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.
- October 8, 1956 Blake Williams born in Sparta, Tennessee. Williams was a Blue Grass Boy for nearly ten years, the longest tenure of any banjo player. Nicknamed the Sparta Flash, he joined the group in July 1981, succeeding Butch Robins. Williams participated in ten recording sessions during his time working for Bill Monroe.
- October 8, 1980 Bill Monroe’s Gibson Model F-5 mandolin was returned to him after the instrument had undergone complete refurbishment. *
*Gibson repaired the mandolin that Monroe had defaced some years ago after being displeased with some work they had done for him. He had scratched the name “Gibson” from the peghead, leaving only the word “The.”
The original peghead overlay was recently sold at auction by Christie’s in New York, and is currently on loan to the International Bluegrass Museum in Owensboro, KY.
