In just a few short years, the collaboration between guitarist Big John Talley and singer Starlett Boswell Austin has blossomed into a significant force within the bluegrass music scene. Their partnership, though recent, has quickly resonated with audiences and critics alike, marking them as artists to watch.
Their debut album, Till The End Of The Road, served as a powerful introduction to their combined talents. The album garnered widespread acclaim, celebrated for its blend of compelling original tracks and thoughtfully chosen covers. It firmly established Starlett and Big John as rising stars, poised to make a lasting impression on today’s vibrant bluegrass landscape. It was clear from this early work that the musical synergy between them was something special, hinting at the depth and breadth of what “Big John Songs” and Starlett’s vocals could achieve together.
Both Starlett and Big John brought considerable experience to this musical endeavor. Starlett’s journey with bluegrass began in childhood, immersed in a musical family. She won her first singing competition at the remarkable age of four and mastered the upright bass by eight. Her formative years were spent performing with her family band, laying a solid foundation for her subsequent solo career and collaborations with various artists. This early immersion in bluegrass tradition shaped her distinctive vocal style and instrumental skills, elements that now beautifully complement Big John’s musicality.
Big John’s musical history spans over four decades, demonstrating a lifelong dedication to bluegrass. His introduction to the genre also came early, picking up the guitar at nine. By sixteen, his vocal talent was recognized with the VFMA Male Vocalist of the Year Award. Just a year later, he and his band, New Dominion Bluegrass, were invited to perform with bluegrass legend Bill Monroe at the Grand Ole Opry. His career includes performances with Bill Monroe and his Blue Grass Boys, as well as collaborations with other notable figures like Jody Rainwater, Tater Tate, Jackie Phelps, The Virginia Squires, and Wyatt Rice. This rich and varied background is evident in every “Big John song” and performance, showcasing his deep understanding and mastery of bluegrass traditions.
The fortuitous meeting of Starlett and Big John occurred in January 2019 when they were both filling in with a band in North Carolina. The immediate musical chemistry was undeniable, becoming increasingly apparent as they continued to collaborate. The pivotal moment arrived when Big John performed at the Bluegrass First Class event in Asheville, North Carolina. Starlett, deeply impressed by his performance and perhaps hearing the potential in “Big John songs” firsthand, approached him about forming a band. After an impromptu jam session and conversation, they quickly realized their shared musical passions and influences. These included bluegrass icons such as Bill Monroe, The Osborne Brothers, Jimmy Martin, Larry Sparks, Del McCoury, The Stanley Brothers, Johnson Mountain Boys, Tony Rice, Lester & Earl, and Peter Rowan. This common ground provided fertile soil for their musical partnership to grow.
Big John speaks highly of his musical partner, stating, “Starlett is absolutely the most talented person I have ever seen. Her singing, playing, and songwriting is only second to the size of her heart and her delivery of the music. She truly feels every note she sings, and plays every note she feels. When it comes to putting it all in there, she’s right there punching. A true Virginia Songbird.” This heartfelt praise underscores the deep respect and admiration he has for Starlett’s artistry, recognizing the emotional depth she brings to their music.
Starlett reciprocates this enthusiasm, describing their collaboration as a “once-in-a-lifetime find.” She explains, “When you meet that person you musically click with, everything seems to fall into place. The sky’s the limit.” This mutual appreciation and shared vision fuel their creative energy, suggesting a bright future for Starlett and Big John as they continue to explore the rich possibilities of bluegrass music together, perhaps crafting new “Big John songs” and further solidifying their place in the genre.
