Kentucky Thunder

Kentucky Thunder is the powerhouse bluegrass band that's been lighting up stages as the backing ensemble for country and bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs since the 1990s. Known for their blistering picking skills and airtight harmonies, these virtuoso musicians helped Skaggs revitalize traditional bluegrass for modern audiences with albums like the Grammy-winning *Bluegrass Rules!* (1997) and the spiritually charged *Soldier of the Cross* (1999). Their catalog—including standout releases like *Instrumentals* and *Ancient Tones*—showcases both reverence for mountain music traditions and daring improvisational flair. While keeping the spotlight on Skaggs' mandolin magic and soulful vocals, Kentucky Thunder's collective musicianship has earned them multiple International Bluegrass Music Association awards for Instrumental Group of the Year, cementing their status as one of acoustic music's most thrilling live acts.