Description
Bill Monroe was a mandolinist, singer, and songwriter who created the Bluegrass style of music. Because of this he is commonly referred to as the “Father of Bluegrass”.
Professionally he started a band with his brothers called the Monroe Brothers. RCA Victor signed the Monroe Brothers to a recording contract in 1936. They had a hit single with the gospel song “What Would You Give in Exchange For Your Soul?” and ultimately recorded 60 tracks for the Bluebird label between 1936 and 1938. The group disbanded in 1938 and Monroe then formed the first version of the Bluegrass Boys.
Later that year Monroe auditioned for a regular spot on the Grand Ole Opry, his energetic performance of Jimmie Rodgers’s “Mule Skinner Blues” gained him that spot. Monroe recorded that song, along with seven others, for RCA Victor in 1940; by this time, the Bluegrass Boys consisted of singer/guitarist Clyde Moody, fiddler Tommy Magness, and bassist Bill Wesbrooks.
The rest as they say is history. We are proud to offer this collection of studio, live and rare tracks of “Bill Monroe & His Bluegrass Boys – Orange Blossom Special”!!
