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Bill Monroe (September 13, 1911 - September 9,
1996) developed the style of country music known
as bluegrass music|bluegrass, which takes its name
from his band, the "Blue Grass Boys," named for
his home state of Kentucky.  Monroe's performing
career spanned 60 years as a singer,
instrumentalist, composer and bandleader. He is
often referred to as "List of people known as the
father or mother of something|the father of
bluegrass."

Born in Rosine, Kentucky|Rosine, Kentucky, his
career began in the 1930s when he and his older
brother Charlie began performing as a duet, the
Monroe Brothers.  In 1939, after the brothers
parted ways, Monroe formed the first edition of
the Blue Grass Boys, and the same year became a
regular on the Grand Ole Opry. 

As a mandolin player, Monroe brought a virtuosity
previously unknown in country music to his
instrument.  In 1945 he hired Earl Scruggs, who
similarly elevated the role of the banjo. This
version of the Blue Grass Boys, which also
included singer/guitarist Lester Flatt, Chubby
Wise on violin|fiddle, and Cedric Rainwater on
bass guitar|bass, made the first recordings that
featured all the elements that later came to be
known as bluegrass music.

More than 150 musicians played in the Blue Grass
Boys over the years.  Many later became stars in
their own right, including Mac Wiseman, Sonny
Osborne, Jimmy Martin, Don Reno, David
"Stringbean" Akeman, the Stanley Brothers, and
Randall Franks.

Bill Monroe was inducted into the Country Music
Hall of Fame in 1971, the IBMA Hall of Honor in
1989, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as an
"early influence") in 1997.  He is the only
performer honored in all three.  His well-known
song Blue Moon of Kentucky has been covered by
both rock and roll and bluegrass artists.