Americana giant Alison Krauss was born in Decatur, Illinois, on July 23, 1971. Her parents originally hailed from Mississippi and encouraged Alison to pursue country and bluegrass fiddle as a child. Krauss quickly showed a flair for the instrument and began performing in competitions and with bands before the age of ten. By her early teens she was performing alongside songwriter John Pennell, who would later form an early version of Krauss’ band Union Station. By 16, Krauss had inked a deal with Americana label Rounder Records and gave a breakout performance at the International Bluegrass Music Association’s annual conference in 1987. Later that year, her debut release, “Too Late To Cry,” helped launch her to the forefront of the country, bluegrass and folk genres.