Interview done by Michael Wilkerson
MW: Please introduce your self?
RV: Hi I’m Rhonda Vincent. Grew up in Northern Missouri in a musical family. Started singing when I was 3. When I was 5, my family had a Tv Show, Radio Show, and we made our first recording. Started playing mandolin when I was 8. It was on the job training. My Dad would pick me up from school every day, and we would play and sing till dinner. After dinner, friends would come over and we would play and sing till bed time. It was a wonderful life of music, that prepared me for my career in music today.
MW: Tell the readers how you got into bluegrass? Have you played with all your bluegrass idols?
RV: I’ve played and sang with most every bluegrass artist, since I grew up playing bluegrass music.
MW: You were on Rounder Records for many years.
RV: I was with Rounder for 10 years.
MW: Why did you leave the label after so many years?
RV: My contract was complete, and I decided to embark upon a new opportunity.
MW: What label are you with now?
RV: I have a new project coming out on 9/21/2010 on Upper Management Music
MW: When is your new CD coming out? Do you have a title for it? What will be the first single?
RV: 9/21/2010 - Title is “TAKEN” There will be a country single & video on the title song “Taken”
MW: You are playing the bluegrass festival here in West Liberty, KY on July 10th. Have you played the festival before? What other bluegrass festivals are you playing?
RV: I don’t remember playing the West Liberty festival before. We play hundreds of festivals. Check our web site for a complete listing. http://www.rhondavincent.com
MW: How do you feel bluegrass has progressed over the years?
RV: Bluegrass is a very natural, authentic music. It’s pretty much what you see is what you get. In a time with so much technology at our fingertips; it’s wonderful to have a genre of music that can still be performed on stage or off stage, and you will hear the natural sounds of the instruments and the voices. As with any music style, there are trends that bring more awareness to bluegrass. Society seems to be eating at home more, and going to outdoor festivals more. The bluegrass festivals are thriving right now. I’m thrilled. We are thankful to play the music we love.
MW: Who has been your favorite artist to work with?
RV: Dolly Parton. She is the greatest, and she is singing on my new project coming out in September.
MW: You have won many IBMA awards in your life. Which one are you proudest of and why?
RV: I’m proud of them all. I feel they are wonderful symbol of gratitude for all our hard work and the many days we travel on the road.
MW: Have you been involved in producing, managing, or songwriting for other artist?
RV: I have been indirectly involved with several groups in bluegrass. When I first met the Cherryholmes Family, I was so impressed, I took the mother Sandy in my home office, and we talked about strategies for their group; and I shared my database and recommended festivals to pursue. I also encouraged every promoter I knew to book them. Jamie Dailey called me on several occasions to share information, and they also used my studio to record their first album. It’s exciting to hear new talent. I’m a fan of bluegrass music, first and foremost; and I feel like I get to live my dream each day, playing the music we love. Most recently, I’ve been helping my daughters behind the scenes, as they pursue their musical dream. They have their own band called “Next Best Thing”. http://www.nextbestthingband.com I’m very proud of them. And there has never been a prouder moment than when they joined me on my new project to sing a trio titled “When The Bloom Is Off The Rose”.
MW: What would you like to say in closing?
RV: I will be at the bluegrass festival. My daughter turns 15 years old that day. I’d love it if folks would check out my web site at http://www.rhondavincent.com and I’d also like to invite everyone to join us on our 2011 Rhonda Vincent Bluegrass Cruise! http://www.bluegrasscruise.com And always Bake Right with Martha White! 
http://www.marthawhite.com
