Meeting Monroe

  I was sitting in the audience at the Grand Ole Opry, just as Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys were ending their concert. I was going to find Monroe, to see if I could audition for his band. I slowly walked out of the Grand Ole Opry, to my car to pick up my instruments. at the back of the auditorium, stood Bill Monroe. A little bit nervous, I came up to him and asked if I could audition to be in his band. He said “sure come on in, backstage.” He had his bass player come and back me up. First, I pulled out my banjo and I played an instrumental he recorded called, Bluegrass Breakdown. Then I played a tune called, Back to the Old Home. After that I brought out my guitar and I sang, Uncle Pen and, Molly and Tenbrooks. He started to give me advice, and tell me what he thought of my playing. His answer as to whether or not he would have me play in his band, was still to be decided.

    I’d love to meet mandolin player, Bill Monroe. Bill Monroe is known as “Father of Bluegrass.” With Earl Scruggs, and his new three finger banjo style, Monroe took old time instruments and used them in his band. No one person stayed in his band for longer than just a few years. Bill Monroe didn't believe that the band should stay with the same members for long, that way it would keep things fresh. People would come up to Monroe after the shows and talk to him about auditioning to be a member in his band. He would give them feedback on what he thought of their style. I would chose to meet Bill Monroe, so I could audition on guitar/vocals and banjo to see what he thought of my playing. I’d be honored to hear what the Father of Bluegrass had to say.