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.
- September 8, 1893 Harry C Monroe, Bill’s oldest brother, was born. He was reputed to be a good fiddler in his youth. *
- September 8, 2006 The International Bluegrass Music Museum (IBMM) in Owensboro presented the first ever Monroe-Style Mandolin Camp. **
- September 8, 2006 Berkeley’s, California, Freight & Salvage Coffee House presented a Bill Monroe Tribute. ***
* Harry Monroe was the oldest of Bill Monroe’s siblings. He is reputed to have been a very good fiddler in his youth.
Harry and his wife, Nola, had three children.
He is buried in Rosine Cemetery, Rosine, Ohio County, Kentucky.
** The Monroe-Style Mandolin Camp, the brainchild of IBMM employee Justin Holt, who planned this three-day mandolin workshop for 40 students as what was then a unique event.
Instructors for the camp were Frank Wakefield, Mike Compton, Skip Gorman, David Long, and Red Henry – all well known and highly regarded for their knowledge of the Monroe style of playing.
Holt said at the time…
“I guess I started thinking about the camp this past summer. I tend to obsess over things and Bill Monroe has been my obsession for the last three years. I believe wholeheartedly in his musical and cultural importance and decided to create an event to honor and promote his legacy. I also wanted to bring more exposure to those folks playing and preserving his style of mandolin.”
The camp was such a success that it has become an annual event in the IBMM’s Fall activities.
This year’s camp led by Director Mike Compton; Richie (Dr. Richard) Brown, Associate Director; David Davis and Roland White starts tomorrow.
*** The Bill Monroe Tribute featured Butch Waller, Bob Waller, Keith Little, Ed Neff and many others. All are or were members of the west coast traditional bluegrass group High Country.
The concert was organized to mark the 10th anniversary of Bill Monroe’s passing.
