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.
October 2, 1915 – Robert Russell Dees, ‘Chubby’ Wise born, Lake City, Columbia County, Florida. He joined the Blue Grass Boys in March 1943 and, apart from Bill Monroe, Wise was the only member of the ‘classic’ combination of Blue Grass Boys to feature in all of the Columbia recording sessions.
His fiddle playing set the standard for all bluegrass fiddlers to follow. Wise continued as part of the Blue Grass Boys on and off through to January 1950 and he participated in six recording sessions during some of which he played the guitar.
