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.
- May 9, 1914 Milton Esco Estes was born in Arthur, near the Cumberland Gap, Tennessee. *
- May 9, 1975 Bill Monroe and son James opened their Bluegrass Music Land Park. **
* Although not a working member of the Blue Grass Boys, Milton Estes sang the bass part on four gospel recordings – Happy on My Way, I’m Working on a Building, A Voice from on High and He Will Set Your Fields on Fire – made on January 14, 1954.
I’m Working on a Building, A Voice from on High and He Will Set Your Fields on Fire are included on the A Voice From on High LP (Decca DL 7-5135).
** The park is located in Beaver Dam, Kentucky, near the site of Uncle Pendleton Vandiver’s log cabin. Bill Monroe planned to make the park a showplace and museum with country, bluegrass and gospel shows twice a month.
