Always
1986 Beyond the Shadows
1987 The News Is Out
1988 Heaven's Joy Awaits
Hymn Time in the Country
I'll Wander Back Someday
1989 I Heard the Angels Singing
1990 My Heart Is Yours[7]
1991 Merry Christmas from Our House to Your House
1992 Pressing on Regardless Brentwood
Treasures Money Can't Buy
1995 Doyle Lawson with Bobby Hicks & Jerry Douglas Koch
Never Walk Away Sugar Hill
1996 There's a Light Guiding Me
1997 Kept & Protected
1998 Gospel Radio Gems
1999 Original Band
Winding Through Life
2000 Just Over in Heaven
2001 Gospel Parade
2002 The Hard Game of Love
1994 Hallelujah in My Heart Music Mill
Thank God Crossroads
2005 You Gotta Dig a Little Deeper[17] 4 Rounder
2006 He Lives in Me 4 Crossroads
2007 More Behind the Picture Than the Wall 2 Rounder
2008 Help Is On the Way 4 Horizon
2009 Lonely Street Rounder
2010 Light On My Feet, Ready to Fly 11 Horizon
2011 Drive Time 15 Crossroads
2012 Sing Me a Song About Jesus 9
2013 Roads Well Traveled 14 Mountain Home
2014 Open Carefully, Message Inside[18] 10
2015 In Session[19] 8
2016 Burden Bearer 4
2017 Life is a Story Mountain Home
2019 Live in Prague, Czech Republic Billy Blue Records
2022 Roundtable

Compilation albums

[edit]
Year Album US Bluegrass Label
1990 The Gospel Collection 1 Sugar Hill
1999 A School of Bluegrass 9 Crossroads
Once and for Always/The News Is Out Sugar Hill
2007 Best of the Sugar Hill Years

Awards

[edit]

Lawson is a recipient of a 2006 National Heritage Fellowship awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts, which is the United States government's highest honor in the folk and traditional arts.[20]

International Bluegrass Music Association

[edit]
  • 1990 Song of the Year: Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver for "Little Mountain Church"[7]
  • 1996 Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year: Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver for "There's a Light Guiding Me"[7]
  • 2000 Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year: Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver for "Winding Through Life"
  • 2001 Vocal Group of the Year: Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver
  • 2002 Vocal Group of the Year: Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver
  • 2003 Vocal Group of the Year: Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver
  • 2003 Song of the Year: Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver for "Blue Train"
  • 2003 Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year: Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver for "Hand Made Cross"
  • 2004 Vocal Group of the Year: Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver
  • 2005 Vocal Group of the Year: Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver
  • 2005 Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year: Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver for "Praise His Name"
  • 2006 Vocal Group of the Year: Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver
  • 2006 Album of the Year: Celebration of Life: Musicians Against Childhood Cancer, featuring various bluegrass bands and musicians
  • 2006 Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year: Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver for "He Lives in Me"
  • 2007 Vocal Group of the Year: Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver
  • 2007 Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year: Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver for "He Lives in Me"
  • 2011 Recorded Event of the Year: Doyle Lawson, J. D. Crowe, Paul Williams for "Prayer Bells of Heaven"
  • 2011 Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year: Doyle Lawson, J. D. Crowe, Paul Williams for "Prayer Bells of Heaven"
  • 2012 Hall of Fame: Doyle Lawson[19][21]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Doyle Lawson

