Press

REBEL RECORDS WOMEN PAST & PRESENT

Posted on August 21, 2020

"To kick off the month of August, we are excited to present the debut single from our newest artist The Kody Norris Show, a colorful, entertaining bluegrass band in the style of Jimmy Martin. “Love Bug” is set for global release on August 21. In addition, we are thrilled to highlight some of the many talented female artists who have recorded for Rebel through the years.

Ever since the dawn of bluegrass, women have been an integral part of the mix. Many of the leading female bluegrass performers of the last half century have found a supportive home at Rebel Records. Chief among them is Wilma Lee Cooper who was one of the earliest female bluegrass performers. After the passing of her husband/partner Stoney in the middle 1970s, Wilma Lee enjoyed a successful solo career that included the album A Daisy A Day. Oklahoma native Delia Bell counted major country/Americana stars such as  Emmylou Harris as fans. Delia’s career was built on solid bluegrass recordings with singing partner Bill Grant; a prime example is the duo’s Rollin’ LP that was produced by Dobro legend Josh Graves.



Bluegrass gospel music – especially that performed by family members – has been especially welcoming to women singers and pickers. Vocalists with angelic voices such as Judy Marshall and Lisa Forbes were cornerstones of their families’ groups and they both have legions of fans. Both groups are represented with several “best of” collections including the self-titled The Marshall Family – Volume One and The Forbes Family’s Treasury – Volume One. Two women who have been in bluegrass for the long-haul are Rhonda Vincent and Claire Lynch. Both have career-building albums on Rebel and remain at the forefront today. Rhonda’s Timeless And True Love is a tasteful hybrid of bluegrass and country while Claire’s Hills of Alabam is a budget-priced retrospective collection with many of her best-known recordings.

Virginia-based Appalachian Express organized in the 1970s and features award-winning vocalist Cindy West. The group recorded three albums for Rebel in the late 1980s and early ‘90s including their well-received Walking The Blues.

Ace guitarist Kenny Smith came on the bluegrass scene as part of the popular Lonesome River Band but it is his two-decade association with his wife Amanda where he’s made his mark. Amanda was voted the 2014 IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year and together the duo has received numerous SPBGMA and Dove Awards. Kenny and Amanda Smith released four CDs on Rebel, including the popular Always Never Enough. Dehlia Low, with singers Anya Hinkle and Stacy Claude, fused bluegrass and old-time music to arrive at an Americana-friendly combination. The group’s lone CD for Rebel, Ravens & Crows, was released in 2011."

~ Mark Freeman, President - Rebel Records




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