About
Hailing from Louisville, Kentucky, Gary Brewer & the Kentucky Ramblers are one of America’s most dynamic and enduring musical families, carrying forward a proud legacy of bluegrass, country, and old-time mountain music. Founded in 1980 by Gary Brewer at just 14 years old, the group has grown from a young picker’s dream into a multigenerational powerhouse known for its authenticity, high-energy performances, and deep respect for tradition.
Over the decades, Gary Brewer has remained the driving force behind the band—an accomplished songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist whose vision bridges the gap between old-school roots and modern innovation. Today, the group proudly includes Gary’s sons, Wayne Brewer (bass) and Mason
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The band has earned acclaim for both their original work and their heartfelt tributes to classic country sounds. Their extensive catalog includes their Vintage Country Revival album, featuring EmiSunshine. It was submitted for Grammy consideration, showcasing their ability to honor tradition while making it their own.
In 2020, Gary Brewer & the Kentucky Ramblers marked a career milestone with 40th Anniversary Celebration, an all-original record featuring legendary collaborators that honored Gary’s four decades in music (including The Kentucky Headhunters, T. Graham Brown, Ashton Shepherd, and more). The album went on to top the Billboard charts at #1 for an incredible 16 weeks, solidifying the Brewers’ place among the genre’s elite.
With an all-new, fully original album set for release in 2026, the band shows no signs of slowing down. Decade after decade, Gary Brewer & the Kentucky Ramblers continue to blend virtuosity, family harmony, and heartfelt storytelling—carrying the roots of Kentucky to audiences around the world.
Brewer (mandolin), who bring a fresh yet faithful spirit to the family’s signature sound. Together, the Brewers embody both heritage and evolution—keeping the flame of American roots music burning bright for a new generation.
Contact
Band information:
Gary Brewer- Lead Guitar/Old-time Banjo/Vocals
Wayne Brewer - Upright Bass/Fiddle/Vocals
Mason Brewer - Mandolin/Upright Bass/Vocals
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Based in West Point, KY
MANAGEMENT:
BOOKING:
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Band Social Links
Promotional Extras:
Music Samples
All music featured below is a 30 sec. preview. For full songs/albums, please request them from alyssa@brewgrass.com
Hi-Res Photos
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" This boy right here is 100% Bluegrass! He comes from good stock. "
-Bill Monroe (Father of Bluegrass)
" Gary is a great guitar picker and has a great voice. Him and his dad have the best show on the circuit! "
-Jimmy Martin (King of Bluegrass)
Live Videos
GBKR Full Variety Show Performance Highlight Reel
2021 Pickin' in the Pasture Bluegrass Festival Highlights
Music Videos
GBKR feat. Dale Ann Bradley: Daddy and the Old Oak Tree
(Finley J. Brewer tribute video)
GBKR feat. Ashton Shepherd: Love in the Mountains
GBKR feat. Doug Phelps of The KY Headhunters: Big Train
GBKR feat. EmiSunshine: "Vintage Country Revival" Featured Single
Derby City Flash: "Homestretch" Featured Single (Original Song)
Brownlo: "Homestretch" Instrumental (Original Song)
Recent Press
Articles--
- https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/giving-thanks-that-bluegrass-is-back/
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- https://americansongwriter.com/gary-brewer-goin-up-shell-creek-song/
- https://bluegrasstoday.com/gary-brewer-teases-his-40th-anniversary-collection/
- https://thebluegrassstandard.com/still-kickin-and-pickin-gary-brewer-and-the-kentucky-ramblers/
- https://wfpk.org/2020/bluegrass-legend-gary-brewer-celebrates-a-musical-40th-anniversary/
Reviews--
- http://midwestrecord.com/MWR1664.html
Career Highlights
GBKR's '40th Anniversary Celebration' CD #1 on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums Chart 16 weeks and in the top 5 for 72 weeks!
Critical praise for GBKR's '40th Anniversary Celebration' CD (click to zoom)
GBKR's "Vintage Country Revival" CD for 61st GRAMMY Awards
GBKR's Crusade For Children 2019 Highlights
Gary Brewer and the Kentucky Ramblers headline the 66th WHAS Crusade for Children. View the highlight reel above
GBKR Honored by. Mayor & City of Shepherdsville
Mayor Curtis Hockenbury, on behalf of the City of Shepherdsville, Bullitt County, Ky. Honors GBKR for the success of their recent Vintage Country Revival Cd including being up for a GRAMMY Award in (2) Categories by presenting them with Key(s) to the City.
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GBKR's "Vintage Country Revival" CD held the #1 spot on the Country Global Radio Airplay Charts.
Included in his recordings, Gary did an All-Star tribute to the King of Bluegrass, Jimmy Martin, before he passed. He called it “Jimmy Martin Songs for Dinner”. It featured 12 Bluegrass and Country tracks. The title song on this tribute was written by Tom T. Hall specifically for this album. 'Jimmy Martin Songs for Dinner' was nominated for Song of the Year at the IBMAs, in 2000.
Out of all of Gary’s accomplishments throughout his career, he esteems being the last person to have commercially recorded with the late and great Bill Monroe one of his highest. Gary had Bill Monroe on his “Guitar” CD along with Uncle Josh Graves. He took pride in knowing he was the only one to ever get Bill Monroe and Uncle Josh Graves into the studio together. Because of Gary’s “Guitar” album, he was then nominated for Guitar Player of the Year at the IBMAs.
Gary Brewer's album “Kentucky Headlines and Heartbreak” including 3 tracks. “The Death of Floyd Collins” was the soundtrack for “The Floyd Collins Story” movie (released on Peridot Pictures)
Testimonials