Daniel Grindstaff & The Uptown Troubadours Release Anticipated Self-Titled Album – Available Now!

Daniel Grindstaff and his world-class band The Uptown Troubadours have officially released their brand-new self-titled album, available now via Bonfire Music Group on all digital and streaming platforms. The highly anticipated project marks an exciting new chapter for the two-time IBMA-nominated banjoist, blending heartfelt storytelling, top-tier musicianship, and a deep respect for Bluegrass tradition. Fans can listen to the full album and/or purchase a copy HERE.

The album features 10 new recordings that showcase a seamless mix of all-new material alongside reimagined classics. With contributions from acclaimed songwriters including Larry Gatlin, Rick Lang, Jim Grubbs, Tim Stafford, Jim and Lynna Woolsey, and Larry Sparks, the project delivers both depth and variety. Among the standout tracks is the must-hear Bluegrass reimagining of “Danny’s Song,” which recently premiered on Vents Magazine, as well as a standout rendition of “Denver,” penned by Gatlin. Together, the album reflects Grindstaff’s ability to honor timeless songs while introducing fresh, compelling material.

The project has already proven to be a major force at radio, producing three No. 1 hits on the Bluegrass charts. Fan-favorite “Angel Dream” and the powerful “The Death of John Henry,” featuring Marty Stuart, both reached the top spot, while the current single “We See Love,” written by Rick Lang and Jim Grubbs, recently climbed to No. 1 on the Bluegrass Today Weekly Airplay Chart. The heartfelt “We See Love” has resonated with listeners for its message of faith, love, and character, while the high-energy instrumental “Castlerock Turnpike” penned by Grindstaff, showcases the band’s dynamic musicianship and pays tribute to Bluegrass legend Jimmy Martin, further highlighting the range found throughout the album.

Led by Grindstaff, The Uptown Troubadours consist of Kevin Richardson (guitar, vocals), Derek Deakins (fiddle, vocals), and Kent Blanton (bass). Each member brings a powerful blend of precision, energy, and authenticity to the project. With a career that includes hundreds of performances at the Grand Ole Opry and collaborations with some of the biggest names in Bluegrass and Country music, Grindstaff continues to build on an already impressive legacy. This new album captures the spirit of a band fully hitting its stride, combining seasoned musicianship with a renewed creative vision.

Daniel Grindstaff's Powerful New Bluegrass Single “The Death of John Henry” Featuring Marty Stuart Reaches #1

World-class banjo extraordinaire Daniel Grindstaff has released “The Death of John Henry,” now available on all digital retailers and streaming platforms. Upon release, the song debuted at #1 on the iTunes Bluegrass chart and went on to claim the top spot on the Bluegrass charts during the week of November 14th, 2025. The gripping track features Country Music Hall of Famer and Grammy Award–winner Marty Stuart, who adds his legendary touch to one of America’s most enduring and well-known stories. Fans can download and/or stream the full song HERE.

“‘The Death of John Henry’ has deep roots in the history of American music. More than a century old, it was a signature tune of Uncle Dave Macon — one of the original stars of the Grand Ole Opry,” says Daniel Grindstaff. “I wanted to pay tribute to that legacy and shine a light on how the voices that built this music still influence us today. Recording a song connected to an original star of the Grand Ole Opry — and having American music legend Marty Stuart join in with his distinctive mandolin style — was a huge honor. It felt less like a session and more like a conversation across time, and an incredible way to revisit this classic ballad.”

Grounded in tradition, “The Death of John Henry” retells the classic folk story of the steel-driving man who pushed himself beyond human limits in a contest against the machine. Grindstaff’s banjo leads the way, supported by baritone vocals and an all-star lineup of musicians including Marty Stuart (mandolin), Kevin Richardson (lead vocals and guitar), Kent Blanton (bass), Derek Deakins (fiddle) and Shawn Lane (tenor vocals), with engineering by Stephen Burwell. The release follows Grindstaff’s No. 1 hit “Angel Dream,” which delivered a fresh Bluegrass spin on the Tom Petty classic. It went on to top the Bluegrass Today Weekly Airplay Chart in July and continued the momentum he’s built.