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from Grokipedia
Doyle Wayne Lawson (born April 20, 1944) is an American traditional bluegrass and musician renowned for his playing, high vocals, and leadership of the band Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, which he founded in 1979. Over a career spanning nearly six decades, Lawson has been a pivotal figure in revitalizing gospel-infused bluegrass through tight vocal harmonies and innovative arrangements, earning induction into the International Hall of Fame in 2012 and multiple International Association (IBMA) awards, including eleven Vocal Group of the Year honors for his band (as of 2025). Born in the rural community of Ford Town in Sullivan County, near Kingsport, Tennessee, to Leonard and Minnie Lawson, Doyle grew up in a musical family where his parents, two brothers (James and Les), and sister (Colleen) regularly sang gospel songs. Inspired by broadcasts of the Grand Ole Opry and Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys, he taught himself mandolin around age 11 or 12 by listening to radio and television performances. His early exposure to gospel quartets and bluegrass icons shaped his lifelong commitment to the genres, leading him to rededicate his life to Christianity in May 1985. Lawson's professional career began in February 1963 at age 18, when he moved to Nashville to play with & the Sunny Mountain Boys, a foundational bluegrass act. He later switched to guitar and while performing with & the Kentucky Mountain Boys from 1966 to 1971, contributing to recordings that highlighted his emerging vocal and instrumental skills. From 1971 to 1979, he served as mandolinist and high tenor singer for the Country Gentlemen, a period that honed his reputation for precise harmony singing in bluegrass. In April 1979, Lawson formed his own group, initially called Doyle Lawson & before renaming it Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, emphasizing material alongside traditional bluegrass instrumentals. The band became known for its professional rigor, with Lawson selecting members based on musical talent, dependability, and character, and it headlined festivals across the while releasing over 30 albums on labels including Sugar Hill and Mountain Home. Notable contributions include original compositions like "Tennessee Dream" and "Picking Wild Cherries," as well as arrangements of classic songs that introduced the style to broader audiences. Lawson's accolades extend beyond the IBMA, including the National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship in 2010 for his mastery of bluegrass traditions and the Tennessee Governor's Arts Award in 2021 for his enduring influence on the genre. After retiring from full-time touring at the end of 2022 following 59 years on the road, he has continued to produce music, host the annual The Malpass Brothers Bluegrass and Country Festival (formerly the Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver Festival) in Denton, North Carolina (over 25 years running), and occasionally perform. In 2024 and 2025, the band won additional IBMA Vocal Group of the Year awards, and in September 2025, Lawson co-founded the record label Tall Oaks Music with Donna Ulisse, maintaining his legacy as a bluegrass patriarch at age 81.

Biography

Early life

Doyle Lawson was born on April 20, 1944, in Ford Town, Sullivan County, Tennessee, to parents Leonard and Minnie Lawson. He grew up in a family that included two brothers, James and Les, and a sister, Colleen. In 1954, the Lawson family relocated to Sneedville, Tennessee, where Doyle spent much of his formative years in the rural Appalachian setting. From an early age, Lawson was immersed in music through family traditions and local culture. His family frequently participated in singing at church gatherings and local events, with his parents and relatives forming trios and quartets that performed harmonies. This environment fostered his initial appreciation for , while broader exposure to regional bluegrass came via community jams and informal music sessions in . Lawson's passion for bluegrass ignited through radio broadcasts of the Grand Ole Opry, which he listened to regularly as a child. He was particularly inspired by Bill Monroe and his Blue Grass Boys, drawn to the mandolin's "high lonesome" sound that defined the genre. At age 11, Lawson began teaching himself to play the mandolin on a borrowed instrument, practicing by ear from Opry recordings and live radio performances.

Personal life

Doyle Lawson married Suzanne Lawson on June 24, 1978. The couple has three children: one son, Robbie, and two daughters, Suzi and Kristi. As of recent updates, they also have one grandchild, grandson Spencer, with whom they spend much of their spare time. In May 1985, Lawson rededicated his life to , an event that profoundly shaped his personal values and decisions thereafter. He and his family are active members of Cold Spring Presbyterian Church in , where he worships regularly when not traveling. Following his retirement from touring in 2022, Lawson resides in Bristol, Tennessee, with his wife, embracing a quieter lifestyle centered on family and personal interests. He enjoys collecting Western memorabilia, particularly items related to Roy Rogers, as a favored hobby outside of music. His involvement in the local church community continues to provide a foundation for his post-retirement days.

