Tony Rice

Bio

Tony Rice (1951–2020) was an American guitarist and singer whose fluid, melodic style helped define modern bluegrass and acoustic music. Born in Danville, Virginia, he first gained prominence in the 1970s with J.D. Crowe & The New South and later with the David Grisman Quintet, where his innovative flat-picking earned widespread acclaim. Throughout a career spanning five decades, Rice recorded landmark albums such as "Manzanita" and "Cold on the Shoulder," collaborated with artists including Alison Krauss and Béla Fleck, and influenced generations of acoustic guitarists. His work bridged traditional bluegrass, newgrass, and contemporary acoustic styles while maintaining a deep respect for the genre’s roots.