On this day (September 9) in 1966. Bill Monroe, the Father of Bluegrass, died in Springfield, Tennessee, just days before his birthday. Before his death, Monroe invented bluegrass, introduced the “high lonesome” vocal style, and helped bolster the careers of several legendary artists. Those who played in Monroe’s band before achieving fame include Earl Scruggs, Lester Flatt, Jimmy Martin, Del McCoury, and Roland White.
Videos by American Songwriter
Monroe began his musical career as a mandolin player with his brothers, Charlie (guitar) and Birch (fiddle), on local radio stations in the Chicago area. Later, Birch left the trio, and the Monroe Brothers continued as a duo, beginning to record together in 1936. In 1938, Bill left the Monroe Brothers and formed his band, the Blue Grass Boys…