It’s a long way from Switzerland to North Carolina, but brothers Jens and Uwe Kruger, made the long trip and thrived in the world of country, bluegrass, and folk music. The two grew up in a family where music was an important part of life and they were exposed to many musical influences, including American folk music. In Europe, they performed regularly by the time they were 11 and 12, busking the streets with songs influenced by heroes like Doc Watson, Flatt and Scruggs, and Bill Monroe.
The brothers received a recording contract from CBS Records while still in their teens, and in 1982, Jens was a featured guest artist of Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys at the Grand Ole Opry. He is arguably the first European banjo player to perform on that hallowed stage. The brothers eventually teamed with bass player Joel Landsberg, a New York City native, and the group has been performing as a trio since 1995. They came to the United States and settled in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.
Since their formal introduction to American audiences in 1997, The Kruger Brothers have won praise for remarkable discipline, creativity, and the ability to infuse classical music into folk music. The result is a nuanced sound that has made them a fixture in the world of acoustic music, and they have shared stages with Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs, Ricky Scruggs, and Willie Nelson, musicians who once served as models. The Kruger Brothers are also well-known for performing commissioned works with symphony and chamber orchestras and string quartets in collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts and Chamber Music America.
The trio has won accolades for their music from many sources. In 2011, Jens was inducted into the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame. Two years later, he was awarded the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo & Bluegrass, and the group, with Uwe on guitar and lead vocals and Landsberg on bass and vocals, performed with Steve Martin on Late Night with David Letterman. Jens is also a 2021 inductee into the American Banjo Hall of Fame and the Kruger Brothers were inducted into the Wilkes County Hall of Fame.
Today, The Kruger Brothers are known for innovation and exploration and their original music is unpretentious, cultivated and fresh. They have always felt a deep emotional responsibility towards their audience and always strive to inspire hearts through that music. They tour extensively and have recorded and released more than 22 albums, winning acclaim from audiences and their peers.
The late legendary guitarist Doc Watson, called them “just about as fine a band as I’ve ever played with” and said that he loved making music with them.
Whether you’re a longtime fan, or new to their music, there is always something new to discover with The Kruger Brothers. Come enjoy the music and feel the stories. They made the journey from Switzerland to North Carolina and now they’re on a different journey.
Come travel with them.