Musical Career

Early career

Doyle Lawson's professional career in began in 1963 when, at the age of 18, he moved to Nashville and joined and the Sunny Mountain Boys as their player. This marked his first significant gig on the bluegrass circuit, where he performed alongside Martin's high-energy style and contributed to the band's live shows and recordings during his initial tenure. In 1966, Lawson relocated to , to join and the Kentucky Mountain Boys, initially playing guitar before transitioning to . He remained with the band through 1969, briefly returning to Jimmy Martin's group for six months that year before rejoining Crowe until August 1971. During this period, Lawson made his recording debut on the 1968 album Bluegrass Holiday, featuring collaborations with on guitar and vocals, showcasing his emerging skills on and tenor vocals. Lawson then spent nearly eight years with The Country Gentlemen, starting on September 1, 1971, and departing in March 1979. In this role, he solidified his position as the band's mandolinist and high tenor singer, contributing to numerous albums and extensive tours, including a notable 1972 trip to . His work with the group honed his vocal harmonies and instrumental precision, drawing from influences like Bill Monroe's style encountered in his youth. During this time, in 1977, Lawson backed U.S. Senator on the album Mountain Fiddler, providing guitar accompaniment alongside banjoist James Bailey and bassist Spider Gilliam. By the late 1970s, Lawson's focus had shifted primarily to mandolin and lead/baritone vocals, establishing him as a versatile front-line musician in bluegrass ensembles. This evolution from banjo through multi-instrumental roles prepared him for greater leadership opportunities in the genre.

Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver

Doyle Lawson formed his band in April 1979, initially naming it Doyle Lawson & Foxfire, before renaming it Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver shortly thereafter to reflect a desire for a name evoking speed and precision in their bluegrass style. The group debuted with an eponymous album in 1980 on Sugar Hill Records, featuring original members including banjoist Terry Baucom, guitarist Jimmy Haley, and bassist Lou Reid, alongside Lawson's lead mandolin and tenor vocals. This formation marked Lawson's transition to band leadership, drawing on his prior experience to emphasize intricate instrumental interplay and vocal harmonies rooted in traditional bluegrass. The band's early sound evolved with their 1981 release Rock My Soul, a landmark album that established their signature blend of bluegrass and gospel through a cappella quartet harmonies and spiritual themes, revitalizing the genre's gospel tradition. Following a personal faith rededication in 1985, Lawson shifted the group's focus more deeply toward gospel-influenced bluegrass, incorporating themes of redemption and divine guidance while highlighting his precise mandolin technique—often featuring chop rhythms and melodic leads inspired by Bill Monroe—and the band's renowned tight harmonies, typically structured as three-part with a floating high tenor. This evolution was evident in key releases like Hymn of Glory (1985), which deepened their spiritual repertoire, and later albums such as There's a Light Guiding Me (1997, nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Southern, Country, or Bluegrass Gospel Album), You Gotta Dig a Little Deeper (2005), and In Session (2015, nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album). Quicksilver's live performances underscored their growing prominence, including their historic appearance as the first bluegrass act at the National Quartet Convention in 1998, where they bridged gospel and bluegrass audiences with high-energy sets. They also performed internationally at events like the Tottenham Bluegrass Festival in Ontario, Canada, in 2001 and 2015, contributing to their reputation for dynamic stage presence. Over their four-decade run through 2021, the band released more than 40 albums, toured extensively across the United States, Europe, the Near East, and North Africa—where their acoustic gospel resonated with local traditions—and maintained a consistent sound that balanced virtuosic musicianship with heartfelt lyrical content.

Retirement and legacy

In April 2021, Doyle Lawson announced his intention to retire as the bandleader of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver after more than four decades, with the group's final tour scheduled to conclude in December 2022. This decision allowed Lawson to step away from the demanding road schedule while reflecting on a career marked by consistent innovation within traditional bluegrass. The band's final studio album, Roundtable, released in June 2021 on Billy Blue Records, featured a mix of original and classic material, serving as a capstone to their secular recordings and showcasing Lawson's signature precision alongside tight vocal harmonies. Although a concluding project was initially planned for 2022, no such release materialized with the band. Following his retirement from full-time touring, Lawson has remained selectively active in the bluegrass community through guest appearances and production roles. In 2024, he joined Paul Williams for performances at Crowefest, delivering classic hits like "Hit Parade of Love" and "Prayer Bells in Heaven" to enthusiastic audiences. As of 2025, Lawson continues to engage with the genre, serving as a presenter at the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Bluegrass Music Awards, where he contributes to recognizing emerging talent. These limited engagements underscore his ongoing commitment to music without the rigors of constant travel. Lawson's legacy endures through his profound influence on mandolin playing, where his dynamic, precise style—rooted in Bill Monroe's foundational techniques—has inspired generations of pickers to blend technical virtuosity with emotional depth. He played a pivotal role in popularizing gospel elements within bluegrass, incorporating quartet-style harmonies and sacred themes that elevated the genre's spiritual dimension and broadened its appeal. As a mentor, Lawson shaped numerous musicians through his band, many of whom, including members of the post-retirement group Authentic Unlimited, credit his leadership for their professional growth. His educational impact extends to informal workshops and his "School of Bluegrass" column, where he shares insights on technique and career navigation for aspiring artists. Inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame in 2023, Lawson's contributions to preserving traditional bluegrass while fostering its evolution cement his status as a cornerstone figure in the music's history.

