Bill Monroe (1911-1996)

Bill Monroe (September 13, 1911 – September 9, 1996) was an American mandolinist who helped create the style of music known as bluegrass. The genre takes its name from his band, the "Blue Grass Boys", named for Monroe's home state of Kentucky. Monroe's performing career spanned 60 years as a singer, instrumentalist, composer and bandleader. He is often referred to as The Father of Bluegrass.

William Smith Monroe (/mənˈroʊ/; September 13, 1911 – September 9, 1996) was an American mandolinist, singer, and songwriter who created the style of music known as bluegrass. The genre takes its name from his band, the Blue Grass Boys, named for Monroe's home state of Kentucky. Monroe's performing career spanned 69 years as a singer, instrumentalist, composer and bandleader. He is often referred to as the Father of Bluegrass.[1]

No single figure in American music so dominated a genre as Bill Monroe did bluegrass. This film stands alone as the most intimate and detailed portrait of this unique musical innovator, creating an experience akin to having a one-on-one conversation with the bluegrass master. The film features archival footage and rare 1990s performances from Monroe's final years, including many of the greatest songs from his seven decades of recording, among them Uncle Pen and Muleskinner Blues. In addition, it offers unparalleled access to Bill Monroe, following him from the backstage of the Grand Ole Opry to his farm outside Nashville and on the road in his legendary Blue Grass Express tour bus. Interview subjects range from the Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia to country music pioneer Roy Acuff, in one of his final film appearances.