Alison Krauss may have only been a teenager when she entered the country music scene, but she proved to have talent beyond her years.
Today, she’s one of the biggest and brightest country stars who continues to show her versatility. Fans all over the world relished in Alison Krauss songs that contain all the necessary elements for a good country hit!
Get to know more about her with these interesting facts. Keep on scrolling below.
1. She’s a native of Decatur, Illinois.
Alison Maria Krauss was born on July 23, 1971, to a German immigrant father and an American mother of German and Italian descent. After a short-term residence in nearby Decatur, the family settled in Champaign, Illinois – where Krauss spent most of her adult life.
2. She grew up with music from a young age.
At her mother’s encouragement, Krauss started studying classical violin when she was five. Though she was reluctant to spend time practicing, she went on with classical lessons for six years.
3. She’s the queen of talent contests.
Krauss was only eight when she began joining talent contests and was 12 when she first won one at the Walnut Valley Festival Fiddle Championship. That same year, Krauss was voted the Most Promising Fiddler in the Midwest by the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America.
4. She has a musician brother.
Krauss’ brother, Viktor Krauss, is also a musician who plays acoustic and electric bass. He is perhaps most recognizable for being the longtime bass player of country singer Lyle Lovett’s band. But over the years, he has released solo albums and enjoyed an extensive career that’s seen him working with some of the biggest country stars – which includes his sister.
5. She married once.
In 1997, Krauss married guitarist and harmonica player Pat Bergeson. However, the couple divorced four years later due to irreconcilable differences. Krauss and Bergeson have a son, Sam Bergeson.
6. She’s one of the most awarded singers and female artists in the history of Grammy Awards.
In 2019, Krauss has already won twenty-seven Grammy Awards so far – ranking her fourth among those with the most Grammy Award wins overall. Krauss earned her first Grammy Award in 1991 when she was only 19, also making her the second-youngest winner at that time.
7. She also was once the youngest Grand Ole Opry member.
Krauss became a Grand Ole Opry member in 1993 when she was 21 years old – making her the youngest ever to be inducted into the Opry at that time.
8. She received an honorary doctorate.
As if Krauss’ accomplishments are not long enough yet, The Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, granted the country star an Honorary Doctorate of Music for her influence and enduring contributions to the music industry.
Truly, there are only a few that can compare to Alison Krauss.
