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 14, 1949 Single released – Toy Heart / Blue Grass Boys (Columbia 20552)
- March 14, 1996 Dale Potter died, age 66, of a massive stroke in the V A Hospital, Poplar Bluff, Missouri. *
- March 14, 1971 Bill Monroe was among a group of musicians who starred at the Bluegrass Jamboree at the Virginia Theatre, Alexandria, VA. This was one of the first of such indoor events.
- March 14, 1972 Recording session – At an evening session at Bradley’s Barn Bill Monroe recorded Sweetheart You Done Me Wrong, Banks of the Ohio and Tall Pines. The other musicians working at the session were James Monroe [guitar], Jack Hicks [banjo], Monroe Fields [bass], and Kenny Baker and Tommy Williams [fiddle]. The producer was Walter Haynes and Bill Monroe was the leader. **
* Dale Potter was a child prodigy, winning several important fiddle contests before he reached his teens.
He teamed up with guitarist Thomas “Butterball” Paige and the pair moved to Nashville where they recorded for the Bullet record label.
At the age of 18 he made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry and shortly thereafter he got to play with Hank Williams and other stars of the era, such as Kitty Wells, Ray Price and Faron Young.
After military service in Korea, Potter returned to Nashville and recorded extensively with Webb Pierce and Carl Smith, and worked as a Blue Grass Boy before moving to Las Vegas, where he played in Judy Lynn’s band.
The highly-regarded Potter, otherwise known as Mr Double Stop, recorded three albums for the Houston-based label, Stoneway Records during the late 1970s.
** Each of the recordings were included on the LP Bill Monroe and James Monroe: Father & Son (MCA-310)
