Bill Monroe, known as the "Father of Bluegrass," was a seminal figure in the creation and development of bluegrass music, a genre that takes its name from his band, the Blue Grass Boys. Born on September 13, 1911, in Rosine, Kentucky, Monroe grew up in a musical family and developed a unique style of mandolin playing that would become synonymous with the bluegrass sound. He began his recording career in the 1930s and by 1938 had formed the Blue Grass Boys, laying the groundwork for what would be recognized as bluegrass music, characterized by its high-energy pickin' and emphasis on instrumental virtuosity.

Over the years, Monroe's band incubated a number of bluegrass legends, including Earl Scruggs and Lester Flatt. With tunes like "Blue Moon of Kentucky," which was famously covered by Elvis Presley, Monroe both solidified his legacy and inadvertently helped spark the rock 'n' roll revolution. Monroe's influence on American music extends far beyond bluegrass and country; he was a cornerstone of the American folk music revival and has inspired generations of musicians across multiple genres. Bill Monroe passed away on September 9, 1996, but his immense body of work, including his recordings from the early 1950s captured in the Castle Studio Sessions series, continues to be celebrated, studied, and enjoyed by music lovers around the world.

Genres

Bluegrass

Bluegrass Gospel

Country Gospel

Progressive Bluegrass

Traditional Country

Latest Release

The 1950-51 Castle Studio Sessions

Bill Monroe

Album - 34 Tracks - Released December 11, 2020