Band and Collaborations

Band members

Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver maintained a core focus on multi-instrumentalists who excelled in vocal harmonies, enabling the band's signature blend of driving bluegrass instrumentation and quartet-style singing. Each member typically handled lead, , , or bass vocals alongside their primary instruments, contributing to the group's tight, layered sound that emphasized emotional delivery in both sacred and secular material. This approach shaped Quicksilver's distinctive style, distinguishing it from more instrumentally dominant bluegrass ensembles by prioritizing vocal precision and blend. The final lineup, active from approximately 2018 to the band's retirement in December 2021, consisted of Doyle Lawson on and lead vocals, Eli Johnston on and vocals, Stephen Burwell on , Jerry Cole on guitar and vocals, Ben James on bass and vocals, and Matt Flake on and . Members often switched instruments during performances, with Johnston and Burwell providing rhythmic drive through and interplay, while Cole, James, and Flake supported the low end and added harmonic depth on guitar, bass, and resophonic elements. This configuration enhanced the band's energetic live sound, particularly in fast-paced breakdowns and gospel numbers, as showcased in their farewell performances. Following the band's retirement, former members Eli Johnston, Stephen Burwell, and Jerry Cole formed the bluegrass group Authentic Unlimited in 2021. Among notable past members, banjoist Terry Baucom served in the 1980s, helping establish the band's foundational progressive bluegrass tone with his three-finger picking style that complemented Lawson's mandolin leads. Guitarist and vocalist Jamie Dailey joined in the early 2000s through 2007, bringing dynamic lead vocals and flatpicking that infused Quicksilver's material with a more contemporary edge during albums like Rocky Road (2005). Bassist and vocalist Russell Moore performed in the early 2000s, contributing powerful baritone harmonies and upright bass lines that bolstered the group's rhythmic stability and vocal richness on recordings such as Just Over in the Gloryland (2001). These individuals not only filled key instrumental roles but also advanced the band's reputation for vocal excellence, with many going on to lead their own acclaimed acts. The band experienced significant lineup turnover throughout its 42-year history, largely attributed to its rigorous touring demands as one of bluegrass's hardest-working acts, often performing over 150 shows annually. This pattern favored recruiting specialists capable of sustaining high-energy performances , ensuring continuity in Quicksilver's polished, quartet-driven aesthetic despite frequent changes.

Notable collaborations

One of Doyle Lawson's early notable collaborations occurred in 1978 when he provided guitar accompaniment for U.S. Senator Robert Byrd on the album Mountain Fiddler, recorded in Byrd's Senate office and featuring traditional bluegrass tunes like "Cumberland Gap" and "Will the Circle Be Unbroken." Lawson, then a member of the Country Gentlemen, joined Byrd alongside banjoist James Bailey and bassist Spider Gilliam for the session, which captured an informal, living-room-style performance emphasizing Appalachian musical heritage. Throughout his career, Lawson made significant guest appearances on recordings with prominent bluegrass figures. In the early 1980s, he joined J.D. Crowe, Tony Rice, Bobby Hicks, and others as part of the Bluegrass Album Band, contributing mandolin and tenor vocals to five influential albums released between 1981 and 1996 on Rounder Records, including The Bluegrass Album (1981) and Blue Ridge Cabin Home (1996), which blended progressive and traditional bluegrass styles. These projects showcased Lawson's harmonic expertise and helped bridge generations in the genre. Later, he appeared alongside Ricky Skaggs in all-star festival performances, such as the 2018 IBMA Wide Open Bluegrass event, where they joined forces for collaborative sets honoring bluegrass pioneers. Lawson also took on production roles for select bluegrass projects in the 1990s and 2000s, guiding recordings that highlighted emerging talent while maintaining traditional sounds; for instance, he served as arranger on compilation tracks for albums like Bluegrass Essentials (1998), featuring contributions from multiple artists. In special projects, Lawson contributed to tribute efforts celebrating bluegrass legends, including his band's performance of "Our Last Goodbye" on the 1997 compilation Legacy: A Tribute to the First Generation of Bluegrass, which honored , Flatt & Scruggs, and through reinterpretations by contemporary acts. Additionally, he participated in multi-band festivals dedicated to Monroe, such as the 50th annual Bluegrass Festival at Bean Blossom in 2016, where Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver performed alongside other groups to commemorate the event's history and Monroe's enduring influence.

