BILL MONROE
(1911 - 1996)

(born September 13, 1911, Rosine, Kentucky;
died September 9, 1996, Springfield, Tennessee)

In 1938, William Smith Monroe named his band the Blue Grass Boys in honor of his home state (Kentucky) and their distinctive brand of music came to identify a style, of which Bill Monroe is the father.

Although he played several string instruments, the mandolin became his primary vehicle and basic sound of Bluegrass.

The Blue Grass Boys made their first appearance in October 1939 on WSM’s Grand Ole Opry after Bill had attained prominence as part of the Monroe Brothers.

He and brother Charlie (1903 - 1975) recorded 60 songs for Bluebird Records between 1936 and 1938, including “Kentucky Waltz,” which he wrote.  Monroe has inspired countless pickers and will forever be remembered for that High and Lonesome Sound.

The Music of Bill Monroe
(Music in American Life) (Hardcover)
by Neil V. Rosenberg (Author),
Charles K. Wolfe (Author)

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The Legend Lives On: 
A Tribute to Bill Monroe
2003

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Bill Monroe: 
Father Of Bluegrass Music DVD
1993

Bill Monroe was inarguably the single most important and influential figure in the history of bluegrass music. Fusing the fiddle and madolin sounds of the Eastern Kentucky Hills with the guitars of rural blues and adding a streamlined speed and emotional passion to the music, Monroe was truly the father of bluegrass and a brilliant musician by any standards. This program features performances by Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys, with interviews and performances from a host of special guests, including Dolly Parton, Lester Flat, Emmylou Harris, Ricky Skaggs, Jerry Garica, John Hartford, Marty Stuart, Del McCoury, Peter Rowan, Tim O'Brian and noted bluegrass authority Paul McCartney. Mark Deming

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