Uncle Earl
American old-time music group with rotating all-female lineup.
Uncle Earl is an American old-time music group, an all-women ensemble that began in 2000 when songwriters KC Groves and Jo Serrapere put together a temporary lineup to promote a CD of traditional material. After a few successful shows, the group decided to stay together. The band’s name was chosen partly as a joke for an all-women group, but also nods to influential figures like Earl Scruggs, Steve Earle, and Uncle Tupelo; the members call themselves “the g'Earls,” and their fans are known as “g'Earlfriends.”
The lineup shifted frequently in the early years, with musicians including Tahmineh Gueramy, Amanda Kowalski, Casey Henry, and Sally Truitt passing through. Serrapere left in 2003, and by the end of that year a stable core of four women—Groves, Kristin Andreassen, Abigail Washburn, and Rayna Gellert—was in place, all sharing vocal duties. The band has never had a permanent bass player; a rotating cast of bassists has included Amanda Kowalski, Sharon Gilchrist, Eric Thorin, and many others.
Uncle Earl released their first album, *She Went Upstairs*, in 2002. Two EPs followed in 2004: *Going to the Western Slope* and *Raise a Ruckus*. After signing with Rounder Records, they put out *She Waits for Night* in 2005 and *Waterloo, Tennessee* in 2007. The latter was produced by John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin. In late 2009, the band canceled a tour due to scheduling conflicts.
In 2010, Washburn and Gellert left amicably to pursue other projects. The current lineup includes Groves, Andreassen, Stephanie Coleman on fiddle, Paula Bradley on banjo and banjo ukulele, and Rachel Eddy on banjo, fiddle, and bass. The group toured in 2010 and continues to perform periodically.
- formed
- 2000 (disputed: 1999 per some sources)
- origin
- United States
- genre
- Old-time music
- notable_members
- KC Groves, Kristin Andreassen, Abigail Washburn, Rayna Gellert
- albums
- 3 studio albums, 2 EPs
- label
- Rounder Records
Lore & Background
Uncle Earl was founded in 2000 by songwriters and multi-instrumentalists KC Groves and Jo Serrapere, though some sources list 1999. The founders initially had no interest in starting a band; they wanted to promote a CD of traditional material and assembled a temporary lineup for a few shows. After positive reception, the group decided to continue. The band's name was chosen as a humorous contrast to an all-women's group, referencing Earl Scruggs, Steve Earle, and Uncle Tupelo. Members refer to themselves as 'the g'Earls,' and fans are called 'g'Earlfriends.'
Reader's Guide
Uncle Earl's significance lies in their role as a prominent all-female ensemble in the old-time music scene, a genre historically dominated by men. Their rotating lineup, particularly the revolving bass players, reflects a collaborative and flexible approach. The band's association with John Paul Jones, who produced Waterloo, Tennessee, brought them wider attention. Their discography, including albums on Rounder Records, helped sustain interest in traditional American folk music. Despite lineup changes and periods of inactivity, Uncle Earl periodically performs, maintaining a legacy as a group that celebrated both tradition and female musicianship.
Did You Know?
- The band's name was chosen partly as a joke for an all-women's group, referencing Earl Scruggs, Steve Earle, and Uncle Tupelo.
- Founding member Jo Serrapere left in 2003 and later played with the Willie Dunns.
- Their album Waterloo, Tennessee was produced by John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin.
- The band has had a mostly rotating lineup of bass players, including Amanda Kowalski, Sharon Gilchrist, and Dan Rose.
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