William Smith Monroe (/mənˈroʊ/; September 13, 1911 – September 9, 1996) was an American mandolinist, singer, and songwriter who created the style of music known as bluegrass. The genre takes its name from his band, the "Blue Grass Boys", named for Monroe's home state of Kentucky. Monroe's performing career spanned 69 years as a singer, instrumentalist, composer and bandleader. He is often referred to as The Father of Bluegrass.
James Monroe, Melissa Monroe, Uncle Pen, Footprints in the Snow, Wayfaring Stranger
Parents
Malissa Vandiver Monroe, James Buchanan Monroe, Uncle Pen, Footprints in the Snow, Wayfaring Stranger
Siblings
Charlie Monroe, Birch Monroe, Bertha Monroe, Uncle Pen, Footprints in the Snow, Wayfaring Stranger
Awards
Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Academy of Country Music Awards Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award, Uncle Pen, Footprints in the Snow, Wayfaring Stranger
Nominations
Grammy Award for Best Country Instrumental Performance
Movies
Bill Monroe: The Father of Bluegrass
Star Sign
Virgo
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Fact
1
Biography in: "American National Biography". Supplement 1, pp. 419-420. New York: Oxford University Press, 2002.
2
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 (under the category Early Influence).
3
His band was called "The Bluegrass Boys" in tribute to his home state of Kentucky, the bluegrass state - the music took its designation from the band.
4
Received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993.
5
In 1989 won the first Grammy ever given for bluegrass music for his album "Southern Flavor".
6
Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1970.
7
Performed in the White House for four presidents.
8
Considered the "Father of Bluegrass". The term bluegrass came from the name of Monroe's band -- the Blue Grass Boys.
Soundtrack
Title
Year
Status
Character
The Marty Stuart Show
2008-2014
TV Series writer - 11 episodes
Conan O'Brien Can't Stop
2011
Documentary writer: "Blue Moon of Kentucky"
Country's Greatest Stars Live: Vol. 1
2010
Video performer: "Blue Moon Of Kentucky", "Muleskinner Blues Blue Yodel #8" / writer: "Blue Moon Of Kentucky"
Opry Video Classics: Pioneers
2007
Video performer: "Uncle Pen" / writer: "Uncle Pen"
P.O.V.
2007
TV Series documentary performer - 1 episode
For the Bible Tells Me So
2007
Documentary performer: "Lord Protect My Soul" / writer: "Lord Protect My Soul"
A Tribute to the King
2005
Video documentary writer: "Blue Moon Of Kentucky"
American Masters
2005
TV Series documentary performer - 1 episode
Elvis: The Memphis Flash
2005
Video documentary writer: "Blue Moon Of Kentucky"
The Cat in the Hat
2003
writer: "Rawhide", "Big Mon"
Elvis Presley: The Back Story, Vol. 1
2003
Video documentary writer: "Blue Moon of Kentucky"
Estradilla: Agents & Elvis
2003
TV Movie writer: "Blue Moon of Kentucky"
Elvis: The Missing Years
2001
Video documentary writer: "Blue Moon of Kentucky"
Men of Honor
2000
performer: "Blue Yodel #4"
Lawn Dogs
1997
performer: "In The Pines"
Fire Down Below
1997
writer: "Kentucky Waltz"
Go Now
1995
writer: "Blue Moon Of Kentucky"
Blink
1993
writer: "JERUSALEM RIDGE"
Quantum Leap
1993
TV Series writer - 1 episode
Delta
1992
TV Series writer - 1 episode
Wedlock
1991
performer: "All the Good Times Are Past and Gone" - uncredited
Big Bad John
1990
writer: "Uncle Pen"
Dolly
1988
TV Series performer - 1 episode
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
1987
writer: "Blue Moon of Kentucky" 1948
The Money Pit
1986
performer: "CANDY GAL" / writer: "CANDY GAL"
Sweet Dreams
1985
writer: "Blue Moon of Kentucky"
Arena
1985
TV Series documentary writer - 1 episode
Coal Miner's Daughter
1980
writer: "Blue Moon of Kentucky"
Country Superstars of the 70s
1979
TV Movie performer: "Country Is" / writer: "Little Cabin Home on the Hill"
50 Years of Country Music
1978
TV Movie performer: "Mule Skinner Blues"
The Porter Wagoner Show
TV Series performer - 2 episodes, 1968 - 1976 writer - 2 episodes, 1967 - 1970
The Johnny Cash Show
TV Series writer - 4 episodes, 1969 - 1971 performer - 2 episodes, 1970 - 1971
Arthur Godfrey and His Friends
1958
TV Series writer - 1 episode
The Ed Sullivan Show
1958
TV Series writer - 1 episode
The Tennessee Ernie Ford Show
1958
TV Series writer - 1 episode
Self
Title
Year
Status
Character
Still Ramblin'
2001
TV Movie documentary
Himself (voice)
An Evening of Country Greats: A Hall of Fame Celebration
1996
TV Special
Honoree
The Roots of Country: Nashville Celebrates the Ryman
1994
TV Special
Himself
High Lonesome: The Story of Bluegrass Music
1994
Documentary
Himself
I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive
1993
Documentary
Himself
Bill Monroe: Father of Bluegrass Music
1993
TV Movie documentary
Himself
The Kennedy Center Honors: A Celebration of the Performing Arts
1991
TV Special
Himself
The Full Moon Show
1991
TV Series documentary
Himself
Grand Ole Opry 65th Anniversary
1991
TV Special
Himself
Cinemax Sessions
1988
TV Series
Himself
Dolly
1988
TV Series
Himself
Country Superstars of the 70s
1979
TV Movie
Himself
That's Country
1977
Himself
All You Need Is Love
1977
TV Series documentary
Himself
The Porter Wagoner Show
1968-1976
TV Series
Himself - Guest
8th Annual Country Music Association Awards
1974
TV Special
Himself - Presenter
Earl Scruggs: The Bluegrass Legend - Family & Friends
$1.2 Million
