2024 US New Bluegrass First Class Forever Postage Stamp

Born in the mid-20th century, bluegrass defies time, drawing inspiration from the past while also openly embracing innovation. At once rural and urban, emotional and highly technical, this singular American music style remains unconstrained by geography, attracting fans worldwide who all share the same passion for what they affectionately call the ?¡ãhigh lonesome sound.?¡À

Inspired by vintage bluegrass concert posters, the stamp art features four acoustic string instruments typical of bluegrass bands: guitar, five-string banjo, fiddle, and mandolin. Text at the top of the stamp reads ?¡ãHigh Lonesome Sound,?¡À the title of a 1963 documentary about Appalachian folk music and a familiar nickname for bluegrass.

The five-string banjo dominates the sound of bluegrass and, along with guitar, mandolin, and bass, sets the rhythmic foundation of this often fast-paced music. Fiddle, mandolin, banjo, and guitar evoke a range of melodic flavors and emotions in their solos and backup. Instrumental dexterity, combined with tight vocal harmonies and heartfelt, sometimes mournful lyrics, creates an electrifying and emotional experience for both performers and listeners.

Art director Antonio Alcal¡§¡é worked with designer and illustrator Heather Moulder to produce the stamp art.

• These stamps will always be equal in value to the current domestic one-ounce letter postage price.?
  
• These self-adhesive stamps are being issued in Sheet of 20.
• This product is sold in 5 sheets (total 100 pcs).

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