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The Blue Grass Boys

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

The Blue Grass Boys was the backing band of the American mandolinist and singer Bill Monroe, who came from Kentucky. The name refers to the nickname of his home state, the Bluegrass State. Monroe had earlier performed with his brother Charlie as The Monroe Brothers, who made recordings between 1936 and 1938. After the duo split up, Bill started a group of his own, which played at the Grand Ole Opry in the 1940s.

Music and breakthrough

In that band the music took on the form that was later called bluegrass, after the name of the group. The sound combines a fast tempo, a high, piercing tenor vocal, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, guitar and double bass, and alternating solos. Many musicians who later became well known themselves played in the line-up, such as the banjo player Earl Scruggs and the guitarist Lester Flatt, who joined the group in 1945. Through the work of these musicians Scruggs's fast banjo style became a hallmark of the genre.

Influence

The Blue Grass Boys were a training ground for American roots music: anyone who played with Monroe took his way of playing to other groups. Their significance for pop history is that bluegrass, with its speed and virtuosity, became a movement of its own alongside country and folk.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Blue Moon of Kentucky by Bill Monroe and His Blue Grass Boys and notice the fast tempo, the high vocals and the interplay of mandolin and fiddle.

Discography

Studio albums

Categories: Artists