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 6, 1982 Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys shared the billing with the Seldom Scene for a successful Bluegrass America concert at the Departmental Auditorium, the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C., sponsored by WAMU. *
* The band consisted of Bill Monroe [mandolin and vocals]; Kenny Baker [fiddle]; Blake Williams [banjo and vocals]; Wayne Lewis [guitar and vocals]; and Mark Hembree [bass and vocals].
Julia LaBella provided vocals on My Sweet Blue-Eyed Darlin’.
The concert, the first in the Bluegrass America series for 1982, was broadcast by satellite to more than 70 other PBS stations throughout the country.
One of the highlights of the concert was the extended jam-session version of I Know You Rider by all the pickers performing on the show.
Jerry Gray, WAMU’s first full-time bluegrass producer/host, was the program host and emcee for the series.
