The news (here and here) this morning out of Georgia is that the First Family of Bluegrass has decided to call it quits.

The Lewis Family has been playing Bluegrass and Gospel music for over half a century, but with family members aging and some experiencing failing health, the group has decided their final show will be on September 5, 2009.

It’s not an easy decision to make, but retirement does have some benefits according to Janis Lewis Phillips.

"I’m going to get the kitchen fixed," Phillips said. "We’re getting all new appliances."

The old Lewis Family home place is currently being restored and converted into a museum. I’m sure the family members won’t entirely disappear from the scene, but I’m sure they will be missed by fans around the country at festivals next year.

Jeff & Shari Easter, the Lewis Family and the Easter Brothers were the proud winners of both Dove Awards in the bluegrass category at a ceremony at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, on Thursday evening (4/23).

They took the honors with They’re Holding Up The Ladder (in the bluegrass recorded song category) and We Are Family (in the bluegrass album category). Both are available on the Daywind label.

The Dove Awards are presented by the Gospel Music Association. Look for a full list of winners on their web site.

James Roy “Pop” Lewis passed away in 2004. The founder of bluegrass gospel group The Lewis Family, was 98 at the time. He is now being honored in his home town, as the road his family lived on has been renamed as a memorial to his legacy.

Last Monday, a section of State Route 378 in Lincoln County, GA was renamed The James Roy “Pop” Lewis Memorial Highway. It was Pop’s 103rd birthday.

Little Roy Lewis has told reporters that the Lewis family house in Lincolnton, GA will be converted into a museum, which should be opened to the public sometime next year.

The Gospel Music Association has announced the nominees for the 2008 Dove Awards, and their bluegrass categories are chock full of familiar names.

The awards will be announced at the 39th Annual Dove Awards on April 23 in Nashville, TN.

The Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year nominees are:

• He’s In Control from Austins Bridge by Austins Bridge; Justin Rivers, Mike Kofahl, John Ramsey (writers); Daywind Records
• I Will Find You Again from Lifetimes by Little Roy Lewis, Earl Scruggs, Lizzy Long; Wayne Haun, Joel Lindsey, Cindi Ballard (writers); Vine Records
• Love Will Be Enough from Salt of the Earth by Ricky Skaggs & The Whites; Janis Ian, Paul Overstreet (writers); Skaggs Family Records
• Salt of the Earth from Salt of the Earth by Ricky Skaggs & The Whites; Jim Rushing, Ronald Scaife (writers); Skaggs Family Records
• The Key To Heaven from Flyin’ High by The Lewis Family; Caleb Collins, Lyn Rowell (writers); Vine Records

In the Bluegrass Album of the Year category, we have:

• God’s Masterpiece – The Marksmen; Mark Wheeler (producer); Rural Rhythm Records
• Lifetimes – Little Roy Lewis, Earl Scruggs, Lizzy Long; Wayne Haun, Kevin Ward (producer); Vine Records
• Salt Of The Earth - Ricky Skaggs & The Whites; Ricky Skaggs & The Whites (producer); Skaggs Family Records
• Tell Someone - Kenny & Amanda Smith Band; Kenny & Amanda Smith Band (producer); Rebel Records
• Where No One Stands Alone – Paul Williams & The Victory Trio; Paul Williams (producer); Rebel Records

Congratulations and best of luck to them all!