From Hopkins Farm to AGT Finale: Steve Ray Ladson’s Original Country Breakout

🎤 Steve Ray Ladson: Blackgrass Brothercana Breakthrough on AGT

Steve Ray Ladson, a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter from Hopkins, South Carolina, made a memorable impact on Season 20 of AGT with his original genre-blending style and electric live performances.

📜 Background & Musical Roots

Ladson’s music career traces back to gospel quartets in his youth; he learned a wide variety of instruments (guitar, banjo, harmonica, keyboards and more) and performed professionally with artists such as Robert Randolph and The Blind Boys of Alabama. 
He coined his own genre term, “Blackgrass Brothercana”,—a fusion of bluegrass / country-Americana with R&B, hip-hop, soul and rock elements. 
Growing up in Hopkins, SC, on a farm, his Southern upbringing and musical versatility underpin his unique sound.

🎶 The AGT Audition & Golden Buzzer Moment

On AGT, Ladson auditioned with his original song “Back of My Truck”, which drew high praise from the judges. His style stood out as fresh and rooted in tradition. 
In the live quarterfinals, his performance of another original, “Boots Like Mine”, earned him a Golden Buzzer from judge Sofía Vergara, propelling him directly to the Finale. 
His fusion of country, blues, funk and soul had the judges on their feet and the audience buzzing.

💡 Why His Story Resonates

• Originality: Performing original songs rather than covers made his act feel distinct and genuine.

• Crossover appeal: His blending of genres made his sound accessible to country, rock, soul and general music audiences alike.

• Persistence & authenticity: Years of professional experience, refusal to settle, and a deep Southern musical identity give his story emotional depth.

• Stand-out stage moment: The Golden Buzzer moment signalled him as one of the standout acts of the season.

  

With the AGT platform behind him and buzz already strong, Steve Ray Ladson is well-positioned to:

• Release his original catalogue and further expand the “Blackgrass Brothercana” sound.

• Leverage festival bookings, tours and cross-genre collaborations.

• Grow his fan base beyond the confines of a reality show and into the mainstream/music-industry space.