Search - Bill Monroe :: Bill Monroe & Friends/Stars of the B

Raven presents two landmark albums from the master of bluegrass, BILL MONROE, coupled together on one CD for the first time: Bill Monroe and Friends (1984) and Bill Monroe and Stars of the Bluegrass Hall of Fame (1985). 'Bill Monroe is the father of bluegrass' All Music Guide. Born in 1911 in Kentucky, by the time he was 13 Monroe had perfected his mandolin and guitar playing technique and was working on the road. During the 1940s with his Blue Grass Boys he cut many of his most famous compositions: 'Blue Moon of Kentucky', 'Kentucky Waltz', 'I'm Going Back to Old Kentucky', 'Uncle Pen' etc, forever defining the sound of classical bluegrass. With a revival of interest in his music during the 1960s Monroe became a mentor to successive generations of country musicians. In 1970, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Bill Monroe and Friends features Monroe on ten rousing duets with such notable performers as Johnny Cash, Mel Tillis, Barbara Mandrell, John Hartford, Ricky Scaggs and Emmylou Harris. It's a satisfying tribute to the bluegrass master and the form he created. Stars of the Bluegrass Hall of Fame continues the theme with passionate contributions from Bobby Hicks, Mac Wiseman, Jim & Jesse, the Country Gentlemen and Del McCoury. Throughout, Monroe's high, piercing tenor voice and his driving mandolin are in fine form. With three bonus tracks, superb quality audio, detailed notes and color booklet this is a must for the bluegrass aficionado.