| The exceptionally talented Alison Krauss was born in Champaign, IL in 1971 and began playing classical violin at the tender age of five. She soon became worn from the diet of classical music and turned to learning bluegrass and country music. By the age of eight, she had begun to perform in contests and formed her own band only two years later. By 1983 she won the Illinois State Fiddle Championship and the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass in America (SPBGMA) named her the Most Promising Fiddler in the Midwest. She had signed a recording contract with the traditional label powerhouse, Rounder Records, at the age of 14. Alison's debut album, from 1987, was recorded with her backup band, Union Station. The lineup at the time included her brother Viktor on bass, banjoist Alison Brown and guitarist Jeff White. By the late 80's and early 90's the group had begun to make a huge impression within the bluegrass nation. The success of I've Got That Old Feeling (1990) was unprecedented for bluegrass acts in the '80s and it laid the groundwork for Krauss' breakthrough career in the '90s. By this time, the Union Station's lineup had more or less settled. It now featured mandolinist Adam Steffey, banjoist/guitarist Ron Block, bassist Barry Bales, and guitarist Tim Stafford; Stafford later left the group and was replaced by Dan Tyminski, who sang "Man of Constant Sorrow" for the O' Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack. Today, Alison and the boys have propelled themselves into superstar status and brought a whole new appeal and audience to traditional music. |
