2019 IBMA Winners Include Billy Strings, Del McCoury Band, Missy Raines + More

The International Bluegrass Music Awards returned for its 30th annual iteration on Thursday night (Sept. 26), taking place in Raleigh, N.C. Del McCoury, Billy Strings and Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers were just a few of the evenings' winners, with the latter group taking home the coveted title of Entertainer of the Year. 2019 marked their first-ever nomination in the category.

In addition the awards show itself, the evening honored 2019's three inductees into the International Bluegrass Music Association Hall of Fame. Dobro virtuoso and Seldom Scene founding member Mike Auldridge, banjoist and original member of the Country Gentlemen Bill Emerson and the Kentucky Colonels -- a bluegrass group best remembered for their contributions to the folk revival moment of the early '60s -- were all celebrated as the Hall's newest members. Other special award recipients included Katy Daley, Mickey Gamble, Dan Hays, Allen Mills and the Japanese-based bluegrass publication Moonshiner.

The event took place at Raleigh's Duke Energy Performing Arts Center, and was co-hosted by McCoury and Jim Lauderdale. The annual awards show occurs during the World of Bluegrass conference in Raleigh. See below for a complete list of winners from the 2019 IBMA Awards.

2019 International Bluegrass Music Award Winners

Entertainer of the Year: Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers
Vocal Group of the Year: Sister Sadie
Instrumental Group of the Year: Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper
Female Vocalist of the Year: Brooke Aldridge
Male Vocalist of the Year: Russell Moore
New Artist of the Year: Billy Strings
Song of the Year: “Thunder Dan" --  Sideline
Album of the Year: Del McCoury Still Sings Bluegrass, Del McCoury Band
Gospel Recording of the Year: “Gonna Sing, Gonna Shout” -- Claire Lynch
Instrumental Recording of the Year: “Darlin’ Pal(s) of Mine” -- Missy Raines with Alison Brown, Mike Bub and Todd Phillips
Collaborative Recording of the Year: “The Guitar Song” -- Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers with Del McCoury
Banjo Player of the Year: Kristin Scott Benson
Bass Player of the Year: Missy Raines
Resophonic Guitar Player of the Year: Phil Leadbetter
Fiddle Player of the Year: Michael Cleveland
Guitar Player of the Year: Billy Strings
Mandolin Player of the Year: Alan Bibey

10 Essential Albums for Your Country Music Education