By: Ag. Reporter Mollie Goode
Western Kentucky is home to more than rolling hills, rich soil and the rural way of life, it’s also the birthplace of lively bluegrass music.
Bluegrass is a genre created in southern America’s roots but has become the unseen backbone to rural counties today, taking its inspiration from all genres, grassy music can be for everyone. Western Kentucky has been a stomping ground for many greats in the bluegrass music industry, even the up-and-comers that are changing the game for everyone.
One musician that has a powerful sound for bluegrass music is Cutter Singleton, born and raised in Marion, grass music has become an unconscious tradition for his family since Singleton was four-years-old. He has been learning the mechanics behind his bluegrass talent for some time, making him an industry professional at just 17-years-old.
Singleton—better known as Cutter from Cutter & Cash and The Kentucky Grass—is no stranger to the stage, playing in venues all over the U.S., with a recent appearance on The Grand Ole Opry and the Midnite Jamboree, he will always find a way to stay busy if bluegrass music is involved.
When asked what keeps him coming back to bluegrass music, Singleton says, “It’s simply what I love.” There is so much variety that can be created when you sit down to practice or perform bluegrass music, so it’s not surprising this would become a passion of his.
Singleton’s bluegrass vocal harmonies are always accompanied with a flashy suit and tie, this outfit has become more than just a custom for him but a reminder of where he is going within the industry. Singleton mentioned an early memory he shared with his brother at their first visit to the Grand Ole Opry in 2017 where he was wearing the boots, hat, tie and all. He says this was a moment he would never forget and possibly the moment that changed country music for him.
While the Singleton brothers were at the Grand Ole Opry they met Jeannie Seely, who would soon become their lifelong mentor and friend. Seely is a longtime performer and one of the greats in bluegrass music and someone Singleton expressed played a hand at getting them on the Opry stage. He says it was obvious to Seely that bluegrass was something they wanted to do and to hear her say, “right there is the future generation of good musicians” at their visit to the Opry House in 2017 would become the fuel to explore performing as a full-time career.
Once Singleton made it to the Opry stage with his band, it undoubtedly became a full circle moment for him. He says, this is something he knew he had in him eventually, but to be there this soon while playing professionally was unimaginable for them. The Grand Ole Opry circle is known as the holy grail of country music, naturally Singleton didn’t have the words to explain the feeling of playing on the big stage, but all the gratitude in the world for the opportunity he was given.
Singleton says he wants to be an entertainer, when asked what the future holds for him. He works towards being able to play bluegrass music as a career, given his first memories are of being captivated by the sounds of bluegrass. Singleton mentions there is a great deal of humility that comes with the job, and if the Lord puts them in a position to play professionally then he will give all thanks to God.
Cutter & Cash and The Kentucky Grass shared exciting news during Singleton’s interview, by announcing the production of their first ever album. There weren’t many secrets that could be shared about the release of the album, just know you can expect exciting collaborations with some Grand Ole Opry members.
This is something Singleton is glad to see come to fruition, and it is exciting news for the band and just the beginning of a long future in the bluegrass music industry.
