J.D. Crowe

Although 1975's J.D. Crowe and the New South is a landmark in progressive bluegrass, the band's fusion of tradition and post-hippie innovation exuded a tranquility and refinement missing from New Grass Revival's wonderfully rowdy jams. And while master musicians Ricky Skaggs, Tony Rice and Jerry Douglas redefined bluegrass musicianship, check out their harmonies on "Some Old Day" and the melancholic cover of Steve Young's "Rock, Salt and Nails" -- they're pure high lonesome.