Deceased (1911–1996)

William Smith Monroe (/mənˈroʊ/; September 13, 1911 – September 9, 1996) was an American mandolinist, singer, and songwriter, who created the bluegrass music genre. The genre takes its name from his band, the Blue Grass Boys, who named their group for the bluegrass of Monroe’s home state of Kentucky.

Another important early musical influence on the young Monroe was Arnold Schultz, a local African American miner who also was an accomplished fiddler and guitarist and who played both blues and country music. Monroe began playing the mandolin professionally in 1927 in a band led by his older brothers Birch and Charlie.

Gibson expert luthier Charlie Derrington, left, hands Bill Monroe his 1923 Gibson F-5 mandolin Feb. 25, 1986, after spending three months reassembling it after it was damaged by unknown vandals. Bill Monroe lifts up his 1923 Gibson F-5 mandolin Feb.

The prize was owned at the time by James Monroe, who priced it at $1.125 million. The foundation put a 10 percent down payment on the mandolin but was never able to pay the remainder. The Ohio County Industrial Foundation in Kentucky then sought to purchase the instrument in Kentucky for display at another museum.

Gibson F-5 mandolin

Della Streeterm. ?–1996

Rosine, Kentucky, United States

Bill Monroe made his festival an international success and repeated that success annually. He died September 9, 1996 in Tennessee days before his 85th birthday. According to the Indianapolis Star, even while he was sick in the hospital, he played his mandolin for the other patients.

First things first: Merle Monroe is no relation to Bill. As you see, Merle Monroe isn’t just one person, but instead a new group led by Tim Raybon and Daniel Grindstaff. The band has recently released its debut album on Pinecastle, entitled Back to the Country.

Charlie Monroe

84 years (1911–1996)

Bill Monroe and the band he formed known as Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys were the first to introduce a new kind of country music known as bluegrass music.

Earl Scruggs: Bio, family, net worth

Septe

Banjo

Rice was a specialist. He confined himself to the acoustic guitar, which he played with flat picks that he made from pieces of tortoiseshell he had bought when it was still a legal purchase.