The Best Bluegrass Songs of All Time

Bluegrass is an American roots music that is a subset of country music. With roots primarily in Appalachia, this style dates back to the 1800s, with many of the songs being used for Minstrel shows and often referred to as a mix between blues and jazz music. It reflects the hardships of living in rural Appalachia and the everyday life people live there.

Many of these songs are just a snippet of amazing bluegrass albums by amazing artists, so be sure to check out the greatest bluegrass albums as well.

What are the best bluegrass songs of all time? It's time to decide. This list is votable and rerankable. Vote up the greatest bluegrass songs, and feel free to add any that you don't already see on here.

list ordered by

Foggy Mountain Breakdown

The quintessential bluegrass instrumental track.

Rocky Top

A song that recalls a southern paradaise it is now the university of Tennesse's fight song.

Man of Constant Sorrow

A bluegrass classic that was re-introduced to the public in the film "O Brother Where Art Thou"

Blue Moon of Kentucky

Famous bluegrass tune once covered by Elvis Presley.

Fox On the Run

Best performed by Emerson and Waldron

Can the Circle Be Unbroken

Taken from a similarly name spiritual, The Careter Family rewrote their own version

Orange Blossom Special

A quintessential tune for fiddlers, this song was once covered by Jonny Cash as well.

Roll in My Sweet Baby’s Arms

A fast-played bluegrass classic

Nine Pound Hammer

Best performed by Tony

Wabash Cannonball

Best performed by Claire Lynch

Wayfaring Stranger

A bluegrass song from the 1800s about traveling through life.

Feudin’ Banjos

The song made infamous by the film "Deliverance"

John Henry

Best performed by the Lily Borthers.

Footprints in the Snow

Best perfromed by Mac Wiseman

Kentucky Waltz

Classic Bill Monroe song from 1946

Soldier's Joy

The Ballad of Jed Clampett

Blue grass tune that became popular as the theme song from The Beverly Hillbillies.

I Wonder How the Old Folks Are at Home

A classic nostalgic tune from The Carter Family.

Bringing Mary Home

Best performed by The Country Gentlemen

Darling Corey

Best performed by the Seldom Scene

Train 45

Best performed by Smiley Hobbs

Molly and Tenbrooks

Originally recorded by the Carver Boys under a slightly different title this song was then popularized by Bill Monroe in the '40s

Fireball Mail

Best performed by the Lonesome River Band

Old Dan Tucker

A popular bluegrass song from Oral traditions popularized in Minstrel shows.