Daniel Grindstaff & The Uptown Troubadours Hit #1 with “Angel Dream”

Nashville, Tenn. – Chart-topping banjo virtuoso Daniel Grindstaff is back with brand new music. His latest single, “Angel Dream,” is available now on all digital and streaming platforms via Bonfire Music Group. The song recently topped the charts, reaching the number one position for the month of August 2025. The track marks the first release from Daniel Grindstaff & The Uptown Troubadours’ highly anticipated next album, as they continue to build on the momentum of his breakout solo success. Fans can hear the full track HERE.

“‘Angel Dream,’ through its lyrics and melody, takes you on a journey of love found, love lost, and the hope that remains,” says Daniel Grindstaff. “The lyrics are very open, and the flowing melody allows the listener to feel the song through their own experiences. It’s always a special moment to share new music—I hope everyone who hears this song enjoys it as much as we did recording it!”

Originally written and recorded by the legendary Tom Petty for the 1996 motion picture soundtrack She’s the One, “Angel Dream” delivers a heartfelt message about hope, love and perseverance. Daniel breathes new life into the song, putting a fresh Bluegrass spin on the beloved classic while honoring its original spirit. Instrumental credits on the track include Daniel Grindstaff on banjo and vocals, Kevin Richardson on guitar and lead vocals, Kent Blanton on bass, Derek Deakins on fiddle, Shawn Lane on vocals and Andy Leftwich on mandolin. Fans got an exclusive first listen when the song premiered earlier this week (5/5) on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction.

“I’ve always been a big fan of Tom Petty’s songwriting,” says Grindstaff. “The lyrics to ‘Angel Dream’ really struck a chord with me, and I thought it would be special to approach it from a Bluegrass perspective. I’m so proud of how this version turned out, and I’m even more excited to kick off the next chapter of my music with it.”

Daniel Grindstaff Releases Star-Studded ‘Heroes and Friends’ Album Featuring Multiple No. 1 Hits

Featured Artists Include Dolly Parton, Doyle Lawson, Paul Brewster, Jimmy Fortune, Trey Hensley, Jeff Tolbert, Andy Leftwich, Rickey Wasson and Kevin Richardson

Nashville, Tenn. – The wait is finally over as chart-topping banjo extraordinaire Daniel Grindstaff releases his highly anticipated debut solo album, Heroes and Friends. The star-studded project includes a total of 10 new recordings, bringing together some of the biggest artists of all-time in the Bluegrass, Roots and Country music worlds.

With many years in the music industry performing with greats like the Osborne Brothers, Jim & Jesse McReynolds, Marty Raybon and many more, the release marks a full-circle moment for Grindstaff by bringing a life’s worth of inspiration into one project. Every track from Heroes and Friends was produced and arranged by Grindstaff. The who’s-who list of featured artists include Dolly Parton, Doyle Lawson, Paul Brewster, Jimmy Fortune, Trey Hensley, Jeff Tolbert, Andy Leftwich, Rickey Wasson and Kevin Richardson. From start to finish, the collection flows cohesively, with the East Tennessee native’s electrifying banjo playing throughout. Other notable names providing instrumentation and vocals include Darrin Vincent (Dailey & Vincent), Rhonda Vincent, Shawn Lane (Blue Highway), Kent Blanton, Jesse Brock, Derek Deakins, Stephen Burwell and Josh Swift.

The album has already proven to be a massive success with radio DJs. To date, the project has already notched THREE No. 1 hits on the Bluegrass Today charts. The singles “Three Arrows,” “Finnland” and “Forever Young” all hit the top spot, with the latter featuring Dolly Parton and Paul Brewster becoming Grindstaff’s very first chart-topper on the Bluegrass Unlimited Monthly Airplay Survey earlier this year.

