Alison Krauss

Alison Krauss is an American bluegrass and country singer, fiddler and producer whose work has helped bring traditional roots music to a broad mainstream audience. A child prodigy, she began winning local fiddle contests before age 10 and recorded for the first time at 14. She signed with Rounder Records in 1985 and released her solo debut album in 1987. Soon after, she joined the group that became known as Alison Krauss and Union Station, releasing their first album together in 1989.

Over the course of her career, Krauss has released more than a dozen albums as a solo artist and bandleader and has appeared on numerous film soundtracks. Her contributions to the “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” soundtrack played a significant role in reviving popular interest in bluegrass and traditional American music, while her work on the “Cold Mountain” soundtrack led to a performance at the 2004 Academy Awards. She has continued to expand her audience through high-profile collaborations across genres.

Krauss has received 27 Grammy Awards from more than 40 nominations, making her the most awarded female artist and the most awarded singer in Grammy history. She ranks second overall in Grammy wins only to the late classical conductor Georg Solti. In 2012, she received an honorary doctorate of music from Berklee College of Music. A block in her hometown of Champaign, Illinois, has been named in her honor.

Throughout her career, Krauss has remained closely associated with independent labels while achieving commercial and critical success on a level comparable to major-label artists. Whether performing as a solo artist, leading Union Station, or collaborating across pop, country and roots traditions, she is widely respected for her precise musicianship, understated vocal style and commitment to artistic integrity.