When you hear the foot-stomping, banjo-driven sound of Old Crow Medicine Show, it’s hard to imagine their journey started on dusty street corners over two decades ago. This Grammy-winning Americana band has become a staple in roots music, blending old-time folk with punk rock energy. But how did Old Crow Medicine Show get their start? Let’s dive into the fascinating story behind the band and uncover the roots that made them a household name.
Humble Beginnings in 1998
Old Crow Medicine Show was born in 1998, formed by a group of young musicians with a passion for pre-war folk and blues. Hailing from Ithaca, New York, the band—led by frontman Ketch Secor—began as a roving troupe of buskers. Armed with fiddles, banjos, and guitars, they hit the streets, playing for passersby from New York state up through Canada. Their raw, unpolished sound and infectious energy quickly won over audiences, laying the groundwork for their rise.
“We cut our teeth on the street corner,” Secor once said, reflecting on those early days. It was this gritty, hands-on approach that shaped their authentic old-time vibe—a sound that would later resonate with fans worldwide.
A Fateful Encounter with Doc Watson
The band’s big break came in 2000, far from the bustling cities they’d been busking in. While playing outside a pharmacy in Boone, North Carolina, they caught the ear of a local legend’s daughter—Doc Watson’s daughter, to be exact. She was so impressed by their performance that she brought her father, the iconic bluegrass musician Doc Watson, to hear them. The band struck up “Oh My Little Darling,” a classic old-time tune they figured Watson would appreciate.
When they finished, Watson’s reaction was unforgettable. “Boys, that was some of the most authentic old-time music I’ve heard in a long while. You almost got me crying,” he said. Moved by their talent, he invited them to perform at his MerleFest music festival in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. That gig was a turning point. “It changed our lives,” Secor later recalled, marking the moment Old Crow Medicine Show began to step out of the streets and onto bigger stages.
From Street Corners to Stardom
After MerleFest, the band’s trajectory shifted. They relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, immersing themselves in the heart of American music. Their early years of busking had honed a unique sound—equal parts folk tradition and rebellious spirit—that set them apart. In 2001, they made their debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage, a milestone that foreshadowed their induction into the Opry family in 2013.
Their breakthrough hit, “Wagon Wheel,” co-written by Secor with a chorus borrowed from Bob Dylan, catapulted them to fame. Released on their 2004 album O.C.M.S., the song became a modern Americana anthem, earning double-platinum status. From there, Old Crow Medicine Show built a legacy, winning two Grammy Awards—Best Folk Album for Remedy (2014) and Best Long Form Music Video for Big Easy Express (2013)—and captivating audiences with their electrifying live shows.
Why Their Beginnings Matter
Old Crow Medicine Show’s story isn’t just about luck or talent—it’s about grit, passion, and staying true to their roots. Their journey from street performers to celebrated artists mirrors the raw, unfiltered energy of their music. It’s a reminder that great things often start small, whether it’s a banjo riff on a sidewalk or a chance encounter with a legend.
Today, the band continues to tour relentlessly, bringing their signature sound to fans across the globe. Their latest Grammy-nominated album, Jubilee (2023), proves they’re still pushing the boundaries of Americana while honoring the traditions that shaped them.
Catch Old Crow Medicine Show Live
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