Bill Monroebluegrass musician Birthplace: Rosine, Kentucky The
father of bluegrass, Monroe created the genre with his mandolin
playing, high, lonesome tenor and nostalgic songs. Bluegrass was
named after his band, the Blue Grass Boys, and their music has
influenced Elvis Presley, Ricky Skaggs, Vince Gill, Emmylou
Harris, the Grateful Dead, and many other artists. Using only
stringed instruments, with an emphasis on the previously
overlooked mandolin, Monroe fused gospel, folk, and his own
original sound to create a cornerstone of today's country music.
Members of his band have included Earl Scruggs, Lester Flatt,
Stringbean, and Sonny Osborne. Monroe's songs include “What
Would You Give in Exchange,” “Blue Moon of Kentucky” and “Uncle
Pen.”Died: 9/9/1996 Information Please® Database, © 2007 Pearson
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