Bluegrass Cardinals
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1974 |
| Founder | Don Parmley |
| Defunct | 1997 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, California (originally) , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Don Parmley, David Parmley, Randy Graham, Dennis Fetchet, Bill Bryson, Larry Stephenson |
| Products | Bluegrass music albums |
The Bluegrass Cardinals originated as a bluegrass ensemble based in Los Angeles, California. Recognized as pioneers in recording bluegrass gospel music entirely in a cappella, the group was established in 1974 and concluded their activities in 1997 following the retirement of founder Don Parmley.
In 2025, the band earned induction into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.
History
Don Parmley, formerly associated with The Hillmen, founded the band in 1974. The initial members included Randy Graham alongside Parmley's son, David Parmley. Leveraging his banjo expertise gained from work on The Beverly Hillbillies, Don Parmley shaped the band’s unique musical identity. Shortly after formation, the original members moved from Southern California to Virginia.
Their first album, Bluegrass Cardinals, debuted in 1976 under Copper Creek Records, succeeded by Welcome to Virginia in 1977 released through Rounder Records. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, they produced several albums with CMH Records and maintained a consistent presence at the Grand Ole Opry. Over time, lineup adjustments brought in musicians such as Dennis Fetchet, Bill Bryson, and Larry Stephenson.
Throughout the 1980s, they recorded three albums for Sugar Hill Records. In 1991, a short break occurred when Don and David Parmley collaborated with Del McCoury. Following this period, David embarked on a solo path and co-founded Continental Divide in 1992.
The Bluegrass Cardinals disbanded in 1997 after Don Parmley stepped down. In 2002, CMH Records released The Essential Bluegrass Cardinals, a compilation assembled by David Parmley that led to several reunion shows across the United States.
Albums
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| The Bluegrass Cardinals |
|
| Welcome to Virginia |
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| Livin' in the Good Old Days |
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| Cardinal Soul |
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| Sunday Mornin' Singin' |
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| Where Rainbows Touch Down |
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| Cardinal Class |
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| Home Is Where the Heart Is |
|
| The Shining Path |
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| The Essential Bluegrass Cardinals |
|