Another standout track is “I’ll Still Write Your Name in the Sand” featuring Country and Gospel Music Hall of Fame Statler Brothers member Jimmy Fortune. Listen close, because the track also includes harmony vocals from siblings and Grand Ole Opry members- Darrin Vincent and Rhonda Vincent.

The praise for the album has already begun rolling in, with Ballyhoo Magazine saying they believe that “Daniel Grindstaff is building an unimpeachable legacy one song at a time.” Daniel also did a feature interview with Authority Magazine recently, which detailed his story and years in the Bluegrass world, providing ‘Five Things You Need To Shine In The Music Industry’ in the feature. He also traveled to NYC for an in-depth interview on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction. Daniel Grindstaff is on the path to continually bring Bluegrass and American Music to new generations!

Download/Stream 'Heroes & Friends'

"Forever Young" ft. Paul Brewster & Dolly Parton Hits #1!

"Forever Young" Featuring Paul Brewster & Dolly Parton reaches #1

Daniel Grindstaff's version of "Forever Young" ft. Paul Brewster & Dolly Parton has been one of the most celebrated new releases in Bluegrass music. Topping the airplay charts and climbing to the #1 position for the month of October, 2023. The celebration continued with the release of a new lyric video and a shout out from Legendary Pop-Singer Rod Stewart offering his kind words "Thank you for this wonderful cover Daniel, Paul and Dolly. Congrats on the #1" 

“The timeless lyrics of “Forever Young” speak of a parent’s love, overcoming adversity, embracing the good times and good memories. Producing this song was an honor. A wonderful cast of heroes and friends joined me in the studio along with special guest vocalists, the great Paul Brewster and the legendary Dolly Parton. Their vocals are nothing short of amazing. Their kindness in agreeing to sing on the track and making a dream of mine become reality is something I will never forget. That kindness and encouragement is what I hope conveys to the listener.”  -Daniel Grindstaff

“Be courageous and be brave and in my heart, you’ll always remain Forever Young.”  

 “A great musician, a great Brother in Christ and what a great project. Thanks for my little part in this Daniel, and of course I am thankful Dolly agreed to come on board and add her iconic voice to the song, which was amazing!”  -Paul Brewster (7-time Grammy Award Winner/IBMA Award Winner)

Download/stream "Forever Young"

"Finnland" Ft. Andy Leftwich reaches #1

“I wrote ‘Finnland’ with the goal of representing my love for how a banjo and fiddle have paired together through the history of string music to what we now consider modern day Bluegrass,” says Daniel Grindstaff. “It’s an honor to have the great Andy Leftwich join in and bring his superb fiddle work to make this song what I envisioned while writing it. The title and upbeat tempo of ‘Finnland’ is inspired by the sweet, innocent spirit of my oldest boy, Finn. The intricate patterns between banjo and fiddle reflect the beautiful mind of his that’s always thinking, always spinning and always inspiring.”

Leftwich adds, “It’s not very often you hear banjo/fiddle tunes in the key of B, but in this case, ‘Finnland’ offers a fun and exciting melody that makes for a perfect bluegrass instrumental! Backed by phenomenal players and a great arrangement, I’m honored to have the role playing fiddle on this one!”

"Finnland" has made a grand entrance in Bluegrass music, maintaining two consecutive weeks in the #1 position and reached #1 for the month of March 2024 on the Bluegrass Today charts! 

