Alison Krauss
Biography
Alison Maria Krauss was born in Decatur, Illinois, on July 23, 1971. She began studying classical violin at age five but soon switched to bluegrass, and by age ten, she had her own band. At fourteen, she signed with Rounder Records and released her debut solo album, Too Late to Cry, in 1987. In 1989, she released her first album with her band, Union Station, titled Two Highways.
Musical Career
Throughout her career, Krauss has successfully blended bluegrass with country and pop music. In 1993, at the age of 21, she became a member of the Grand Ole Opry, being the youngest cast member at the time and the first bluegrass artist to join in 29 years. Her 1995 compilation album, Now That I've Found You: A Collection, became a commercial success and brought her mainstream attention. She gained further recognition for her contributions to the soundtrack of the 2000 film O Brother, Where Art Thou?, which won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year and helped spark a renewed interest in bluegrass music. Her work on the soundtrack for Cold Mountain also earned her a performance at the 2004 Academy Awards.
Collaborations and Union Station
Krauss has had a long and successful collaboration with her band, Union Station. The band's lineup has included talented musicians such as Dan Tyminski, Ron Block, Barry Bales, and Jerry Douglas. In 2007, she collaborated with rock singer Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin on the critically acclaimed album Raising Sand. The album won five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. They released a follow-up album, Raise the Roof, in 2021.
Awards and Accolades
Alison Krauss is one of the most awarded artists in Grammy history. As of 2021, she has won 27 Grammy Awards. She has also received numerous other awards, including 14 International Bluegrass Music Association Awards, nine Country Music Association Awards, and two Gospel Music Association Awards. In 2019, she was awarded the National Medal of Arts.
Personal Life
Krauss was married to musician Pat Bergeson from 1997 to 2001. They have one son, Sam, who was born in 1999.