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.
November 26, 1951 Single released – First Whippoorwill / Christmas Time’s a Comin’ (Decca 9 – 46386, 78rpm, 46386, 45rpm) *
* Christmas Time’s a Comin’ was written by ‘Tex’ Logan in the fall of 1949 with Bill Monroe in mind. The recording was made October 1951 with Bill Monroe, Edd Mayfield [guitar and lead vocals on the chorus], Gordon Terry [fiddle], James Bowers [banjo], ‘Shorty’ Sheehan [bass] and Owen Bradley [vibes].
Apparently, Monroe played the recording over the phone to Logan, who gave his approval of Terry’s fiddle work.
It has become a standard Christmas song, recorded by a host of bluegrass and country music artists.
Here’s Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys on the Ralph Emery Show discussing and performing the classic Christmas song, with Dale Morris [fiddle], Blake Williams [banjo], Tater Tate [bass] and Wayne Lewis [guitar].
