Paul Brewster
Best known for
Guitar
Lead Vocals
Harmony Vocals
Paul Brewster is one of the most distinctive tenor singers in modern bluegrass, best known for his 25 years as harmony vocalist and rhythm guitarist with Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder from 1995 until his retirement in 2020. Before that long run he was a founding member of East Tennessee’s Knoxville Grass in the mid-1970s and spent approximately a decade with the Osborne Brothers. A Governor’s Arts Award recipient in 2025, Brewster’s career has also included mentoring the next generation of bluegrass players, most notably young mandolin prodigy Wyatt Ellis.
- Born Paul Anthony Brewster on February 6, 1956 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Son of country musician Willie G. Brewster, who with his brother Ray formed one of the first brother duets in hillbilly music, performing on the Cas Walker Show and the Midday Merry-Go-Round. After Ray’s early death, Willie put down music for a few years, then returned when his younger brother Bud began picking bluegrass banjo, forming the Brewster Brothers.
- Learned guitar and harmony by listening to his father and uncle sing and play, and by wearing out Flatt & Scruggs records. Fell asleep as a kid to Carl Story, Buck Owens, George Jones, and Merle Haggard coming out of speakers in the Brewster home.
- Began his bluegrass career with the Dixie Rebels in 1975. In 1976 became a founding member of the Knoxville Grass alongside Jimmy Millsapps (banjo), Glenn Laney (guitar/banjo), Darryl Wolfe (mandolin), and Lynn Norman (bass) — one of the first bluegrass bands to incorporate electric bass. Recorded three albums with the group featuring local hits including “Darby’s Castle” and “Snow Covered Meadow.”
- Also played briefly with the Pinnacle Boys, making his first Grand Ole Opry appearance with them at Roy Acuff’s invitation.
- At age 23 (1979), joined the Osborne Brothers as harmony singer and guitarist. Stayed with Bobby and Sonny for roughly a decade, touring the U.S. and Europe (11–12 German cities his first year) and reinforcing the trademark Osborne Brothers harmony on “Rocky Top” and countless other performances.
- Stepped away from music after the death of his close friend Keith Whitley in 1989. Moved to Florida and worked as a golf professional for a year and a half, singing regularly in church.
- Returned to Knoxville in 1992, joined the Dollywood bluegrass band True Blue, and formed his own band Heartland.
- In 1995, Ricky Skaggs invited him to join Kentucky Thunder after Brewster’s brother David passed Skaggs a cassette of Paul’s tenor singing backstage at the Opry. Brewster’s first gig with Skaggs was at the Grand Ole Opry the same week as the Oklahoma City bombing.
- Spent 25 years with Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder (1995–2020) as tenor vocalist and rhythm guitarist, contributing to multiple Grammy- and IBMA-winning bluegrass albums. Co-wrote “Waiting at the Gate” with Skaggs. Retired from the road during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Released his solo album Everybody’s Talkin’ on Skaggs’ Ceili Music label — co-produced by Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder bassist Mark Fain — featuring Brewster originals alongside songs by Fred Neil, Don Williams, and Kris Kristofferson, and guest vocals by Lee Ann Womack.
- On May 27, 2022, returned to the stage for the first time since the pandemic when Skaggs invited him up at Knoxville’s Bijou Theatre, honoring him with a plaque for his 25 years of service to Kentucky Thunder.
- Currently based in Knoxville. Mentors young mandolin prodigy Wyatt Ellis of Maryville, TN via weekly online lessons through a Tennessee Folklife apprenticeship, and continues to do studio work, vocal coaching, and overdubs from home. Living with multiple sclerosis. Received the 2025 Tennessee Governor’s Arts Award.
-
Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky ThunderPlayed on recordings with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder
-
The Osborne BrothersPlayed on recordings with The Osborne Brothers
-
Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson and Ricky SkaggsPlayed on recordings with Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson and Ricky Skaggs
-
Paul BrewsterPlayed on recordings with Paul Brewster
-
Chris Jones and the Night DriversPlayed on recording with Chris Jones and the Night Drivers
-
Doyle Lawson and QuicksilverPlayed on recording with Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver
-
Jerry Garcia, David Grisman and Tony RicePlayed on recording with Jerry Garcia, David Grisman and Tony Rice
-
Jim MillsPlayed on recording with Jim Mills
-
Rhonda VincentPlayed on recording with Rhonda Vincent