The Monroe Brothers

Bill Monroe William Smith Monroe September 13 1911 – September 9 1996 Was An American Musician Who Created The Style Of Music Known As Bluegrass Which Takes Its Name From His Band The "Blue Grass Boys " Named For Monroe's Home State Of Kentucky. Monroe's Performing Career Spanned 60 Years As A Singer Instrumentalist Composer And Bandleader. He Is Often Referred To As The Father Of Bluegrass. In 1929 Monroe Moved To Indiana To Work At An Oil Refinery With His Brothers Birch Charlie And Childhood Friend & Guitarist William "Old Hickory" Hardin. Together With A Friend Larry Moore They Formed A Musical Group The Monroe Brothers To Play At Local Dances And House Parties. Birch Monroe And Larry Moore Soon Left The Group And Bill And Charlie Carried On As A Duo Eventually Winning Spots Performing Live On Radio Stations— First In Indiana And Then Sponsored By Texas Crystals On Several Radio Broadcasts In Iowa Nebraska South Carolina And North Carolina 1934 To 1936. RCA Victor Signed The Monroe Brothers To A Recording Contract In 1936. They Scored An Immediate Hit Single With The Gospel Song "What Would You Give In Exchange For Your Soul?" And Ultimately Recorded 60 Tracks For Victor's Bluebird Label Between 1936 And 1938. read less