Discography

Studio albums

Doyle Lawson's studio recordings, mainly under the banner of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, encompass a diverse body of work that evolved from roots in traditional bluegrass instrumentation and secular themes to a pronounced emphasis on harmonies and spiritual narratives. Early efforts highlighted his prowess and tight vocal arrangements, blending high-energy instrumentals with occasional sacred material, while later albums increasingly centered on faith-based songwriting, reflecting Lawson's personal in the mid-1980s. This shift is evident in the thematic depth of releases, where bluegrass drive supports messages of redemption and divine guidance, solidifying his reputation as a bridge between the genres. Throughout his career, Lawson has worked with several prominent labels, beginning with Sugar Hill Records for his initial Quicksilver output in the early 1980s, followed by a period with Rounder Records in the 2000s, with select releases and reissues on Rebel Records, and transitioning to Mountain Home Music Company starting around 2010. This label progression paralleled the band's growing focus on gospel, with Sugar Hill facilitating experimental mixes of styles and later imprints enabling more dedicated sacred projects. Notable tracks across these albums include covers like "My Little Georgia Rose," a Bill Monroe standard reinterpreted with Quicksilver's signature vocal layering, and original gospel compositions such as "Help Is on the Way," which exemplifies the uplifting quartet harmonies that became a hallmark of his sound. Key studio albums illustrate this trajectory:
Album TitleRelease YearLabelThematic Significance
Rock My Soul1981Sugar Hill RecordsBlends bluegrass instrumentals with gospel tracks like the title song, marking Lawson's early fusion of styles.
Once and for Always1985Sugar Hill RecordsFeatures a balance of secular bluegrass and emerging gospel elements, showcasing vocal precision on songs of longing and faith.
There's a Light Guiding Me1996Sugar Hill RecordsA pivotal gospel album emphasizing spiritual guidance, with the title track highlighting harmonious pleas for divine direction.
You Gotta Dig a Little Deeper2005Rounder RecordsReturns to traditional bluegrass roots with introspective themes, including covers that nod to classic influences.
Burden Bearer2016Mountain Home Music CompanyFully gospel-oriented, exploring burdens of life through songs like the title track, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Bluegrass Album.
Roundtable2021Billy Blue RecordsCollaborative songwriting among band members yields a mix of bluegrass and gospel, serving as a reflective capstone before Lawson's touring retirement.

