From there, Skaggs' story becomes almost mythic. At age six he played mandolin onstage with Bill Monroe after Monroe invited "Little Ricky" up mid‑show. Then at age seven he appeared with Flatt & Scruggs on television. Later, Ricky joined Ralph Stanley's Clinch Mountain Boys in 1971 alongside Keith Whitley. After a successful 1980s country career (12 #1 hits), Skaggs returned to bluegrass in the mid‑1990s. His Bluegrass Rules! (1997) became a landmark album, winning a Grammy while bringing traditional bluegrass back into the national spotlight. Those early encounters place Ricky inside the first generation of bluegrass, and with Kentucky Thunder - his powerhouse band - they continue to inspire up‑and‑coming pickers.

The pews were packed as the group took the stage. They opened with "Used to Be" a touching song by Bill Monroe that reflects upon lost love and nostalgia. Keeping with that theme they played "Lost And I'll Never Find The Way" by the Stanley Brothers thus paying tribute to some of the early trailblazers of the genre. Next, was the catchy and crisp "Vine Grove" followed by the compelling stories of second chances at the "Halfway Home Cafe".

As is the custom in bluegrass, band members took turns to solo and showoff their fine fingerpicking. At one point guitarist Mike Rogers handled lead vocals on "Up This Hill" then Troy Engle another multi-instrumentalist in the group presented his tune "Never Too Lost" while fiddler Billy Contreras stole the spotlight with "Stealin' Corn".

Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder conjured up a storm of approval in Music City.

After a short break, Ricky "rebelled" with a number of country songs such as "Heartbroke" a Guy Clark cover along the chart topping "I Wouldn't Change You If I Could" and "Highway 40 Blues" flowing into the rousing "Rockland Road".

As with any Ricky Skaggs concert, his easy, mischievous sense of humor was never far from the surface for those listening closely. Throughout the evening he dropped several lighthearted moments - from stories about his recent run of shows with Dierks Bentley to a well‑timed redneck joke. He even teased an upcoming date in Montana where the promoter requested "all country music", with Ricky noting they'd already paid half the fee, so he might just slip in some bluegrass anyway.

Skaggs joked that they were "picking up a storm" just as the weather outside the Mother Church of Country Music began turning ominous. Then he shifted gears, getting a touch more serious as he reflected on how strong the summer had been - with an equally promising fall and winter ahead. He confirmed that his annual Christmas shows will return to the area in December, telling fans to keep an eye out for those dates. It's clear that things are rolling smoothly for Team Skaggs these days.

Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder earned a standing ovation at the Mother Church.

Introducing a new song, Skaggs explained that it was originally recorded during his 2010 full‑length album Mosaic, created with fellow musician Gordon Kennedy. That record was a melodic, modern collection of spiritual songs blending country, gospel, and rock - with more than a few Beatles comparisons at the time. Ricky noted that one track he loved didn't make the final cut back then, so in 2026 he decided to release it as a standalone single, especially since its message feels more needed now than ever. The poignant "Say a Prayer", paired with "Shepherd's Voice" from Mosaic, closed the evening on a deeply faithful note.

Within a few moments Ricky was back. He reminded folks that the Ryman Auditorium was originally a revival house so it was the perfect place for Skaggs and the audience to sing "Amazing Grace". The final tune of the night was an instrumental. Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder presented bluegrass, country and gospel like only they can and they are still one of our favorites of this series.

At the Ryman Auditorium where musical magic happens often just off of Broadway in Nashville.

Related Links: For more information on RICKY SKAGGS and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Ricky Skaggs | Ricky Skaggs Expertly Blends Bluegrass and Country Music at Career-Spanning Show in Nashville | Ricky Skaggs: A Festive Night of Faith and Family at The Fisher Center in Nashville | Ricky Skaggs Is a Towering Musical Presence in Music City | Ryman Auditorium