Welcome to Bluegrass Sunday

Welcome to Bluegrass Sunday featuring classic gospel favorites from the masters of bluegrass. Of course we had to kick this off with the Father of Bluegrass himself, mandolin virtuoso Bill Monroe. Hailing from the great state of Kentucky, Monroe is credited with creating the sounds that have garnered generations of avid followers.

After years of playing local dances, county fairs, and the radio station circuit, The Monroe Brothers were signed to RCA Victor’s Bluebird label in 1936 and soon had a number-one hit with “What Would You Give In Exchange For Your Soul.”

Bill Monroe- Photo from Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame

Between 1936 and 1938 the band recorded 60 tracks for the label before disbanding. After a brief run with the band The Kentuckians, which only lasted three months, Monroe moved from Little Rock, Arkansas, to Atlanta, Georgia, and formed the first lineup of the Blue Grass Boys.

Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys

After a successful audition at the Grand Ole Opry in October of 1939, Monroe began his journey to find that perfect mountain music sound. In 1945 Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs joined the Blue Grass Boys, and the rest, as they say is history. Throughout his career Monroe was able to maintain the Blue Grass Boys as members came and went. Known for his tireless work schedule and demand for perfection, he forged through the decades a master’s knowledge of music and performance. The standard was set, and to this day you can hear campfire pickers calling out the famous Monroe quote “That ain’t no part of nothing’.”

Happy Sunday, Y’all!

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