Overview
Kentucky, the birthplace of bluegrass, the queen of country, and the mother of folk, has been a leading voice in music for decades, altering the sound and landscape of music across the Commonwealth and around the world. Music is as integral to Kentucky culture and traditions as our horses, bourbon, and basketball. This page is dedicated to showcasing Kentucky’s music community through images, articles, and more.
Tyler Childers, acclaimed country music artist from Lawrence County, was awarded the National Award at the 2024 Governor’s Awards in the Arts.
Fred Nez-Keams of Mercer County, Kentucky artist and a member of the Navajo Nation Tribe (Diné), crafted the red cedar wood flute that was presented to the winners at the 2022 Governor’s Awards in the Arts.
Dolly Parton was awarded the highest civilian honor bestowed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, a Kentucky Colonel, by Governor Andy Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear during the August 27, 2024, celebration for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library being expanded to all 120 Kentucky counties.
Governor Beshear visited students at the Governor’s School for the Arts at Northern Kentucky University in June 2026.
Ben Sollee, acclaimed cellist from Fayette County, performed at Governor Andy Beshear’s second-term inauguration ceremony on December 12, 2023.