$431.66M
Music Industry Contribution to state GDP
Stephen Siwek/Economists Inc.8,694
Jobs Supported
Stephen Siwek/Economists Inc.647
Music Businesses
Stephen Siwek/Economists Inc.A2IM/RIAA
848
Royalty Recipients
SoundExchange11,672
Songwriters
ASCAP/BMIKentucky is music.
The Bluegrass State's musical heritage has deep roots in Appalachian folk music, but has spread to encompass a broad swath of styles and sounds. It is home to country icons like Loretta Lynn and Dwight Yoakam, and modern talents like Sturgill Simpson and Chris Stapleton. Alternative rock band "My Morning Jacket" hails from Louisville, and "Mother of Folk" Jean Ritchie was born in Viper. Kentucky's live bluegrass scene is second to none, but it also hosts festivals featuring blues, country, folk, jazz, rock, and beyond, drawing devoted fans across the spectrum of musical tastes.

Some
Notable
Musicians
- Bill Monroe
- Billy Ray Cyrus
- Chris Stapleton
- Loretta Lynn
- My Morning Jacket
- Rosemary Clooney
- Sturgil Simpson