Redlands Bluegrass Convention

Barry and Holly Tashian are duet singers, songwriters and touring musicians. The Tashians have known each other since attending high school in Westport, CT. During the 1970’s they began performing together with their country band “The Outskirts”. They have continued to perform and record together for over thirty years, as a duo, a trio (with bass) or a foursome (with mandolin/fiddle).

Since 1989 they have recorded 6 albums together with producer Jim Rooney. In 1994 the National Association of Independent Record Distributors (NAIRD) awarded the Tashians’ album “Straw into Gold” Country Album of the Year. Their latest album, “Harmony” was nominated for Bluegrass Album of the Year by the Nashville Music Awards in 1998.

Barry Tashian first won national attention with his legendary rock group, Barry & The Remains, opening for The Beatles’ North American tour in 1966, and recording an album on Epic Records at age 19. His band appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show and Hullabaloo. He has recently written a book about touring with The Beatles titled Ticket to Ride: The Extraordinary Diary of The Beatles Last Tour, published by Dowling Press, Inc.

In the late ‘60s and early ‘70s Barry worked and recorded with country rock innovator Gram Parsons on Gram’s debut album “GP” for Warner Brothers. From 1980-1989, Barry was a member of Emmylou Harris’ Hot Band, appearing on countless television and radio shows as vocalist and guitarist. He recorded 10 albums with Emmylou Harris during this period. Barry has also recorded with Charlie Louvin, Nanci Griffith, Iris DeMent, Suzy Bogguss, and Delia Bell.

As songwriters, Barry and Holly have written songs for Kenny Rogers, Solomon Burke, Ty England, Daniel O’Donnell, The Nashville Bluegrass Band, Roland White, Kate Brislin and Jody Stecher, and many others. They offer song writing workshops, as well as harmony singing workshops wherever they perform.

The Tashians have performed at the Merle Watson Festival, Strawberry Music Festival, Swiss Alps Country Music Festival, Lincoln Center, Wintergrass, Bethlehem Musik Festival, and numerous European and Australian festivals. They have appeared on The Grand Ole Opry Live TV, American Music Shop, A Prairie Home Companion, World Café and E-Town Radio.

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