Bill Monroe

Bill Monroe (September 13, 1911 – September 9, 1996) developed the style of country music known as bluegrass, which takes its name from his band, the "Blue Grass Boys," named for his home state of Kentucky. Monroe's pe

Bill Monroe (September 13, 1911 – September 9, 1996) developed the style of country music known as bluegrass, which takes its name from his band, the "Blue Grass Boys," named for his home state of Kentucky. Monroe's performing career spanned 60 years as a singer, instrumentalist, composer and bandleader. He is often referred to as "the father of bluegrass."

Born in Rosine, Kentucky, his career began in the 1930s when he and his older brother Charlie began performing as a duet, the Monroe Brothers. In 1939, after the brothers parted ways, Monroe formed the first edition of the Blue Grass Boys, and the same year became a regular on the Grand Ole Opry.