Bluegrass Cardinals

Formed in Los Angeles in 1974, The Bluegrass Cardinals are a CMH mainstay. Known for their rich vocal harmonies and technically adept performances, The Bluegrass Cardinals provided a roots-oriented and heartfelt vision of bluegrass gospel during the wave of renewed interest in bluegrass that occurred in the late 70s.

Founder Don Parmley had made a career for himself as a member of the early-60s bluegrass group The Hillmen. When bandmate Chris Hillman left The Hillmen in 1964 to follow success with The Byrds, Parmley was left without an ensemble. Following a stint working for TV as the in-house banjoist for popular sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies, Parmley formed what would become The Bluegrass Cardinals with mandolinist and vocalist Randy Graham and his then 15-year-old son, guitarist and vocalist David Parmley.

Over the course of their career they recorded 16 full-length albums, five of which found a home at CMH. Recorded at the height of their career from 1978 to 1981, The Bluegrass Cardinals' work for CMH is some of their finest. Featuring four full-lengths of bluegrass classics, originals and gospel favorites and one live double-LP Live & On-Stage, The Bluegrass Cardinals have plenty to offer within the CMH catalogue.

The group disbanded in 1997 when founder Don Parmley retired. In 2002, CMH released a compilation entitled The Essential Bluegrass Cardinals, assembled by David Parmley, Don Parmley’s son and the founder of bluegrass ensemble The Continental Divide. Following the release of this compilation The Bluegrass Cardinals performed at a string of reunion shows, including at the noteworthy Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival.

Don Parmley passed away in 2016 but his legacy lives on with the incredible recordings of The Bluegrass Cardinals.