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 21, 1995 A bronze plaque bearing Bill Monroe’s likeness was unveiled at the Ole Barn Jamboree, Rosine, Kentucky. *
- September 21, 1995 The winner of the IBMA Mandolin Player of the Year award, Ronnie McCoury, walked out into the audience at the Awards Show and handed his trophy to Bill Monroe. **
- September 21, 2003 Bill Monroe was inducted into the George D Hay Hall Of Fame, by the George D Hay Foundation, Mammoth, Arizona.
* The jamboree began in the Rosine general store about 1990. As the jamboree began to draw an increasing audience, it was moved to the porch and then to the barn, a 70 year old wooden structure. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The jamboree, run by the Rosine Association, takes place every Friday evening at the barn, 8205 Blue Moon of Kentucky Hwy (US 62).
The US Navy’s Country Current bluegrass group performed for the birthday celebration and plaque dedication ceremony for Bill Monroe.
** Ronnie McCoury was already a two-time winner of the IBMA’s Mandolin Player of the Year award, having won the title in 1993 and 1994.
McCoury was inspired to take up playing the mandolin as a result of seeing Bill Monroe play the instrument.
On this particular evening in Owensboro, KY, Monroe was in the audience. On receipt of his award, McCoury instinctively looked across to Monroe and stepped down from the stage and, to wild applause from audience members, he handed the trophy to the Father of Bluegrass Music.
The trophy is on display in the Ryman Auditorium.
