Grandpa's Cough Medicine

Biography

Grandpa's Cough Medicine is an American bluegrass band formed in Jacksonville, Florida, known for its high-energy 'outlaw bluegrass' style blending blazing tempos, flat-picked guitar, Scruggs-style banjo, upright bass, and lyrics featuring dark humor, heavy metal influences, and unconventional subject matter. Founding member Brett Bass, inspired at age 11 by Ozzy Osbourne's 'Crazy Train' guitar solo, immersed himself in heavy metal before discovering bluegrass at 17 through artists like Doc Watson, Bryan Sutton, and Larry Keel; he transitioned to acoustic guitar, singing Johnny Cash songs, and writing original country/bluegrass material, many featured on their debut album Jailbird Blues (2011), voted one of Jacksonville's Top Ten Local Albums. Banjoist Mike 'Banjo Boy' Coker met Bass at a bluegrass jam after playing in a youth band, accelerating the band's tempos with his fiery playing, while bassist Jon Murphy joined via a Craigslist ad for an 'outlaw country band,' switching from electric to upright bass as they leaned into bluegrass; Murphy, a University of Arizona music minor graduate, had prior experience with cello, Arizona Opera Chorus, various bands, and a solo folk album.

The band gained momentum with their second album The Murder Chord (2012), followed by 180 Proof (2015), produced by Randy Kohrs and featuring guests like Jason Carter, Aaron Till, Randy Kohrs, Isaac Corbitt, and Hank Williams III; winnings from topping the 2014 One Spark festival ($11,500+) funded the latter. In 2015, Bass won Rockygrass flatpick guitar and placed second in dobro, while Coker took first in banjo. After a hiatus, the band reformed in 2022 with Bass leading alongside banjoist Benny McDowell and bassist Rex Putnam, both prior collaborators, maintaining their reputation on the bluegrass circuit. Their sound—described as 'hardcore Power Grass' with 'heavy metal attitude'—has built a dedicated following in the South, East Coast, and festivals.

Fun Facts

• Brett Bass was inspired to play guitar by the 'Crazy Train' solo at age 11 but switched to acoustic bluegrass at 17 after realizing pickers matched metal speeds.
• Jon Murphy joined after one practice responding to a Craigslist ad titled 'outlaw country band seeking members' and self-taught upright bass.
• The band used $11,500 from winning top music act at 2014 One Spark festival to fund 180 Proof, recruiting major guests.
• No Wikipedia page found; band's official site calls them an 'unsanctioned nuclear warhead' with 'politically incorrect lyrics.'

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Doc Watson - stylistic influence on flatpicking guitar (albums and instructional DVDs) [from age 17 (~2000s)]
• Bryan Sutton - stylistic influence on flatpicking guitar (albums and instructional DVDs) [from age 17 (~2000s)]
• Larry Keel - stylistic influence on flatpicking guitar; praised band (albums and instructional DVDs) [from age 17 (~2000s)]
• Johnny Cash - early singing and playing inspiration (songs learned and covered) [from age 17]

Key Collaborators

• Mike Coker - original banjoist, co-writer (Jailbird Blues, The Murder Chord, 180 Proof) [2011-~2020]
• Jon Murphy - original bassist/vocalist (Jailbird Blues, The Murder Chord, 180 Proof) [2011-~2020]
• Benny McDowell - current banjoist, prior band member (post-2022 performances) [2022-present]
• Rex Putnam - current bassist, prior band member (post-2022 performances) [2022-present]
• Jason Carter - guest on album (180 Proof)
• Aaron Till - guest on album (180 Proof)
• Randy Kohrs - producer and guest (180 Proof)
• Isaac Corbitt - guest on album (180 Proof)
• Hank Williams III - guest on album; praised band (180 Proof)

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz