Charlottesville, VA (January 14, 2020)—Rebel Records is excited to announce the signing of The Kody Norris Show to its roster of artists! The neo-traditional bluegrass group has crafted a performance style that harkens back to the traditions of Bill Monroe, Jimmy Martin, The Stanley Brothers, and the Grand Ole Opry, with a bit of Vaudeville thrown in for good measure.
“We have been keeping any eye on The Kody Norris Show for some time now,” Rebel Records President Mark Freeman says. “From their outstanding musicianship to their high-octane stage show, to their dazzling vintage Nudie suits, this group is ‘entertainment’ personified; plus, they are a very detailed and hard working act as well -- two key attributes for long-term success!”
Kody’s musical journey began when he was around ten years old with a used mandolin, a gift from his parents. Growing up in East Tennessee, a region steeped in traditional music, Kody was bitten by the bluegrass bug, and quickly added guitar, banjo, and bass to his repertoire.
From the age of 15, Kody pursued his interest in the music business: working as a sideman and studio musician, teaching music lessons, and serving as an emcee. Being a multi-instrumentalist and versatile singer opened doors to many opportunities including playing with Ralph Stanley, Ralph Stanley II, and Melvin Goins. A chance meeting with Campbell Mercer, executive producer of the Cumberland Highlander's Show on the RFD-TV network, led to a 9-year stint for Kody playing guitar on that show.
More than a decade ago, Kody distilled his years of varied experience into founding his own band, with a desire to build on the inspirations of his youth, including the music of Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, Jimmy Martin, Jim & Jesse, and others.
“I can’t imagine a more appropriate union than Rebel Records and this band,” Norris says. “We’re just thrilled at all of the possibilities and grateful to Mark [Freeman] and his team. These are folks who are completely devoted to the same mission as The Kody Norris Show -- sharing the tradition of bluegrass music and just plain good entertainment.”
The Kody Norris Show was honored with seven nominations in the 2018 SPBGMA Awards. The band’s album, When I Get The Money Made, was named 2017 Bluegrass Album of the Year by the National Traditional Country Music Association. They have performed nationwide, including notable gigs at The Smithsonian and The Kennedy Center.
As a songwriter and frontman, Kody weaves his love for words and literature with clever wit and genuine emotion. A true showman, Norris adorns the band in colorful, tailored suits adorned with rhinestones, ties, classic hats and ornate boots. Top-notch picking and harmonies, however, are always centerstage. The group maintains an impressive tour schedule. In 2019, The Kody Norris Show played more than 110 dates.
“It’s no surprise that the band’s bookings steadily climb each year,” Freeman says. “People leave The Kody Norris Show mesmerized and wanting more. We are eager to be part of their growing momentum and introduce them to an even larger audience.”
The foursome is fronted by Norris on guitar, with his “little sweetie,” Mary Rachel Nalley-Norris on fiddle. The group is rounded out by Josiah Tyree on banjo, and ‘Cousin’ Charlie Lowman, who recently joined the group on bass.
