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 19, 1958 Recording session – During a session at the Bradley Film & Recording Studio Bill Monroe recorded Precious Memories, I’ll Meet You in the Morning and Life’s Railway To Heaven. Also working at the session were Edd Mayfield [guitar], Bessie Lee Mauldin [bass] and Owen Bradley [organ]. Kenny Baker [baritone] and Culley Holt [bass] accompanied Bill Monroe and Edd Mayfield singing on each of the songs. Owen Bradley was the producer. *
- March 19, 1962 Capitol Records session for Rose Maddox – Rose Maddox recorded some tracks for her Rose Maddox Sings Bluegrass album (Capitol T 1799). **
* The recordings of these songs, each of which were arranged as quartet numbers, are included on the album, I Saw the Light (Decca DL 8769), which was released on August 11, 1958.
** Although not credited, Bill Monroe played mandolin on five titles, all familiar Monroe songs, for this album.
The songs recorded were Uncle Pen, Footprints in the Snow, Blue Moon of Kentucky, My Rose of Old Kentucky and Molly and Tenbrooks.
Rose Maddox Sings Bluegrass was released on November 5, 1962. It was the first major-label bluegrass album by a female artist.
