Singer, mandolinist, songwriter and bandleader Bill Monroe is widely considered the "Father of Bluegrass Music". The style takes its name from that of Monroe's band, the Blue Grass Boys, which in turn was named for Monroe's native state of Kentucky.<p>

As a songwriter, Monroe's best known compositions include "Blue Moon of Kentucky", "Uncle Pen", "Kentucky Waltz" and "My Little Georgia Rose". He also composed many instrumentals, including his blazing signature tune "Raw Hide", "Wheel Hoss", "Jerusalem Ridge" and "My Last Days On Earth". Bill Monroe United States September 13, 1911 September 9, 1996 Singer, mandolinist, songwriter and bandleader Bill Monroe is widely considered the "Father of Bluegrass Music". The style takes its name from that of Monroe's band, the Blue Grass Boys, which in turn was named for Monroe's native state of Kentucky.<p> He first performed and recorded with his brother Charlie, as the Monroe Brothers. Following their split in 1938, Bill organized his own band, which he continued to lead until his death in 1996. Many of the great performers in bluegrass got their start as Blue Grass Boys. Monroe became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1939 and was a regular performer there for over 50 years.<p> Monroe's style combined the old-time mountain music of his youth, elements of the blues, and an emphasis on driving, virtuoso instrumentals. He steadfastly maintained his acoustic string band sound even at a time when most of country music went electric. His vocal style featured high, keening harmonies, often described by others as "high lonesome". Stewart Evans