Bill Monroe – Father Of Bluegrass Music (1911-1996)

No single figure in American music so dominated a genre as did Bill Monroe with bluegrass. Monroe’s performing career spanned 60 years as a singer, instrumentalist, composer and bandleader. Originally forming the group The Monroe Brothers in the late twenties, where he released a hit single with “What Would You Give In Exchange For Your Soul”, Monroe eventually moved away from his string-band tradition and created the group Blue Grass Boys, where he’d acquired the “Lloyd Loar” mandolin, which became his trademark instrument for the remainder of his career.

This film features archival footage and rare 1990s performances from Monroe’s final years including many of the greatest songs from his six decades of recording, such as “Uncle Pen” and “Muleskinner Blues.” In addition, it offers unparalleled access to Bill Monroe telling his story in his own words. Other interview subjects include the Grateful Dead’s Jerry Garcia and country music legend Roy Acuff, in one of his final film appearances. Bill Monroe: Father of Bluegrass Music stands alone as the most intimate and detailed portrait of this unique musical innovator.

Performances by:

Bill Monroe & the Blue Grass Boys · Lester Flatt · Emmylou Harris · Paul McCartney · The Osborne Brothers · Dolly Parton · Ricky Skaggs · Marty Stuart · John Hartford · A once-in-a-lifetime Blue Grass Boys reunion featuring Del McCoury, Chubby Wise and Bill Keith