Origins of Bluegrass in Boston

By the 1950’s, country music, and what was then called Mountain Music, had a strong toehold in New England. Southerners who had migrated north, an active naval port staffed by many southerners, and a burgeoning interest from young folkies provided an audience for the music in area bars such as the Hillbilly Ranch and he Mohawk Ranch, on local radio including WCOP’s Hayloft Jamboree. With The Lilly Brothers and Don Stover venturing north for fresh employment opportunities, the scene was set for the music’s growth.