Tony Rice was an American guitarist and bluegrass musician renowned for his influential flatpicking style and contributions to the evolution of modern bluegrass music. Born David Anthony Rice on June 8, 1951, in Danville, Virginia, he grew up in a musically inclined family, which helped cultivate his passion for acoustic music. His career began in earnest in the early 1970s as a member of J.D. Crowe's New South, where his skillful guitar work and clear baritone voice quickly gained attention.

Throughout his career, Rice collaborated with other notable musicians and expanded the genre's boundaries, infusing elements of jazz, folk, and blues into traditional bluegrass compositions. His albums such as "Manzanita," "Church Street Blues," and "The Tony Rice Unit" have become touchstones for aspiring bluegrass guitarists. Somewhat of a chameleon, he effortlessly transitioned between roles as a band member, solo artist, and a sought-after collaborator. His work with David Grisman, as evidenced on releases like "The Pizza Tapes" and "Tone Poems," showcases his virtuosity and versatility. His later recordings, such as "Night Flyer: The Singer Songwriter Collection" and "The Bill Monroe Collection," continued to cement his legacy as a master of the bluegrass genre. Despite battling health issues that affected his singing voice, Tony Rice's distinctive picking style and musical legacy continue to inspire generations of musicians. He passed away on December 25, 2020, leaving behind a monumental imprint on the world of acoustic music.

Genres

Bluegrass

Instrumental Bluegrass

Progressive Bluegrass

Related Artists

Jerry Douglas

Ricky Skaggs

Sam Bush

Alison Krauss

Béla Fleck

David Grisman

Peter Rowan

Dan Tyminski

Doc Watson

Chris Thile

Tim O'Brien

Keith Whitley

Latest Release

The Gasoline Brothers

David Grisman•

Tony Rice

Album - 15 Tracks - Released October 14, 2022