NASHVILLE, TN (OCT. 4TH, 2023) – Authentic Unlimited (AU) was awarded coveted Vocal Group of the Year and New Artist of the Year recognition at the 34th annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards held on September 28th at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh, NC. The recently-formed bluegrass group has catapulted to great success earning them admiration from peers and fans alike. As the group sets their sights on future endeavors, the vocal talent and musical abilities paired with hard work will continue to capture the hearts of bluegrass music listeners. Band member Jesse Brock was also recognized at the ceremony for his nomination for Mandolin Player of the Year.
Jerry Cole, member of Authentic Unlimited stated, “It is such an honor to be recognized by the IBMA and its members for doing what we love to do! I am forever grateful to our team at Billy Blue Records, our many fans, and those who have supported Authentic Unlimited!”
Ed Leonard, president of Billy Blue Records, expressed his congratulations by stating,“We could not be prouder of Authentic Unlimited. We are humbled by the appreciation the bluegrass community has shown them. These guys make great music together and work so hard. It is wonderful to see them receive accolades like this.”
About Authentic Unlimited:
Stephen Burwell
Stephen is the son of Edwin and Cheryl Burwell of Lake Jackson, Texas. At age 4, the family moved to Washington. He learned to play fiddle when he was 8. In 2014, he moved to North Carolina, where he auditioned for Doyle Lawson only a few days after the move. He was made part of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver on October 1, 2014. He describes Lawson as "the best boss ever" and contributes much of his dedication to the craft to the years spent in Quicksilver. Stephen is also a recording engineer and has a studio located at his home. Stephen is a newlywed, married to his wife Haley in September, 2021.
Jerry Cole
Jerry was born in 1974, and raised in Sharps Chapel, Tennessee. He has been around music his entire life. He is the son of Jerry Lee and Nancy Cole. He has two older siblings and two younger. At the age of 6, his father taught him to play guitar. Jerry Lee sang with The Betterway Quartet for nearly 30 years. During Jerry Lee's practice sessions at home, young Jerry learned to sing lead and harmony. Jerry began touring with Cody Shuler and Pine Mountain Railroad, recording two albums with the band. He later joined Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out where he stayed for 3 years. In December 2018, Jerry joined Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver where he stayed until Lawson's retirement in December, 2021.
Eli Johnston
Eli was born near Branson, Missouri, to parents David and Alycia Johnston. He was raised in southeastern Kansas after his father had taken a job at the hospital there as a surgical nurse. He has two younger brothers, one a musician and the other a police officer. Eli's grandfather, Joe Riker, bought Eli his first guitar when he was 11. Seeing that his son had a love of music, David would drive Eli all over the country, attending festivals. Eli joined his first band, Nothin' Fancy, while he was in high school. Later, he became a member of Pine Mountain Railroad. In 2013, Eli joined Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver. During his time there, two of Eli's songs were recorded by the band. Eli is married to wife Keasley, and they have two children, 3 year old Huxley and a newborn named Boone.
Jesse Brock
Jesse is the son of C.W. and Starre Brock who hails from Kentucky. He grew up in a musically inclined family and began singing at the age of 7. At 8, he learned to play the fiddle but soon decided that he was better suited for the mandolin. His first experience as a band member was with his family. Since then, he has performed with some of the top acts in the industry. His efforts were recognized in 2009, and again in 2015, as he was awarded IBMA Mandolin Player of The Year. Jesse is married to wife Kristine.
John Meador
Meet John Meador who is from East Tennessee. John is the son of Marty Meador and Jenice Harper. He plays guitar and is one of the lead and harmony vocalists. John says he began singing before he was walking. His father began teaching him to play the guitar when he was 12 years old. John joined his first band (Kentucky Just Us) at the age of 14, along with his younger brother. When he was 16, he was offered a scholarship in music that he completed while he was still in high school. John is married to wife Grace and they have a daughter, Bethany.
About Billy Blue Records
Billy Blue Records is a boutique bluegrass label and home to an award-winning roster of artists including Adam McIntosh, Alan Bibey & Grasstowne, Appalachian Road Show, Authentic Unlimited, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Dave Adkins, Donna Ulisse, Jason Barie, Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers, Kristy Cox & Grasstime, Marty Raybon & Full Circle, The Tennessee Bluegrass Band, Carson Peters & Iron Mountain, and critically-acclaimed concept recordings like the Grammy-nominated “Gonna Sing Gonna Shout” and 2021’s star-studded “Country Faith Bluegrass.” Founded in 2018 by Jerry Salley, Ed Leonard, and Dottie Leonard Miller, Billy Blue is distributed to retail by the Orchard (Sony) and New Day Distribution.