Del McCoury "By Request" (McCoury Music)

As a complement to his 5-CD career-spanning collection, Celebrating 50 years of Del McCoury, McCoury Music is releasing a separate album, By Request, which features songs that have become audience favorites throughout McCoury’s half century of performing for bluegrass audiences.

The album spans traditional bluegrass to off-the-wall songs that McCoury has turned into monster hits on the bluegrass charts throughout the decades.

“The Bluest Man In Town,”"High On The Mountain,” and “A Good Man Like Me” will transport listeners back to the roots that spawned bluegrass and McCoury’s days as a Bluegrass Boy, serving as Bill Monroe’s sideman and apprentice.

Those with a taste for Sixties rock will hone in on Del’s cover of the Lovin’ Spoonful’s “Nashville Cats.” Grateful Dead fans, particularly those curious about the band’s roots, will hear who inspired Jerry Garcia and the group to cover “Rain and Snow.”

Of more recent vintage, there’s a version of Richard Thompson’s “1952 Vincent Black Lightning,” which transforms the Americana legend’s tune into a backwoods jam.

“Here’s a guy who has been playing for 50 years, and he’s still experimenting, still looking to do things outside the box, to bring other kinds of music into bluegrass form,” Thompson recently said. “I think that’s the best bluegrass band, period. That’s it.”

“Cold Hard Facts,” a collaboration between Ronnie McCoury and Jeff White, honors tradition while looking forward to the future. “Black Jack County Chains” and “All Aboard” also succeed in making traditional subject matter new and interesting.

McCoury Music is offering By Request and Celebrating 50 Years of Del McCoury in a package or as separate purchases. By Request is available for $12, while the box set packages range from $50 to $80.

A complete track listing and details on special offers are available at www.mccourymusic.com.