Authentic Unlimited

2025

Harmony and Heritage: The Rise of Authentic Unlimited in Bluegrass Music

The bluegrass band Authentic Unlimited is a dynamic and celebrated group formed by former members of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver after Doyle Lawson retired from regular touring. The band consists of Jerry Cole, Eli Johnston, and Stephen Burwell, who were part of Quicksilver's last touring band. They are joined by John Meador and Jesse Brock, who bring their vocal and instrumental talents to create a powerful and cohesive musical ensemble. Authentic Unlimited prides itself on performing a blend of bluegrass and gospel music, showcasing their expertise through captivating vocal harmonies and instrumental prowess.

The recognition Authentic Unlimited received at the 2023 IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards with their wins in both the "Vocal Group of the Year" and "New Artist of the Year" categories marks a significant milestone in their career. These awards not only validate their exceptional talent and the quality of their music but also spotlight their impactful entry into the bluegrass music scene.

Winning "Vocal Group of the Year" is a testament to Authentic Unlimited's outstanding vocal harmonies and their ability to deliver emotionally resonant performances. This award acknowledges groups that excel in vocal performance, showcasing a blend of tight harmonies, dynamic expressions, and cohesive sound that captivates listeners. For Authentic Unlimited, this accolade reflects their dedication to maintaining the rich vocal traditions of bluegrass while infusing their music with fresh, innovative elements.

The "New Artist of the Year" award highlights Authentic Unlimited's impressive breakout within the bluegrass genre. This recognition is awarded to artists or groups that have shown significant growth, widespread acceptance, and commercial success within the industry over the past year. It underscores the band's swift rise to prominence, fueled by their unique sound, compelling storytelling, and skilled musicianship. Winning this award signals Authentic Unlimited's strong connection with their audience and their potential to shape the future of bluegrass music.

These awards from the IBMA not only celebrate Authentic Unlimited's musical achievements but also honor their contribution to the evolution of bluegrass music. Their success is particularly meaningful considering the band's origins, formed by former members of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver in response to Doyle Lawson's retirement from regular touring. Authentic Unlimited's commitment to carrying forward the legacy of traditional bluegrass while exploring new creative avenues is evident in their music, which blends time-honored bluegrass elements with contemporary influences.

By securing these prestigious awards, Authentic Unlimited has firmly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the bluegrass community. Their wins at the IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards serve as a beacon of their burgeoning career, promising more innovative, soul-stirring music to come.

This accolade underscores the group's impact and their ability to resonate with audiences and critics alike, emphasizing their skillful blend of traditional and contemporary bluegrass elements. The band's formation was partly in response to the void left by Doyle Lawson's retirement, aiming to continue the tradition of delivering high-quality bluegrass music with passion and authenticity. Their music encompasses original material, reflecting the band's creativity and dedication to adding new chapters to the bluegrass genre's evolving story​​​​.

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