Download/stream "Finnland"
“I’ve known Daniel for many years, he’s been a great picker from the first time I met him! This project I believe is a testament to that! He and I are both very heavily influenced by Earl Scruggs, JD Crowe and Sonny Osborne. You can hear those inflections in this great recording! But, make no mistake, this is pure Daniel Grindstaff! Nice work Pal! ” - Rob McCoury (Del McCoury Band/Travelin’ McCourys)
“I had the pleasure of meeting Daniel Grindstaff backstage at the Grand Ole Opry when he was only 18 years old, he was playing banjo for the Legendary group Jim and Jesse and the Virginia Boys. First of all, to be working in a band who are Grand Ole Opry members at that age is a huge accomplishment in itself, but I looked past his young age and saw and heard a young man far beyond his years both as a musician and as a gentleman. I am proud to call him friend and know you’ll greatly enjoy this recording. ” - Jim Mills (6-time IBMA Banjo player of the year and 6-time Grammy Award Winner)
“I first met Daniel when he was 13 years old. Daniel had been playing about 6 months and within a few short years he became one of the best banjo players on the circuit. Over the years Daniel and I have remained great friends and I highly esteem his dedication to the Lord and his family. "Three Arrows" is such a great melody at the perfect tempo for banjo. I'm really looking forward to more music from Daniel in the years to come. Now I'm off to learn this tune myself!” - Jim Britton (Ceres Banjo Works)

About

Daniel Grindstaff

Biography

2-time IBMA nominated banjo extraordinaire Daniel Grindstaff has carved out his own path in the Bluegrass and American music. Along the way, he has shared the stage with some of his biggest musical heroes, appeared countless times at the iconic Grand Ole Opry and made several national television appearances. A native of East Tennessee, he has performed across the United States and Canada with some of the very best in Bluegrass, Acoustic, and Country music.

Daniel began his professional music career at the young age of 18, performing at the Opry in Nashville, Tennessee with late bluegrass legends Jim and Jesse McReynolds. At the age of 21, Daniel was not only performing with the McReynolds but had also been called upon to take the stage with the iconic Osborne Brothers, best known for their familiar hit and Tennessee state song “Rocky Top.” In the fall of 2006, Daniel began touring with Grammy Award winning artist, Marty Raybon. For the next five years Daniel remained an important part of Raybon’s studio recordings and concerts.
 

As the years followed, Grindstaff kept forging along, releasing new music of his own and doing what he loves, which is performing for fans. With a musical career that covers hundreds of appearances on the coveted stage of the Grand Ole Opry (as recent as 2025 with Daily & Vincent and Ricky Skaggs), national television appearances on Fox News morning show “Fox & Friends,” Smithsonian Folklife Festival, CMA Music Fest in Nashville, hundreds of live concerts, and many studio recordings, Daniel Grindstaff’s musical career and accomplishments speak for themselves, and he’s just getting started!

Everything came full circle with his 2024 project Heroes & Friends, which resonated deeply with fans and radio alike. The single “Forever Young”—featuring the iconic Dolly Parton and Paul Brewster—soared to #1 on both the Bluegrass Today and Bluegrass Unlimited charts. His follow-up single, “Finnland” featuring Andy Leftwich, also reached #1. The success of these songs propelled Heroes & Friends to become the #1 Bluegrass album of March 2025 on the prestigious Bluegrass Unlimited chart.

Looking ahead, Daniel embarks on an exciting new chapter with the Uptown Troubadours. Their forthcoming album—set for release on March 20, 2026, via Bonfire Music Group—showcases the exceptional talents of Derek Deakins, Kevin Richardson, and Kent Blanton. The project is already making waves: its first singles, “Angel Dream," “The Death of John Henry,” and "We See Love" all reached the #1 spot on the Bluegrass charts. Together, this dynamic ensemble delivers a vibrant sound and seasoned musicianship, signaling a bold new era in Daniel’s musical journey.
“"Three Arrows" by Daniel Grindstaff is a wonderful representation of who he is a banjo player and man. Solid, tasteful, grounded in the essentials, with something valuable to say. I've been a fan of his for a long time. ” - Kristin Scott-Benson (5-time IBMA Banjo Player of the Year)
“Listening to "Three Arrows" by my good friend Daniel Grindstaff reminds me of why I fell in love with the banjo. This is one of the best original banjo tunes I've heard in many a moon, played with fire and passion by Daniel and a cast of the some of the best musicians in Bluegrass Music. ” - Jason Burleson (Multi award winning Blue Highway)

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