Bill Monroe’s Birthday (100th celebration)

William Smith Monroe (September 13, 1911 – September 9, 1996)

As singer, songwriter, bandleader, showman, and instrumentalist, no individual is so closely identified with an American musical style as Bill Monroe, the Father of Bluegrass Music. For more than half a century, he shaped bluegrass with his forceful mandolin playing; high, lonesome singing; and mastery of his band, the Blue Grass Boys. In doing so, he gave older country sounds new life; gave the mandolin a new role as a lead instrument in country, pop, and rock; and set standards for musicians as diverse as the Everly Brothers, Elvis Presley, George Jones, and rock star Jerry Garcia.

On Tuesday evening, September 13th, the Bluegrass Junction will pay tribute to our music’s founding father with a show dedicated to his wonderful music.