Focus On: Rhonda Vincent

Named the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Female Vocalist of the Year for five consecutive years, Rhonda Vincent is one of the most powerful voices in bluegrass, finding fans amongst both die-hard traditionalists and lovers of today's country music. With her band, The Rage, Vincent brings an infectious energy to the stage - an excitement reflected in her new CD Ragin' Live.

After joining her family's The Sally Mountain Show as a child in Missouri, Vincent learned to sing bluegrass harmonies and play the mandolin. She moved to Nashville looking to establish herself as a country artist, but returned to her roots with the release of Back Home Again on Rounder in 2000. Through steady touring and a series of successful albums, Vincent has been honored multiple times by IBMA and the Society for Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America (SPBGMA). Rhonda Vincent and the Rage are currently sponsored by Martha White baking products, carrying on a long-standing bluegrass tradition.

Rhonda's interview

Rhonda Vincent steered the Martha White Bluegrass Express to the Folk Alley studios and sat down with Jim Blum for a conversation about life on the road, her band (The Rage) and their latest album, family and the differences - real and perceived - between bluegrass and country music today.

Jim talks with Rhonda about the making of her new album, Ragin' Live, bluegrass vs. country, Alison Krauss and growing up as part of the Sally Mountain Show.
   Windows Media / Real Player / MP3 (8:43)

Rhonda describes the "authenticity" of the bluegrass sound of her onstage performances with her band, The Rage - including playing music with her daughter, fiddle player Hunter Berry and the incomparable banjo player Kenny Ingram.
   Windows Media / Real Player / MP3 (6:52)

Jim and Rhonda discuss creating music and the difference in country and bluegrass instrumentation and song structure.
   Windows Media / Real Player / MP3 (7:28)

Rhonda looks to the future of her life as a touring musician and bandleader and talks about the different role of women in bluegrass, spending time with her family and serving as the "voice" of Martha White Flour.
   Windows Media / Real Player / MP3 (10:04)

  Rhonda Vincent & The Rage Official Site

  CMT.com

  International Bluegrass Music Association

  Martha White

Rhonda stops by the Folk Alley / WKSU Studios (left to right: student assistant Ashley Toussant, Host Jim Blum, Rhonda Vincent, Director of Programming and Marketing Linda Fahey)