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 3, 1937 Bill Box was born. *
- February 3, 1950 Recording session – During a two-part session at the Castle Studio, The Tulane Hotel, Bill Monroe recorded Blue Grass Ramble, New Mule Skinner Blues, My Little Georgia, Memories of You, I’m On My Way to Old Home, Alabama Waltz and I’m Blue, I’m Lonesome. Also at this first session for Decca Records were Jimmy Martin [guitar], Rudy Lyle [banjo], Joel Price [bass] and Vassar Clements [fiddle].
- February 3, 1964 Recording session –During an evening session for Decca Records at the Columbia Recording Studio Bill Monroe recorded Last Old Dollar and Bill’s Dream. Assisting Monroe were Jimmy Maynard [guitar], Joe Stuart [banjo], Bessie Lee Mauldin [bass], and Benny Williams and Buddy Spicher [both playing fiddle]. The producer was Harry Silverstein and the leader was Owen Bradley.
- February 3, 1981 Recording session – During an evening session at The Music Mill, Nashville, Bill Monroe recorded Old Ebenezer Scrooge, Go Hither To Go Yonder and Right, Right On. Also playing at the session also was Wayne Lewis [guitar], Butch Robins [banjo], Mark Hembree [bass] and Kenny Baker [fiddle]. The producer was Walter Haynes. **
* Bill Box was hired by Bill Monroe to play guitar with the Blue Grass Boys in July 1973 and stayed as a member of the quintet for a year.
He wasn’t involved in any sessions, but was part of the Blue Grass Boys that played at the Neely Auditorium, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, during the Lester Flatt / Bill Monroe concert on March 18, 1974.
Some of the songs that were recorded at the concert were included on the LP Lester Flatt Live! Bluegrass Festival, with Guest Bill Monroe (RCA APL 1-0588).
** The three instrumentals were included on the album Bill Monroe: Master of Bluegrass (MCA 5214), released on July 2, 1981.
