I’m Going Back To Old Kentucky #156

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.

  • March 5, 1911 Willie Egbert [Bill] ‘Cousin Wilbur’ Wesbrooks was born in Gibson County, Tennessee.  *
  • March 5, 1951 Single released – Poison Love / On the Old Kentucky Shore (Decca 9 – 46298, 78rpm)
  • March 5, 1967 Richard Greene played his last date as a Blue Grass Boy. He was replaced by Byron Berline.

* A bass player and comedian, Bill Wesbrooks first played in a band with Bill Monroe in July 1938.

In July 1940 he replaced Amos Garren and appeared on all of Bill Monroe’s Victor recordings, singing lead on two songs, including one of his featured novelty numbers, The Coupon Song.

Wesbrooks remained with the Blue Grass Boys until 1944.

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About the Author

Richard Thompson

Richard F. Thompson is a long-standing free-lance writer specialising in bluegrass music topics. A two-time Editor of British Bluegrass News, he has been seriously interested in bluegrass music since about 1970. As well as contributing to that magazine, he has, in the past 30 plus years, had articles published by Country Music World, International Country Music News, Country Music People, Bluegrass Unlimited, MoonShiner (the Japanese bluegrass music journal) and Bluegrass Europe. He wrote the annotated series I'm On My Way Back To Old Kentucky, a daily memorial to Bill Monroe that culminated with an acknowledgement of what would have been his 100th birthday, on September 13, 2011.