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 28, 1952 Gregg Kennedy was born. *
- February 28, 1955 Single released – Wait A Little Longer, Please Jesus / Let the Light Shine Down On Me (Decca 9 – 29436)
- February 28, 1959 Gotta Travel On (Decca 30809) peaked at #5 on the Cash Box Country Singles Chart and remained there for three weeks. In all it was on the chart for 14 weeks.
- February 28, 2002 Bill Monroe inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum. **
* Gregg Kennedy was the bass player for Bill Monroe for about 12 months starting in July 1973.
Kennedy did not feature on any MCA recording session while working for Bill Monroe, but he was one of the Blue Grass Boys that played during the Lester Flatt – Bill Monroe concert at Vanderbilt University on March 18, 1974. Some recorded parts of this concert were included on the album Lester Flatt Live! Bluegrass Festival with guest Bill Monroe (RCA APL1-0588) released later in 1974.
** Memorabilia of the Hall of Fame inductees is displayed in the new museum. The museum — a $6 million, 16,600 square-foot facility at Renfro Valley in Rockcastle County — is part of a plan by state officials to draw tourists to eastern Kentucky.
I believe that this is a young Gregg Kennedy playing bass and singing in this quartet: I’m Working on a Building.
