I’m Going Back To Old Kentucky #222

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 10, 1914 Walter Franklyn ‘Amos’ Garren was born. (May 10, 1977) *
• May 10, 1962 Recording session – During an afternoon session at the Columbia Recording Studio Bill Monroe recorded three Gospel quartet numbers: The Old Country Baptising, I Found the Way and This World Is Not My Home. Also participating in the session were Frank Buchanan [guitar and lead vocals], Bessie Lee Mauldin [bass], Ray Edenton [baritone vocal], Culley Holt [bass vocal]. The producer was Harry Silverstein and the session leader was Owen Bradley. **
• May 10, 1974 Bill Monroe presented The Decatur Mississsippi Bluegrass Festival.
• May 10, 1977 Amos Garren died, on his 63rd birthday.
• May 10, 1989 Having been arrested and charged with assault on May 1 Bill Monroe is exonerated in court.

* Garren was the Blue Grass Boys’ second bass player, replacing jug player Tommy Millard in April 1939, shortly after the band moved to Greenville, South Carolina. He played on Bill Monroe‘s debut on the Grand Ole Opry and stayed with him until November 1940.

He did not participate in any recording sessions, but Garren was part of the quartet playing on the song Mule Skinner Blues on November 25, 1939, that was included on the set  (MCAD 4-11048), released on

Amos Garren passed away on same date in 1977.

** The recordings The Old Country Baptising and This World Is Not My Home were included on the LP Road Of Life (MCA 426), which was released on November 4, 1973.

*** Bill Monroe was arrested and charged with assault at his Goodlettsville farm.

The charges were dismissed and Monroe was exonerated.