The Country Gentlemen expanded the definition of "bluegrass" -- they were progressive bluegrass before the terms existed. The Gentlemen came along with the first wave of the folk revival in the late '50s and quickly made a name for themselves as a band that could not only play traditional material straight, but also brought Bob Dylan and contemporary country material into the genre. Because of their exceptional singing and virtuoso instrumentals, the Gentlemen attracted a broad audience, ranging from traditional country/bluegrass fans to folk and soft rock lovers.
Formed in ...