JULY 23

Alison Krauss

Born July 23, 1971 in Champaign, Illinois
Bluegrass singer and fiddle player

Allison Krauss

Krauss received acclaim for her musical talents from a young age, and by the time she was 14, she had signed with Rounder Records. She released her first solo album, Too Late to Cry, at age 16, after which she joined the band Union Station.

In 1995, Alison Krauss & Union Station released Now That I've Found You, which became the top-selling bluegrass album in recording history, achieving double platinum status. Her next solo project, 1999's Forget About It, was certified gold. She continued to alternate between Union Station and solo projects throughout her career.

Early on, Krauss added producing and arranging to her repertoire, making her one of the most sought-after studio artists in the country music business. She has collaborated with such high-profile artists as Vince Gill, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers.

Krauss joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1993 at the age of 21. Throughout her career, she has won 20 Grammy Awards, more than any other female artist. She has also made recordings for several movie soundtracks. The Gaelic-flavored "You Will Be My Ain True Love," written and composed for Cold Mountain by Sting, received an Oscar nomination.