By the ripe old age of ten, Ricky Skaggs was one of the rare musicians to have performed with the artists considered the triumvirate of bluegrass...Bill Monroe, Flatt and Scruggs and the Stanley Brothers. As a young adult, despite his hardcore roots, he was not immunized against the stylistic sea of changes sweeping bluegrass in the seventies. Quite the contrary, his musical curiosity led him smack in the middle of the progressive bluegrass scene.

During the late seventies Ricky Skaggs began his foray into country music, touring and recording with Emmylou Harris. Working with her for two and a half years gave him the opportunity to cut a solo album for Sugar Hill records. With the positive reactions to Sweet Temptations he proved an audience existed for his synthesis of country and bluegrass. Billboard magazine placed him both in the Top 20 artists of the decade and Top 100 of the past 50 years. The accolades continued to pour in, including number one hits and awards, and receiving eight Country Music Association awards and four Grammy's.

Ricky Skaggs is proud to have gained such popularity while retaining the elements of the music he always held dear, most especially his bluegrass. His dedication to his art form has made him the de-facto leader of the neo-traditionalist movement. Today ha makes strides to preserve the heritage and tradition that comes with such a background. Come and enjoy Ricky Skaggs' performance of his bluegrass-country blend Thursday, November 13, 2003. If you need more information you may contact the ticket office at DSU Bologna Performing Arts Center at 662-846-4626.