AJ Lee: Pioneering Diversity as an Asian American Woman in Bluegrass Music
AJ Lee and her band, Blue Summit, have been highlighted as No Depression’s featured band for July 2024. Dive into our exclusive interview to discover more about their latest album, “City of Glass,” and enjoy a captivating performance of their track “Hillside,” filmed atop a mountain near the Telluride Bluegrass Festival.
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The journey of AJ Lee in the bluegrass music scene is a compelling tale of diversity, resilience, and cultural integration. Born and raised in Tracy, California, AJ grew up surrounded by nature and animals on a spacious property. Her unique cultural background combines her mother’s Kentucky roots with her father’s heritage from Burma, now Myanmar, reflecting a blend of Eastern and Western influences. Her father’s family fled Burma for the U.S. in 1971 to escape anti-Chinese persecution, establishing a new life through sheer determination and hard work.
AJ’s grandfather, born in Taishan, Guangdong, moved to Burma post-World War II and witnessed the rise of ethnic tensions that peaked during the 1967 anti-Chinese riots in Rangoon. This historical backdrop not only shaped her family’s legacy but also her identity as an Asian American in the U.S.
Bluegrass music, traditionally dominated by white male artists, is a genre deeply rooted in the cultural tapestry of the Appalachian region, blending Irish, Scottish, and English influences with African American blues and jazz. As an Asian American woman, AJ has navigated the complexities of breaking stereotypes within this community, challenging the preconceived notions about her understanding of bluegrass due to her heritage.
Despite occasional stereotyping and misconceptions from audiences and peers, AJ’s experiences have grown less frequent as she gains recognition in the professional bluegrass and Americana circuits. She often encounters fans who mistakenly attribute her performances to other Asian American women, highlighting a common issue of mistaken identity based on racial appearance.
However, AJ Lee remains a positive force, bringing a fresh perspective to the bluegrass genre. Her story and music contribute to the evolving narrative of bluegrass, promoting diversity and inclusivity alongside notable female bluegrass artists like Laurie Lewis, Kathy Kallick, Alison Krauss, Rhonda Vincent, Sierra Hull, and Molly Tuttle.
The presence of Asian American women like AJ in bluegrass not only enriches the genre but also paves the way for future generations of musicians from all backgrounds. With the growing acceptance of diverse artists like the Korean band Country Gongbang in the U.S., AJ is optimistic about the continued evolution of bluegrass music. Her journey and success are a beacon of inspiration for women across all ethnicities striving to make their mark in the music industry.
