Artist Spotlight – Daniel Grindstaff

By: Marsha Channell

Earl Scruggs, J.D. Crowe, The Osborne Brothers, Jim & Jesse McReynolds, Glen Campbell, Merle Haggard and Dolly Parton are all names that bluegrass fans know well. These musicians have carved the way for many, given us songs that we treasure, taught many lessons through the years and so much more. All of them may have different meanings to you but they are the some of the most inspirational people to Daniel Grindstaff, my June Artist Spotlight.

Before Daniel even knew about any of the above-mentioned artists, he was born into and grew up in a musical family in Elizabethton, TN. Elizabethton is a small town located within the “Tri-Cities” (Bristol, Johnson City and Kingsport) area. The beautiful city is surrounded by parks that are ready for you to venture through and take in the sites of spectacular waterfalls. You can even walk across a long-covered bridge that was built in the 1800’s. If you prefer an activity inside, then you can fancy yourself shopping in all the small antique stores or catch a film at the Barter Theater.

Having a grandmother that sang and played music, it was only natural that Daniel’s dad played the banjo and enjoyed music. His grandmother and dad were big influencers and encouraged Daniel to find the passion in music like them. The banjo was picked up as his instrument of choice at the early age of 12. Daniel followed his dad’s footsteps. Even though he did not take formal lessons, he enjoyed playing along to his dads record collection. It was not uncommon for hours to tick by listening to the likes of Flatt & Scruggs, The Osborne Brothers, Jimmy Martin, Bill Monroe and many more. The encouragement from his dad and grandmother meant a lot while he grew as a player. Daniel has always seen music as a passion and has had appreciation for many genres over the years.

Making a few close friends and having a vibrant local music scene in East Tennessee growing up, it perfectly set Daniel up to attend many bluegrass festivals and join in on jam sessions. The first bluegrass festival that Daniel remembers going to was at the “Slagel’s Pasture” in Elizabethton, TN. Seeing The Osborne Brothers, The Country Gentlemen, Ralph Stanley, Jimmy Martin and Jim & Jesse McReynolds at the festival played a huge impact on becoming an artist. That was the time in his life that he felt that going into the music world was what he was meant to do. That was also the moment that playing at the Grand Ole Opry became a goal of his.

Yes, growing up in a musical family and attending bluegrass festivals, it is easy to see how one could be star-struck seeing their favorite artist play on stage or during a jam session on a regular basis. That innocent feeling of being star-struck reemerged often when Daniel began working with Jim & Jesse Reynolds. He was always in “aww” while playing at the Grand Ole Opry and seeing many of his heroes like Glen Campbell, Marty Stuart, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton and many others playing on stage before or after himself.

The Grand Ole Opry is such an unbelievable and magical venue that only about 75 acts/artists actually hold a membership. Membership in the Grand Ole Opry is one of the highest achievements one can receive within the country music community. While it is a goal of many musicians to play at the Grand Ole Opry, it was definitely a “goal” of Daniel Grindstaff’s. That goal became a reality when Daniel was able to play with Jim and Jesse McReynolds, The Osborne Brothers during the 40^th Anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry and for his own boys to watch him play that famous stage with Dailey & Vincent. With all of these special moments, it is easy to say that the Grand Ole Opry is Daniel’s favorite venue to play. “There is no other place that is like the Opry” Daniel stated.

Daniel was able to achieve a huge goal of his by playing the Grand Ole Opry, but he was also able to cross off a huge item off his bucket list just recently. Creating and releasing his newest album titled ‘Heroes & Friends’ was one of the most exciting and meaningful experiences in his career. Writing two of the songs on the album especially for his sons definitely assisted in making the recordings more heartfelt. It was also deeply humbling to have the opportunity to collaborate with musicians he has admired for years. Daniel directs many thanks to Paul Brewster, Dolly Parton, Doyle Lawson, Jimmy Fortune, Darrin Vincent, Rhonda Vincent, Trey Hensley, Rickey Wasson, Jeff Tolbert, Andy Leftwich and several others for graciously sharing their talents on the album.

If Daniel wrote a letter to his younger self, there would be five things that he would point out:

1.You are not your circumstances. Overcoming adversity is tough, especially when shaped by your environment. But countless success stories prove that your attitude and work ethic, not your background, determine your path.

2. Hard work pays off. Hard work doesn’t always yield immediate results, but over time, it always pays off.

3. Make a difference where you are. You never know when whatever gig you have or job you might be doing at the moment can lead to the next step or next goal.

4. Kindness is always an option, always.

5. Time moves far quicker than you realize. I’ve been performing professionally since I was 18, and it’s gone by in the blink of an eye. These days, I savor every moment, taking in more of the experience, capturing memories in photos. It’s true days can feel long, but the years are short.

Rapid fire questions –

What is your favorite Holiday and why? I love Thanksgiving and Christmas. There is nothing better than spending time with my wife and kids and the spirit of the season. Watching the boys on Christmas morning is the best.

What is your favorite snack food on the road? Oh goodness, I like way too much stuff; however, Dr. Pepper and Bobs Bars come to mind.

Announcements:

Daniel is currently working on a new “band” album to follow his most recent “Heroes and Friends” project. The new album will be release under Daniel Grindstaff & The Uptown Troubadours with Bonfire Music Group during the early part of 2026. This album will be more of a band setting and each track has been hand-picked by himself. One of his favorites on the project is a song entitled “Angel Dream” which has already been released on May 6^th and is available wherever you stream music. Daniel couldn’t have asked for anything more, he is extremely pleased and proud of all the guys involved in the band, Derek Deakins, Kevin Richardson and Kent Blanton. He is so happy of how the song turned out and can’t wait for everyone to hear the full album when completed.

You can stay up to date with everything Daniel is up to by checking out his website for all your Daniel Grindstaff music and merchandise at www.DanielGrindstaff.com and by following him on his social media pages.

Facebook – Daniel Grindstaff Music

Instagram – DanielGrindstaffBanjo