CMT News

Six veteran bluegrass musicians have signed with Rounder Records and will be joining Dolly Parton on her upcoming album and tour. The Grascals' own album will feature Parton on a bluegrass arrangement of Elvis Presley's "Viva Las Vegas." The band features three former members of the Osborne Brothers' band -- bassist-vocalist Terry Eldredge, fiddler Jimmy Mattingly and bassist Terry Smith. Mattingly previously recorded and toured with Garth Brooks. The Grascals' other members are banjoist-vocalist David Talbot (who has worked with Reba McEntire and Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time), guitarist-singer Jamie Johnson and mandolinist Danny Roberts. The Grascals will open Parton's shows this fall and also provide musical backing during her performances. Parton says, "I'm honored to be the girl singer in the Grascals band."