Tony Rice is widely regarded as one of the most influential guitarists in bluegrass history, known for his distinctive tone, phrasing and groundbreaking approach to flatpicking.
From his work with JD Crowe and the David Grisman Quintet, to landmark albums like Manzanita and Church Street Blues, Rice almost single-handedly redefined the role of the acoustic guitar in bluegrass.
On this page you’ll find interviews, conversations and related episodes from the Bluegrass Jam Along podcast exploring Tony Rice’s life, music and lasting influence on the genre.
Tony Rice Interviews & Related Episodes
Alison Krauss Remembers Tony Rice
In this interview, Alison Krauss shares personal memories, stories and insights into Tony’s influence on bluegrass music, including two memorable car journeys she took with him.
Wyatt Rice on Recording Church Street Blues
Tony’s brother Wyatt Rice shares his memories of recording the classic album Church Street Blues with Tony, in the first major interview he gave since Tony passed in 2020.
Alex Graf on how Manzanita Changed His Life
Flatpicker Alex Graf celebrates Tony Rice’s classic album Manzanita, and discusses Tony’s influences and how listening to jazz inspired his playing.
Celebrating JD Crowe & The New South at 50 with Tim Stafford
Tony Rice’s biographer Tim Stafford unpacks JD Crowe & The New South’s classic Rounder 0044 album for its 50th anniversary, including Tony’s contributions to the record.
Dan Tyminski Celebrates Tony Rice
Dan Tyminski, former long term member of Alison Krauss’s Union Station, discusses his EP One More Time Before You Go : A Tribute to Tony Rice. We talk about song selection and what Tony’s music means to Dan.
Church Street Blues 40th Anniversary Celebration
Almost 5 hours of interviews, spread across 2 episodes, celebrating Church Street Blues as it turned 40.
Part 1 features Tim Stafford, Wyatt Rice, Mike Marshall, Alison Krauss, Bryan Sutton, Chris Eldridge and Caroline Wright.
Part 2 includes Bob Minner, Jake Eddy, Justin Moses, Marcel Ardans, Scott Nygaard, Jason Keiser and tony_units
Tony Rice’s Influence on Bluegrass Guitar
Tony Rice transformed bluegrass guitar playing through his innovative flatpicking style. His tone, timing and phrasing set a new standard for acoustic guitar, and his playing ins studied and emulated by generations of players across the world.
His unique approach to rhythm playing and lead breaks drew heavily on the influence of Clarence White, but resulted in an approach entirely his own.
Current pickers continue to draw on his influence, making Tony Rice a central figure in both traditional and contemporary bluegrass music.
Where to Start
Full List of Related Inteviews
- Alison Krauss Remembers Tony Rice
- Wyatt Rice on Recording Church Street Blues
- Alex Graf on how Manzanita Changed His Life
- Celebrating JD Crowe & The New South at 50 with Tim Stafford
- Dan Tyminski Celebrates Tony Rice
- Church Street Blues 40th Anniversary Celebration – Part 1
- Church Street Blues 40th Anniversary Celebration – Part 2