[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 136 (Friday, September 27, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S11567]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO BILL MONROE

 Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I rise today to salute a legend in 
Bluegrass music. Bill Monroe, the father of Bluegrass music and a 
member of Nashville Tennessee's Grand Ole Opry, passed away this month. 
He was a national treasure whose talents spanned several generations 
and influenced many musical talents.
  Bill Monroe had a simple upbringing. While his formal education ended 
with the third or fourth grade, he had of such great musical talent 
that he was credited with founding an American music form. Bluegrass 
music was born when Bill Monroe took the ingredients of what had come 
before him and mixed them with his emotions, acoustic talent, and 
mandolin playing skills.
  Monroe and his brothers, Charlie and Birch Monroe, performed together 
for several years and made their radio debut in 1927. Later, Bill 
struck out on his own, forming his own Bluegrass band and joining the 
Grand Ole Opry in 1939. Monroe's success with the mandolin in Bluegrass 
music influenced other musicians to include that instrument. In time it 
became an essential instrument to Bluegrass music.
  Mr. President, over the years Monroe's band went through many 
changes. Band members moved on and new talents were brought in. At its 
peak in the 1940's, Monroe's band remained a stronghold in the music 
industry. Though rock 'n' roll quickly took center stage and pushed 
aside the sound of Bluegrass, Monroe's genius left its mark on the 
music industry.
  The influence of Bill Monroe and his mandolin tunes can be seen in 
rock 'n' roll, as well as country music. The ``King of Rock 'N' Roll,'' 
Elvis Presley, was heavily influenced by the music of Bill Monroe, and 
even recorded Monroe's ``Blue Moon of Kentucky'' on his first album. 
Buddy Holly was one of Bill Monroe's greatest fans and Bluegrass 
contributed to many of his songs. Country music has also been 
influenced by Bill Monroe. Ricky Skaggs grew up listening to Bluegrass 
music and was a young fan of Monroe. The music of Hank Williams is also 
influenced by the Bluegrass great. Bill Monroe's music and spirit has 
become a part of our culture.
  Mr. President, it is important that we remember Bill Monroe as an 
artist and a contributor to our Nation's culture. He influenced the 
lives of so many young artists and his music and talent live on today. 
He will be missed, but never forgotten.

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