Country rebel Sturgill Simpson awed by Grammy nom

Simpson's album, "A Sailor's Guide to Earth," was the surprise underdog nomination for the all-genre album of the year category alongside blockbuster albums by Adele and Beyoncé when the Grammy nominations were announced Tuesday.

Not a blip on country radio, no country music award nominations, but his music incorporates elements of traditional country in the vein of Waylon Jennings, while experimenting with jazz, soul, rock and pop.

Simpson started his professional career as a musician late in life, after stints in the Navy and working on the railroad and a series of odd jobs throughout the country.

The later record earned him a Grammy nomination for best Americana album.

Ferguson, who learned under legendary producer Cowboy Jack Clement, added lush orchestration to Simpson's brash honky-tonk sound.

A concept album about his life lessons to his son, the record includes the recently deceased Sharon Jones' brass band, The Dap-Kings, as well as violin, bagpipes and a cello, and an impressive cover of Nirvana's "In Bloom."