Bluegrass question: Describe what the difference

Yeah there's a few here (maybe more). Just guessing about your question, but here goes: 1st generation could be Bill Monroe (who invented the term), Earl Scruggs, Vassar Clements, Stanley Bros., etc. 2nd generation would be Ricky Skaggs, Mark O'Conner, Emmy Lou Harris, New Grass Revival, David Grisman, etc. Not sure about 3rd; maybe Patty Loveless?

I've played Bluegrass in bands for 35 years and here is the breakdown : 1st generation is the original 8 "Name " bands--- Bill Monroe, Flatt and Scruggs,Stanley Bros., Jimmy Martin,Jim & Jesse,Country Gentlemen,Reno & Smiley and the Osborne Bros. More tomorrow(gen. 2) John

Though these terms are new to me I'll throw in my 2 cents as to where the lines would be drawn.

I'd agree with the others about 1st generation being the originators Bill Monroe, Flatt and Scruggs, etc. These guys kicked up the old-timey sound to have a very strong drive and beat in much the way rock and roll sprung from blues.

The 2nd generation would be the bands that expanded the music to include more complex or folky songs with more chords and harmonies and such. This would include the Country Gentleman, Kentucky Colonels, Seldom Scene, the New South.

3rd generation would be the bands that added longer jams and more complex rhythms to the sound. This includes New Grass Revival, David Grisman Quintet, and the more recent Jamgrass bands like String Cheese Incident and Leftover Salmon.