JT GRAY,
1946-2021

Earl “JT” Gray, owner of the Nashville bluegrass club The Station Inn, who was seen on the Grammy Awards a week ago, died Saturday of pre-existing medical conditions. He was 75.

The Station Inn posted a statement on its Facebook page that reads: "JT was known for his work in the bluegrass music community as a bluegrass musician and club owner, thoughtfully raising the Station Inn as a home for musicians and fans everywhere... JT’s contributions to bluegrass music cannot be overstated."

Gray took over the Station Inn in 1981, six years after a group of bluegrass musicians founded the club. It has been in its current location since 1978.

Under his stewardship, the Music City mainstay was a base for Alison Krauss, Vince Gill, the Old Crow Medicine Show, Chris Stapleton and Dierks Bentley before they become stars.

Station Inn regulars included Ricky Skaggs, The Time Jumpers, The SteelDrivers, Sturgill Simpson, Molly Tuttle and Billy Strings.

A segment on the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, which aired 3/14, paid tribute to the club and Gray announced the Best Country Album winner, Miranda Lambert.

He was inducted into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame in 2020.

Heartbroken to hear of the passing of JT Gray. We share the sorrow everyone in the Nashville music community is feeling. The Station Inn is a landmark in Nashville & JT was the heart and soul of that place. When JT spoke, you listened. He was most definitely one of a kind. https://t.co/cnxAJNLihf

— The Bluebird Cafe (@BluebirdCafeTN) March 22, 2021

https://t.co/NyoNLm8A8k
The Station Inn isn't a music venue, it is the Bluegrass venue of the world.
Small footprint of a building in Music City but the huge heart of bluegrass musicians and fans.
Owner Earl JT Gray passed away.
Great sadness in the music world.

— Steve Martin (@UnrealBluegrass) March 21, 2021

I'm deeply saddened to hear that one of my heroes, JT Gray has passed away. I am forever greatful for all of the wisdom, kindness, music and memories he shared with me over the years. #bluegrass https://t.co/jzhW1SARfE

— connorfiddle (@connorfiddle) March 21, 2021

The Station Inn was our most welcoming stage in Nashville - Godspeed to J.T. Gray for letting us take that stage, taking care of us, and steering that ship all these years. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/f5XnM2DRcF

— Chatham County Line (@chathamcoline) March 22, 2021