Compilation and live albums

Doyle Lawson's compilation albums primarily serve as retrospectives of his early work with Quicksilver, aggregating gospel and bluegrass tracks from previous studio releases to highlight his contributions to the genre. These collections, released post-1990, often feature remastered audio for improved sound quality and thematic focus on spiritual themes, appealing to fans seeking accessible overviews of his catalog. One notable compilation is The Gospel Collection Volume 1, released in 1990 by Sugar Hill Records, which gathers 15 gospel songs recorded between 1980 and 1989, including tracks like "My Lord Delivered Me" and "Calm the Storm," drawn from albums such as Rock My Soul and Heavenly Treasures. Another key release, Best of the Sugar Hill Years (2007, Sugar Hill Records), compiles 18 remastered tracks spanning 1980 to 1992, serving as a career retrospective with hits like "Quicksilver Ride" and "Long Time Gone," emphasizing his mandolin-driven bluegrass style. Additional compilations include The Original Band (1999, Sugar Hill Records), a remastered HDCD featuring early Quicksilver material from 1980 to 1981, such as selections from the debut album, to celebrate the band's formative sound. Similarly, Once and for Always / The News Is Out (1999, Sugar Hill Records) combines two full 1980s albums on one disc, offering a bundled retrospective of mid-career gospel and bluegrass recordings without new material.
TitleYearLabelNotes
The Gospel Collection Volume 11990Sugar Hill RecordsThemed gospel compilation from prior albums; 15 tracks.
The Original Band1999Sugar Hill RecordsRemastered early recordings; focuses on debut era.
Once and for Always / The News Is Out1999Sugar Hill RecordsTwo-in-one reissue of 1980s albums.
Best of the Sugar Hill Years2007Sugar Hill RecordsGreatest hits retrospective; 18 remastered tracks.
Lawson's live albums capture the energy of his band's performances, often recorded during international tours to showcase their gospel-infused bluegrass in front of enthusiastic audiences. These releases include previously unreleased tour material, providing insight into Quicksilver's stage dynamics and vocal harmonies. The primary live album is Live in Prague, Czech Republic (2019, Billy Blue Records), recorded during a performance in Prague, featuring 14 tracks such as "Just Over in the Gloryland" and "I'll Fly Away," blending gospel standards with originals to reflect the band's global appeal and live improvisations. This release highlights remixed tour footage and audio, marking a milestone in Lawson's later career as a document of his enduring stage presence.
TitleYearLabelNotes
Live in Prague, Czech Republic2019Billy Blue RecordsInternational tour recording; 14 tracks with gospel and bluegrass selections.

Awards and Honors

International Bluegrass Music Association Awards

Doyle Lawson and his band Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver have amassed 19 wins at the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Awards, underscoring their profound influence on bluegrass music through exceptional vocal harmonies and gospel performances. These accolades span multiple categories, reflecting the band's consistent excellence since the 1990s and Lawson's leadership in preserving traditional bluegrass elements while innovating within the genre. In 2012, Doyle Lawson was inducted into the IBMA Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, recognizing his over five decades of contributions as a musician, bandleader, and innovator in bluegrass gospel and vocal styles. This honor highlights his role in shaping the genre's evolution, from his early days with Lester Flatt and the Foggy Mountain Boys to leading Quicksilver. Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver have won Vocal Group of the Year nine times, including seven consecutive victories from 2001 to 2007, followed by wins in 2018 and 2022, establishing them as one of the most awarded ensembles in IBMA history for their tight, emotive harmonies. The band has also been nominated for Entertainer of the Year multiple times, including in 2007, 2020, and 2021, affirming their broad appeal and stage presence. In the Song of the Year category, the band triumphed twice: in 1990 for "Little Mountain Church," written by Jim Rushing and Carl Jackson, and in 2003 for "Blue Train (of the Heartbreak Line)," written by John D. Loudermilk, both tracks exemplifying Lawson's ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with bluegrass instrumentation. The group's gospel work has been particularly celebrated, securing Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year six times with Quicksilver: 1996 for "There's A Light Guiding Me" (Sugar Hill Records), 2000 for "Winding Through Life" (Sugar Hill Records), 2003 for "The Hand Made Cross" (Sugar Hill Records, produced by Doyle Lawson), 2005 for "Praise His Name" (Crossroads Records, produced by Doyle Lawson), 2006 for "He Lives In Me" (Horizon Records, produced by Doyle Lawson), and 2007 for "He Lives In Me" (Horizon Records, produced by Doyle Lawson). Additional gospel wins include 2011 for "Prayer Bells of Heaven" on the collaborative album with J.D. Crowe and Paul Williams, and 2021 for "In the Resurrection Morning" with Sacred Reunion. Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver also earned Album of the Year twice: in 2006 for Celebration of Life: Musicians Against Childhood Cancer (Skaggs Family Records) and in 2020 for Live in Prague, Czech Republic (Billy Blue Records, co-produced by Doyle Lawson and Rosta Capek), showcasing their live energy and charitable efforts. In 2011, Lawson received the Collaborative Recording of the Year for "Prayer Bells of Heaven," further emphasizing his impact through partnerships in bluegrass.

