Draft:Tray Wellington
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Tray Wellington | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Genres | Bluegrass, Folk, Jazz, Roots |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, composer |
| Instrument | Banjo |
| Years active | 2018–present |
| Labels | Mountain Home Music Company |
| Website | traywellington |
Tray Wellington is an American banjo player, composer, and recording artist known for his genre-defying approach to roots music, blending elements of bluegrass, folk, jazz, and contemporary styles. He is the recipient of the Steve Martin Banjo Prize (2024) and the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year Award (2019), and has been nominated twice for IBMA New Artist of the Year.[1][2]
Early life and education
[edit]Wellington grew up in Ashe County, North Carolina, where he was exposed to bluegrass and folk traditions from an early age.[3] He began playing the banjo as a teenager and later studied in the Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country Music Studies program at East Tennessee State University.[4]
Career
[edit]Wellington first gained attention as a member of the bluegrass group Cane Mill Road before launching his solo career.[5] In 2019, he received the IBMA Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year award, and in 2024, he was named a recipient of the Steve Martin Banjo Prize.[1][2]
Wellington has performed at major festivals including the Newport Folk Festival, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, and Bourbon & Beyond Festival.[6] He also performed on Saturday Night Live with the band Mumford & Sons.[7]
Tray Wellington Band
[edit]Wellington leads the Tray Wellington Band, a contemporary roots ensemble that performs his original compositions. Their music blends banjo-led improvisation with influences from jazz, bluegrass, hip hop and americana.[8]
New Dangerfield
[edit]He is also the founder of the Black String Band New Dangerfield, featuring Jake Blount, Kaia Kater, and Nelson Williams, which explores the Black roots of string band traditions.[9]
Discography
[edit]- Black Banjo (debut) – Introduced his innovative approach to the banjo.[10]
- Detour to the Moon (2024) – Noted for its cinematic and genre-blurring compositions.[11]
- Spatial Awareness – Expanded his sound through layered instrumentation.[12]
- Heart on the Table (upcoming) – A deeply personal and experimental project co-produced by John Mailander.[13]
Critical reception
[edit]Wellington’s recordings and performances have been covered by major outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Billboard, and NPR, which have highlighted his innovative approach to the banjo and his influence in contemporary roots music.[14][15]
Awards and honors
[edit]- 2024 – Steve Martin Banjo Prize
- 2019 – International Bluegrass Music Association Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year
- Two-time nominee – IBMA New Artist of the Year
External links
[edit]
Category:American banjoists Category:Bluegrass musicians Category:Living people Category:American folk musicians Category:People from Ashe County, North Carolina Category:East Tennessee State University alumni
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Tray Wellington - IBMA Award Recipients". ibma.org. Retrieved 27 October 2025.
- ^ a b "Meet This Year's Steve Martin Banjo Prize Winners". The Bluegrass Situation. 2024. Retrieved 27 October 2025.
- ^ "Tray Wellington". California Bluegrass Association. Retrieved 27 October 2025.
- ^ "Tray Wellington Band at Strathmore". Strathmore. Retrieved 27 October 2025.
- ^ "Tray Wellington - CBA VIP". California Bluegrass Association. Retrieved 27 October 2025.
- ^ "Tray Wellington - Official Bio". Tray Wellington Official Site. Retrieved 27 October 2025.
- ^ "Tray Wellington Official Biography". traywellington.com. Retrieved 27 October 2025.
- ^ "Tray Wellington Band". Tray Wellington Official Site. Retrieved 27 October 2025.
- ^ "Tray Wellington - About". traywellington.com. Retrieved 27 October 2025.
- ^ "Tray Wellington: Black Banjo". Tray Wellington Official Site. Retrieved 27 October 2025.
- ^ "Tray Wellington: Detour to the Moon". Tray Wellington Official Site. Retrieved 27 October 2025.
- ^ "Tray Wellington: Spatial Awareness". Tray Wellington Official Site. Retrieved 27 October 2025.
- ^ "Tray Wellington: Heart on the Table". Tray Wellington Official Site. Retrieved 27 October 2025.
- ^ "Banjo Innovators Redefining Roots Music". The New York Times. Retrieved 27 October 2025.
- ^ "Tray Wellington and the Modern Banjo". NPR. Retrieved 27 October 2025.