Bill Monroe
This is the current revision of Bill Monroe as edited by BHathorn (talk | contribs) at 16:10, January 23, 2020. This URL is a permanent link to this version of this page.
William Smith Monroe (1911-1996) was an American singer and mandolinist who is popularly referred to as the "Father of Bluegrass Music." In the 1930s he performed as a duo with his brother Charlie, and in 1939 he formed his most famous band "The Bluegrass Boys" with whom he continued to perform (through many, many lineup changes) until his death. His most well known song is probably "Blue Moon of Kentucky" which was covered and made famous by Elvis Presley.
Other hits included "Uncle Pen," a tribute to his uncle Pendleton Vandiver, "Muleskinner Blues," a reworking of a Jimmie Rogers song, and "Jerusalem Ridge," a fiddle tune commemorating a ridge near his birthplace.