Other awards and recognitions

In addition to his International Bluegrass Music Association accolades, Doyle Lawson has received numerous other prestigious honors recognizing his contributions to bluegrass and gospel music. He and his band Quicksilver earned Grammy Award nominations for Best Bluegrass Album with their 2015 release In Session, highlighting collaborative tracks featuring guest artists. Earlier, in 1997, their album There's a Light Guiding Me was nominated for Best Southern Gospel, Country Gospel, or Bluegrass Gospel Album at the 39th Annual Grammy Awards, underscoring Lawson's gospel influences. Overall, Lawson and Quicksilver have accumulated seven Grammy nominations without a win, reflecting their consistent excellence in the genre. Lawson was awarded the National Heritage Fellowship in 2006 by the National Endowment for the Arts, the nation's highest honor in the folk and traditional arts, for his mastery of bluegrass mandolin playing, tenor vocals, and bandleading. This lifetime achievement recognizes his role in preserving and advancing American roots music traditions. Through the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA), Lawson has been honored multiple times, including five Vocal Group of the Year awards for Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver from 1989 to 1993, and Mandolin Player of the Year wins in 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, and 2013. He also received SPBGMA Bluegrass Album of the Year awards from 1987 to 1991. In the Gospel Music Association's Dove Awards, Lawson garnered nominations for Best Bluegrass Gospel Album, including Kept & Protected in 1997, Help Is on the Way in 2009, and Light on My Feet, Ready to Fly in 2011. In 2021, he received the Distinguished Artist Award from the Tennessee Arts Commission as part of the Governor's Arts Awards, Tennessee's highest arts honor, for his enduring contributions to the state's musical heritage. Further affirming his legacy, Lawson was inducted into the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame in 2023.

