Kristy Cox
Australia’s Queen of Bluegrass

 

Kristy Cox has become a standout figure in both the Australian and American bluegrass scenes, earning recognition for her graceful and wise approach to the genre. Known as the "Queen of Bluegrass," she initially made her mark in Australia’s country music scene and later gained prominence in the U.S. with her Billboard-topping releases. Her latest album, Let it Burn, is a bold and genre-expanding project, blending traditional bluegrass with elements of evangelical gospel, all delivered with a fiery passion that sets it apart from her previous works. This album has once again secured her a #1 spot on the Billboard Bluegrass chart.

Cox’s collaboration with the renowned Jerry Salley continues to shine, creating a timeless fusion of lyrics and instrumentation that pays tribute to bluegrass traditions while pushing the boundaries of the genre. With six "Bluegrass Recording of the Year" awards from Australia's CMA Golden Guitar Awards, including her 2023 win for the track Good Morning Moon, she remains a highly respected and influential artist.

In addition to her success in Australia, Kristy has been shortlisted in the International Bluegrass Music Awards (IBMA) for six consecutive years for Emerging Artist of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year. She was also a finalist for Vocalist of the Year in the 2019 IBMA Momentum Awards. More recently, she received nominations in the 2024 SPBGMA Bluegrass Music Awards for Female Artist of the Year and in the 2025 SPBGMA Awards for Album of the Year for Let it Burn.

Country Standard Time aptly captures her impact, noting, "Kristy shows risk-taking as an artist that comes with the confidence and experience to not only meet but exceed expectations of what a contemporary bluegrass singer can do."

Career Highlights

- Country Music Association Australia (CMA - Golden Guitar Awards) Best Bluegrass Recording (2023) for ‘Good Morning Moon’ - WON

- 2023 Australian Country Music Hands of Fame Inductee

- ‘Let it Burn’ debuted at. #1 on the Billboard Bluegrass Album Chart

- ‘Shades of Blue’ debuted at #2 on the Billboard Bluegrass Album Chart

- ‘Ricochet’ debuted at #1 on the Billboard Bluegrass Album Chart 

- Country Music Association Australia (CMA - Golden Guitar Awards) Best Bluegrass Recording (2015) for ‘One Heartbreak Away’ - WON

- Country Music Association Australia (CMA - Golden Guitar Awards) Best Bluegrass Recording (2017) for ‘Another Weary Mile’  - WON

- Country Music Association Australia (CMA - Golden Guitar Awards) Best Bluegrass Recording (2019) for ‘Ricochet’  - WON

- Country Music Association Australia (CMA - Golden Guitar Awards) Best Bluegrass Recording (2020) for ‘Yesterday’s Heartache’  - WON

- Country Music Association Australia (CMA - Golden Guitar Awards) Best Bluegrass Recording (2021) for ‘Finger Picking Good’  - WON

Kristy Cox and Grasstime

Kristy Cox and her band Grasstime bring an exciting blend of high-energy, hard-driving bluegrass music and tight, soulful harmonies. The group’s combination of top-tier musicianship and traditional bluegrass influences creates performances that are both powerful and fun. Kristy Cox, with her standout vocals and guitar work, leads this ensemble, supported by an all-star cast of instrumentalists. Robbie Morris provides guitar and vocal support, while Cody Tinnin's upright bass and Allan Sanders' banjo add rich textures. Jason Bailey's mandolin and Ellie Hakanson's fiddle and vocals complete the group's unique sound, delivering dynamic and colorful bluegrass music.

With her Australian roots and growing recognition in the U.S., Kristy Cox continues to elevate her songwriting and performance style, fueled by her collaboration with Grasstime. Together, they bring vibrant bluegrass performances that connect tradition with Cox’s evolving songwriting. This new chapter in her career signals a bright future, blending deep musicianship with passionate delivery.

Members of the band are:

Kristy Cox: Vocals & Guitar

Robbie Morris: Guitar & Vocals

Allan Sanders: Banjo

Cody Tinnin: Upright Bass

Jason Bailey: Mandolin

Ellie Hakanson: Fiddle & Vocals

Kristy Cox and Grasstime perform ‘Somethings Don’t Go Together’ Live at the World Famous Station Inn

Front Porch of Paradise - Official Music Video

Song: Front Porch of Paradise

Artist: Kristy Cox

Songwriters: Marcy Each, Jerry Salley, Susan Anderegg

Album: Let It Burn

Front Porch of Paradise - Live from The Station Inn

Good Morning Moon

Official Music Video for Kristy’s new single Good Morning Moon featuring her live band Grasstime.

Song - "Good Morning Moon" Songwriters - Laura Leigh Jones and Jerry Salley Album - 'Shades of Blue' Artist - Kristy Cox Label - Billy Blue Records

 

Person of the Year

Official Music video for the debut single ‘Person of the Year’ from Kristy’s forthcoming album ‘Shades of Blue,’ pays tribute to our hard working front line workers at this hard time.

Kristy Cox and Tommy Emmanuel perform ‘Finger Picking Good’ for 2021 CMAA Awards in Australia.

 

Kristy Cox, Category: Artist, Albums: No Headlights, Ricochet, Part of Me, Living For The Moment, Miles & Timezones, Singles: No Headlights, Train, Yesterday's Heartache, 2017 Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA): Mitchell Intermediate School Chorale [Live], I Still Pray, Top Tracks: No Headlights, Yesterday's Heartache, Another Weary Mile, South to North Carolina, Finger Picking Good, Biography: Kristy Cox is Australia's Queen of Bluegrass.

 

Kristy Cox Performance at Golden Guitar Awards 2019

Recent News

 

Contact

BOOKING/ENQUIRES
info@kristycox.com

MANAGEMENT
Norval McClean
kristycoxmanagement@hotmail.com

RECORD LABEL
Jerry Salley
jerry@billybluerecords.com