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.
- May 5, 1951 Single released – Prisoner’s Song / Kentucky Waltz (Decca 9 – 46314, 78rpm)
- May 5, 1967 Paul Wiley filled in, playing banjo, with the Blue Grass Boys, in Centralia, Washington. *
- May 5, 1972 Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys played the two-day Low Country Bluegrass Festival, Varnville, South Carolina.
- May 5, 1989 Recording session – Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys recorded Molly And Tenbrooks, Footprints in the Snow, Sitting Alone in the Moonlight, Precious Memories, Raw Hide, My Sweet Darlin’, In the Pines, Love, Please Come Home, Pike County Breakdown, I’m Working On A Building and Watermelon Hanging on the Vine on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, Nashville, Tennessee. Completing the line-up were Tom Ewing [guitar], Blake Williams [banjo], Billy Rose [bass] and Tater Tate [fiddle]. The producers were Steve Buchanan and Bill Monroe. **
* Phil Williams, playing bass, and Vivian Williams, playing fiddle, also filled in during this concert.
** Some of the songs were actually recorded on June 13 (or 14) and June 27, 1989.
All titles are included on the album Bill Monroe – Live at the Opry: Celebrating 50 Years on the Grand Ole Opry (MCA Special Products MCAD 42286), which was released on March 10, 1998.
