From October 1, 2010 through to the end of September 2011, we will, each day, celebrate the life of Bill Monroe by sharing information about him and those people who are associated with his life and music career. This information will include births and deaths; recording sessions; single, LP and CD release dates; and other interesting tidbits. Richard F. Thompson is responsible for the research and compilation of this information. We invite readers to share any tidbits, photos or memories you would like us to include.
- February 24, 1969 LP released – Bill and Charlie Monroe (Decca DL 7-5066) *
- February 24, 1993 Bill Monroe was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by NARAS at the 35th Annual Grammy Awards show staged at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California.
* Bill Monroe and Charlie Monroe, Bill and Charlie Monroe: Sadly, this was not the Monroe Brothers reunion one might have hoped for, but it was still nice of Bill to steer a few fans towards his sibling’s band, the Kentucky Partners. The album alternates tracks featuring Bill and the Blue Grass Boys with those by Charlie and his band. Nice to hear Charlie’s old-timey vibe in contrast to Bill’s more rigid, aggressive style.
Track listing – No One But My Darlin’ (Bill Monroe), I’m Old Kentucky Bound (Charlie Monroe), Poison Love (Bill), Why Did You Say Good-Bye? (Charlie), Louisville Breakdown (Bill), An Angel In Disguise (Charlie), I’m Weary Of Heartaches (Charlie), The First Whippoorwill (Bill), Weep And Cry (Charlie), You’re Drifting Away (Bill) and That’s What I Like About You (Charlie).
This photo of Bill Monroe with his Lifetime Grammy Award is shared courtesy of Gene Lowinger.
In addition to having been a former Blue Grass Boy on fiddle, Lowinger is also a fine professional photographer and photojournalist. I Hear A Voice Calling, a book of his photos and remembrances from his time with Bill Monroe has been published by the University of Illinois Press.
