3 Bluegrass Covers That Reinvented Popular Songs From Different Genres

Bluegrass music is one of, if not the oldest genre of music in the United States. Given its longevity it has graced every facet of the music industry in some way, shape, or form; whether it be incidentally or not. That being so, most genres of music have also affected it, as bluegrass music had has to mold their ways to better fit modern audiences. However, they have done so without sacrificing the core values of the roots music genre.

In hopes of staying relevant and trying something new, bluegrass musicians have attempted to mix the old with the new by covering contemporary songs in the bluegrass style. Very few of these songs are wildly popular, although, they are all an expose of how bluegrass musicians are some of the most talented in the world. Here are three bluegrass covers of popular hit songs that might help you give the genre a chance.

1. The Cleverlys & “No Diggity, Blackstreet”

Whoever thought Dr. Dre and bluegrass would mix? Nobody, especially Dr. Dre himself. Well, The Cleverlys subverted these beliefs and proved that anything can be a bluegrass song if one is talented enough to make it work. Furthermore, when the group is done singing Dr. Dre’s song, they then seamlessly transition into Macklemore’s hit, “Thrift Shop.” Yep, they go through one rap song to another all while playing traditional American roots music.

All in all, the cover is just fun, plain and simple. Even though it hasn’t resulted in massive amounts of popularity for The Cleverlys, the cover proves how their capacity for music stretches far beyond just bluegrass.

2. Lukas Nelson & “Someone Like You”

Many people probably believe that Adele’s hit could never be re-imagined. Frankly, if it wasn’t for this cover, it might be difficult to prove this point wrong. Though, leave it to Lukas Nelson, Sierra Ferrell, and The Travelin’ McCourys to create an exemplary bluegrass cover of the 2011 hit.

Not only is it great just in a bluegrass sense, but also terrific in every other sense. Despite the complete metamorphosis of the musical arrangement, the intensity of the lyrics is still just as potent. Adele would surely be proud.

3. Billy Strings & Molly Tuttle’s “Listen To The Radio”

Even though Nanci Griffith’s 1989 song, “Listen To The Radio,” was originally a country tune, it doesn’t diminish the fact that Strings and Tuttle still completely reinvented it. By staying true to the original lyrics, Strings and Tuttle seemingly focused solely on creating intricate bluegrass runs and fills, as well as bolstering the already incredibly catchy chorus.

For lovers of bluegrass and country music, this is the perfect song for you. It features the best of both worlds by revitalizing the Griffith hit into a bluegrass jam and will surely have you open on your feet belting out the lyrics.

Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music Association