I’m Going Back To Old Kentucky #123

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.

• January 31, 1929 Joseph Dudley ‘Joe’ F Drumright was born in Fort Wayne, Texas. *
• January 31, 1992 On the stage of the Grand Ole Opry John Hartford presented Bill Monroe with his IBMM Hall of Honor induction plaque. (see September 26)
• January 31, 2006 CD released: Bill Monroe – Nine Pound Hammer (Tomato Music TMT 2154) **

* Banjo player, Joe Drumright never had a particularly long time with Bill Monroe although his service was spread over a few years beginning in 1951to 1959 and then again in 1964.

He was one of Bill Monroe’s ‘Mr Dependables’ and was called upon to help out in the recording studio on five occasions, the first of which was in April 1958 and the last in January 1964.

Drumright played at the session that produced the recording of Scotland, plus One of God’s Sheep and I’ll Meet You in Church Sunday Morning, both included on the album by that name.

He is thought to be the banjo player on the live performance recording of Molly and Tenbrooks, made on April 26, 1958, and included on the 4-CD set The Music of Bill Monroe 1936 to 1994 (MCAD 4-11048), released on July 19, 1994.

** Bill Monroe – Nine Pound Hammer

Track listing – Nine Pound Hammer, Shady Grove, Can’t You Hear Me Callin’, Shenandoah Breakdown, I Saw the Light, Blue Moon of Kentucky, Prison Song, Bluegrass Breakdown, Footprints in the Snow and Uncle Pen.