Celebrating Bristol's heritage as the "Birthplace of Country Music" (a designation recognizing the early Jimmie Rogers and Carter Family recordings made there in the 1920s collectively known as the Bristol Sessions[1]), Rhythm & Roots has hosted musicians such as Ralph Stanley, Sam Bush, Doc Watson, The Avett Brothers, John Cowan, Langhorne Slim, and Del McCoury.

In 2008, the festival hosted over 50 bands[2] and received an audience of over 30,000 people from across the United States.

[3] In 2009, the September festival received the award from the Virginia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus for "Best Destination Event of 2009."

2009 headliners included Justin Townes Earle, Dr. Dog, Patty Loveless, John Cowan, Webb Wilder, and Dan Tyminski.

[4] In 2010, Bristol Rhythm & Roots' 10th reunion achieved its largest audience to date with a record number of 45,000 people in attendance.