About Bill Monroe
William Smith "Bill" Monroe, born in Rosine, KY in 1911, is widely known
as the Father of Bluegrass Music, a style which takes its name from his
band, the Blue Grass Boys, and has spread around the world. He died in
1996, just four days before his 85th birthday.
While it's always best to write in your own words, here are some
facts about Bill Monroe's life and career that may help serve as
"talking points" in composing your letter:
- He was a pillar of the Grand Ole Opry for 57 years.
- He had a professional music career which spanned 7 decades, from 1930 until 1996.
- He transformed the mandolin from a mere parlor instrument into a driving force in bluegrass music.
- He was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Songwriter's Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the International Bluegrass Music Association Hall of Honor - the only person ever to be honored in all four.
- He played before 4 different Presidents in the White House.
- In 1982, he received the National Heritage Award.
- His 1988 album, "Southern Flavor", won a Grammy for best bluegrass recording.
- In 1995, he was awarded the National Medal of the Arts by President William Clinton.
- His composition, "Blue Moon of Kentucky" was recently selected by the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress as one of the 50 most memorable recordings of all time.
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