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.
- April 11, 2005 Floyd ‘Lightnin” Chance died at a retirement community in Hermitage, Tennessee. *
* Chance was aged 79 and had been battling Alzheimer’s disease in addition to cancer.
He was primarily a session musician, but he was a mainstay at the Grand Ole Opry where, during the 1950s and 1960s, he played with Bill Monroe.
The legendary bass player also backed many other big names in country music, including the Stanley Brothers, Jimmy Martin, Roy Acuff, Patsy Cline, Marty Robbins and the Louvin Brothers, just to name a few that he worked with over his long career.
He played on Hank Williams’ last recording session, which yielded three No. 1 country hits: Your Cheatin’ Heart, Kaw-Liga and Take These Chains From My Heart.
Chance retired in 1988.
