Award-winning bluegrass artist Dale Ann Bradley has opened up about her latest single 'Mary's Rock,' which has garnered positive reviews since its release a month ago. The track, a historical story song from South Appalachia, will feature on her forthcoming studio album due out via Pinecastle Records in early 2026. Despite not receiving a 2025 IBMA nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year, Bradley remains enthusiastic about the genre's growth.
Dale Ann Bradley, a six-time IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year winner, recently shared details on her new single 'Mary's Rock' during an interview. The song narrates the tale of a young woman ensnared by scheming men, drawing from what Bradley believes is a true South Appalachian story. 'A song pitcher had sent this song to me,' she explained. 'I was just knocked out by the story, and I wanted to do it because it is definitely historical... I felt it just needed to be told because it was so well-written.'
Bradley noted the single's warm reception: 'It has been out for a month now and it has been getting great reviews. I hope it will continue to do well!' Despite challenges like illnesses during production, the album is nearing completion. 'We are putting the finishing touches on my new album... The new album will be released via Pinecastle Records in early 2026,' she said, confirming 'Mary's Rock' will appear on it.
Reflecting on the 2025 IBMA Awards, Bradley was not nominated for Female Vocalist, a category where she has been a fixture for over 20 years. Yet, she celebrated emerging talent: 'These days, there are so many wonderful new ladies coming up... I am so proud of them all, and we need all the new artists that are doing bluegrass music and putting their own twist to it.' She emphasized bluegrass's vitality: 'I just love bluegrass music. It is wonderful and it’s the purest form of music that we have.'
Looking ahead, Bradley plans to release the album in the first quarter of 2026 while producing workshops and other projects. She recalled past collaborations with Russell Moore, a six-time IBMA Male Vocalist winner, including a duet on 'East Kentucky Morning' from her debut Pinecastle album. 'Russell is an incredible singer, and I’m very proud and glad that the opportunity came his way to tour with Alison Krauss & Union Station,' she said.
For 2026, her resolution is straightforward: 'To just keep moving forward! That is about all that we can do!' Defining success, Bradley stated, 'Success means that you are happy, and that you have people that love you, and that you love people in return; that’s success!' To fans, she hoped: 'I hope that they like the new music... and I hope that they find something that they relate to and enjoy.'
