Billy Droze & The Kentucky Blue

Billy Droze & The Kentucky Blue is a Nashville-based bluegrass and roots music group led by singer, songwriter, guitarist, and bandleader Billy Droze. Droze began performing with his father at age 4, singing at churches, bluegrass festivals, and honky-tonks. His early experiences fostered a passion for traditional country, gospel, and roots music that continues to influence his work. Droze gained further recognition as the lead singer for Grammy Award-winning Shenandoah, performing under the name Billy Ryan, which increased his visibility in the country, Americana, bluegrass, and roots music industries. After signing with RCA/Sony BMG, Droze shifted his focus to songwriting while pursuing a solo career.

Before becoming a frontman, Droze established himself as a sought-after Nashville songwriter. His songs have been recorded by major artists, including "You Never Know" by Darryl Worley, "Free Again" by Shenandoah, "That's Why I Run" by Billy Yates, "Sunday Clothes" by Randy Kohrs, "Big Pain" by Marty Raybon, "Bottle Was a Bible" by Junior Sisk, "Her Memory Again" by Flatt Lonesome, "Like I Do" by Jamie O'Neal, and "I Know Better" by The Grascals. Droze has achieved 14 No. 1 songs on the bluegrass charts and has toured nationally with Kentucky Blue, featuring Mike Sumner on banjo, Greg Martin on bass, and James Seliga on mandolin.

As a recording artist, Droze has released several projects under his own name. His single "Kentucky Blue" reached No. 1 on the Bluegrass Today Weekly Airplay Chart and No. 3 on the Bluegrass Junction Most-Played Tracks Chart on SiriusXM Radio. Droze and Kentucky Blue released "Billy the Kid," a bluegrass album featuring the title track, "Yesterday," and a bluegrass cover of George Strait's "Run." Following a family tragedy, Droze embarked on a 13-city, nine-country tour of Eastern Europe to promote his album "Ready For The Ride," earning three No. 1 singles on the European Hot Disc charts.

Droze has been considered for the Grammy Awards, as well as the IBMA and ICMA Awards. He co-hosted the ICMA Awards at the Grand Ole Opry House with Rhonda Vincent. Droze received the Bluegrass Vocalist of the Year honor from The Josie Music Awards and is a Grammy-nominated and International Country Music Association Artist of the Year. His work spans bluegrass, country, Americana, and gospel genres, with traditional music at its core.

Droze and his band deliver energetic performances, blending bluegrass with country and gospel influences. While bluegrass is central to their sound, Droze maintains a strong connection to country music, showcasing his skills as both a vocalist and guitarist. In addition to his musical achievements, Droze serves as president of RBR Entertainment, contributing to the independent roots music industry as both an artist and executive.