Biography
Alan Bibey, born August 24, 1964 in Walnut Cove, North Carolina, is widely regarded as one of the most creative and technically gifted mandolinists in bluegrass and acoustic music. Raised in a musical family, Bibey’s early exposure to bluegrass came from his father and uncles, all musicians themselves. At age five, a transformative experience attending a Bill Monroe concert inspired Bibey to take up the mandolin, and by age twelve, he was recording his first album, 'Southern Tradition,' with his father[1][4].
Bibey’s professional career began in his teens, playing with Interstate Exchange and later joining Wes Golding & Sure-Fire. He rose to national prominence in the early 1980s as a member of The New Quicksilver, and in 1990, he became a founding member of IIIrd Tyme Out, contributing to three albums before moving on to other projects[1][2][3]. Over the decades, Bibey has led and collaborated with influential bands such as BlueRidge and Alan Bibey & Grasstowne, earning numerous accolades including multiple SPBGMA and IBMA awards for his mandolin playing and recordings[3][4][5].
Bibey’s musical style is rooted in traditional bluegrass but is marked by technical innovation and expressive creativity. His legacy includes a Grammy nomination, a signature line of Gibson mandolins, and recognition in Mel Bay’s 'Greatest Mandolin Players of the Twentieth Century.' As a bandleader, educator, and performer, Bibey has helped shape modern bluegrass, inspiring a new generation of musicians[3][4][6].
Fun Facts
- Bibey plays a rare 1923 Lloyd Loar Gibson F-5 mandolin, signed on the same date as Bill Monroe’s iconic instrument[1].
- He won the mandolin championship at the 1982 World’s Fair in Knoxville at just 17 years old[1][4].
- The Gibson Company released an Alan Bibey Signature Series mandolin in 2004, honoring his influence on the instrument[3][4].
- Bibey was featured in Mel Bay’s book 'Greatest Mandolin Players of the Twentieth Century'[3][6].
Associated Acts
- IIIrd Tyme Out - mandolin, original (1991–present)
- BlueRidge
- Grasstowne - mandolin
- Balsam Range - mandolin
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Bill Monroe - Early inspiration; Bibey attended Monroe's concert at age five, sparking his passion for mandolin and bluegrass. (Influence on Bibey's mandolin style and repertoire.) [1970s]
- Bibey's father - Primary teacher and collaborator in Bibey's formative years; performed together and recorded 'Southern Tradition.' ('Southern Tradition' album.) [1970s]
Key Collaborators
- Terry Baucom - Bandmate in The New Quicksilver and IIIrd Tyme Out; later collaborated in Baucom, Bibey, and BlueRidge. (The New Quicksilver, IIIrd Tyme Out albums.) [1985–1993]
- Russell Moore - Founding member of IIIrd Tyme Out with Bibey. (IIIrd Tyme Out albums.) [1990–1993]
- Steve Gulley - Co-founder of Alan Bibey & Grasstowne. (Alan Bibey & Grasstowne albums.) [2006–present]
- Wayne Benson - Collaborator on 'Mandolin Chronicles' project. ('Mandolin Chronicles' album.) [2010s]
Artists Influenced
- Jason Davis - Band member in Alan Bibey & Grasstowne; Bibey’s leadership and musicianship have influenced Davis’s career. (Alan Bibey & Grasstowne albums.) [2006–present]
- Jamey Booher - Band member in Alan Bibey & Grasstowne; influenced by Bibey’s approach to bluegrass. (Alan Bibey & Grasstowne albums.) [2006–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Grasstowne 4 | 2015-10-09 | Album |
| In The Blue Room | 2006-01-01 | Album |
| Mandolin Chronicles | 2013-03-12 | Album |
| Southern Sunshine | 2025-07-11 | Album |
| Grasstowne 4 | 2015-10-09 | Album |
| Mandolin Chronicles | 2013-03-12 | Album |
| The Other Side Of Towne | 2009-10-06 | Album |
| The Road Headin' Home | 2007-07-24 | Album |
| Steppin' Out | 2007-02-20 | Album |
| Gettin' Ready | 2006-05-02 | Album |
Top Tracks
- I'm Getting Ready To Leave this World (Gettin' Ready)
- He Will Set Your Fields on Fire (Gettin' Ready)
- Lead Me Not (Gettin' Ready)
- I'm Goin' Up When He Starts Down (Gettin' Ready)
- Get Down on Your Knees and Pray/Let Me Walk by Your Side/The Old Crossroads/Working on a Building (Gettin' Ready)
- Don't You Want To Go There (Gettin' Ready)
- Rock Foundation (Gettin' Ready)
- I'm Country (Grasstowne 4)
- Worried Man Blues (Grasstowne 4)
- County Fool (In The Blue Room)