Bluegrass History

Bluegrass music is the combination of the old hillbilly, folk and various types of country music. Only acoustic instruments were used, as the electric varieties hand not been invented yet. The use of the guitar, fiddle, mandolin, dobra and bass was traditional, with the harmonica, spoons, and washboards occasionally being used as well. For the most part the traditional six instruments were the only ones used in bluegrass bands.

Bill Monroe is the founding father of bluegrass. Coming from a family that played various instruments, which was common at that time, he and his brothers formed a band called the "Monroe Brothers." They played around the Chicago area, and then ventured out to the Carolinas. 1934 found the “Monroe Brothers” splitting up to go their various ways. Bill went on to hire Cleo Davis, Tommy Millard and Art Wooten, thus “Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys” was created. In 1939 Bill decided to audition for The Grand Ole Opry, and it took them by store. The song "Mule Skinner Blues" was the song they used, which then became very popular. Later Bill formed a new band with Clyde Moody, Tommy Magness, and Willie Westbrooks. These guys became the “Bluegrass Boys." In 1940 they went on to make their first recording. By 1948 bluegrass had become its own genre of music.

By the 1950's bluegrass bands were popping up all over the country. The 60's found bluegrass festivals being introduced where bands that had a hard time competing for places to play had an opportunity to play. Bluegrass in now enjoyed world wide.