References

  1. https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/index.php/mastertalent/detail/205700/Lawson_Doyle
  2. https://www.doylelawson.com/doyle-lawson
  3. https://www.bluegrasshall.org/inductees/doyle-wayne-lawson/
  4. https://www.billboard.com/music/country/doyle-lawson-quicksilver-billy-blue-records-8517607/
  5. https://ibma.org/award-recipients/doyle-lawson-quicksilver/
  6. https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2022-ibma-bluegrass-music-awards-winners-list-1235148100/
  7. https://bluegrasscountry.org/ibma-2024-bluegrass-music-awards/
  8. https://www.arts.gov/honors/heritage/doyle-lawson
  9. https://thebluegrasssituation.com/read/retiring-from-the-road-doyle-lawson-looks-back-on-59-years-in-bluegrass/
  10. https://tnartscommission.org/governors-arts-awards/2021-award-winners/doyle-lawson/
  11. https://bluegrasstoday.com/doyle-lawson-quicksilver-festival-gets-a-new-name/
  12. https://bluegrasstoday.com/doyle-lawson-and-donna-ulisse-launch-tall-oaks-music/
  13. https://tnfolklife.org/programs/awards/national-heritage-fellowship/doyle-lawson/
  14. https://bluegrasstoday.com/having-a-coffee-with-doyle-lawson/
  15. https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=176976
  16. https://bluegrasstoday.com/doyle-lawson-announces-plans-for-retirement-after-2022/
  17. https://www.jdcrowe.org/about
  18. https://bluegrassunlimited.com/article/bluegrass-music-for-today-doyle-lawson-and-quicksilver/
  19. https://bluegrasstoday.com/county-reissues-robert-byrd-fiddle-album-2/
  20. https://www.mandolincafe.net/articles/news/interviews/3413675-the-doyle-lawson-interview
  21. https://www.grammy.com/artists/doyle-lawson-quicksilver/14624
  22. https://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/doyle-lawson-quicksilver-receive-grammy-nomination-for-best-bluegrass-album/
  23. https://www.wtwzradio.com/post/doyle-lawson-quicksilver
  24. https://theboot.com/doyle-lawson-retirement/
  25. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/doyle-lawson-interview-final-tour-albums-9592238/
  26. https://www.wmot.org/roots-radio-news/2021-11-09/doyle-lawsons-swan-song-after-60-years-in-bluegrass
  27. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPwc9YxLzss
  28. https://ibma.org/press-releases/performers-announced-for-2025-ibma-bluegrass-music-awards-presented-by-get-it-played/
  29. https://bluegrassunlimited.com/article/doyle-lawson-quicksilver-3/
  30. https://www.mandozine.com/media/CGOW/lawson.html
  31. https://bluegrasstoday.com/the-school-of-bluegrass-with-doyle-lawson-tell-us-about-your-mandolin/
  32. https://bluegrasstoday.com/doyle-lawson-to-the-blue-ridge-music-hall-of-fame/
  33. https://nodepression.org/doyle-lawson-quicksilver-the-original-band/
  34. https://bluegrasstoday.com/doyle-lawson-and-quicksilver-say-farewell-at-homecoming-show/
  35. https://bluegrassbios.com/authentic-unlimited/
  36. https://banjonews.com/2011-05/terry_baucom_interview.html
  37. https://bluegrasstoday.com/the-school-of-bluegrass-is-in-session/
  38. https://www.wataugademocrat.com/mountaintimes/entertainment/music/doyle-lawson-quicklsilver/article_f227e8d3-4d6f-56d7-8f5f-cc545baf8edd.html
  39. https://www.nepm.org/2005-07-13/doyle-lawson-digging-deep
  40. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/arts/remembering-robert-c-byrd-the-fiddler
  41. https://bluegrassbios.com/bluegrass-album-band-the/
  42. http://www.musicrow.com/2018/05/ricky-skaggs-kentucky-thunder-the-earls-of-leicester-set-for-wide-open-bluegrass/
  43. https://www.mandozine.com/media/CGOW/lawson_disc.html
  44. https://www.discogs.com/release/4005525-Various-Legacy-A-Tribute-To-The-First-Generation-Of-Bluegrass
  45. https://ourbrowncounty.com/2016-may-june/50th-bill-monroe-bluegrass-festival/
  46. https://www.slipcue.com/music/country/countryartists/lawson_doyle_01.html
  47. https://www.rocky-52.net/chanteursl/lawson_doyle.htm
  48. https://www.discogs.com/artist/1598669-Doyle-Lawson-Quicksilver
  49. http://countrydiscoghraphy2.blogspot.com/2017/08/doyle-lawson-part-1.html
  50. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2J7fxpf6JQ
  51. https://www.discogs.com/release/3027333-Doyle-Lawson-And-Quicksilver-Rock-My-Soul
  52. https://www.discogs.com/release/5415131-Doyle-Lawson-Quicksilver-Once-For-Always
  53. https://music.apple.com/us/album/you-gotta-dig-a-little-deeper/1444089956
  54. https://syntaxcreative.com/press-release/bluegrass-and-gospel-master-doyle-lawson-presents-burden-bearer/
  55. https://www.absolutelygospel.com/2021/06/30/roundtable-the-final-secular-bluegrass-cd-from-doyle-lawson-quicksilver-out-now/
  56. https://www.discogs.com/release/8355621-Doyle-Lawson-Quicksilver-The-Gospel-Collection-Volume-1
  57. https://www.discogs.com/release/11106001-Doyle-Lawson-Best-Of-The-Sugar-Hill-Years
  58. https://www.discogs.com/release/7542061-Doyle-Lawson-Quicksilver-The-Original-Band
  59. https://www.discogs.com/release/7542394-Doyle-Lawson-And-Quicksilver-Once-And-For-Always-The-News-Is-Out
  60. https://www.discogs.com/release/14674599-Doyle-Lawson-Quicksilver-Live-In-Prague
  61. https://www.doylelawson.com/shop
  62. https://ibma.org/award-recipients/doyle-lawson/
  63. https://ibma.org/press-releases/2021-award-nominees/
  64. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/2020-bluegrass-awards-nominations-1021167/
  65. https://bluegrasstoday.com/58th-annual-grammy-nominees-announced/
  66. https://www.doylelawson.com/awards
  67. https://bluegrasstoday.com/dove-awards-nominations-announced/
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